Data Sufficiency

i always end up taking too long on ds questions. i usually have to pick numbers and feel that it takes forever to test a wide variety of numbers. is there a quick set of numbers i should test, so that after testing i can confidently say the statement is always true or always false?

My suggestion is if possible avoid numbers.

btw, tobe 100% sure, the set you need to consider is

-2 -1 -1/2 0 1/2 1 2

RocknRoll,

Like stop said solving it generically is good i.e. we must atleast be able to pick up some hints from the statements , reorganize them(may not work for all questions) etc.. and then yes we can pick numbers to prove/disprove.

There is not a set defined way for solving DS questions as they come in different flavours. My suggestion would be to to get exposed to various problem types (this forum is great in getting us exposed to various problem types), practice and make notes of the takeaways(how the user has approached the ptroblem) from others solutions for each problem. This way we alteast know what to do if we see a problem of similar type(get the starter rolling.... i.e. if u can start the problem correctly then there is a good chance you may end up with the correct solution).

DS questions do have a huge learning curve unlike problem solving.

Let us know if u still have questions.



Refer to this post here where Mayoniie5 has outlined some strategies for picking numbers https://www.beatthegmat.com/my-blog-erro ... 99-75.html

This way u could increase the speed when picking numbers and evaluating
if need be. Picking numbers is equally good if we can do it fast enough...
(depends on the individual though but by pratcice this speed can be improved)


Also posts of this type (enquiry) can be posted on the GMAT STARTEGY section and there are experts on this forum that may be able to provde u with more valuable suggestions.

Sorry for the long post and Good luck!

wow thank u both, and Cramya thank u soo much for the link to mayo's strategies. this is exactly what i was looking for - u all are the best!