How to Avoid Losing Points for Solving the Wrong Problem

Many GMAT Quant and Data Insights questions are designed in such a way that they tempt you into answering a question that was never asked. It is surprisingly easy to fall into this trap, especially when the problem involves multiple unknowns or layered steps.

Consider this example. You are working through a challenging word problem involving two Shiba Inus, Blaze and Molly. After several steps, you arrive at Molly’s exact age. That age even appears as one of the answer choices. However, the actual question asks for Blaze’s age. You did the work, but because you solved for the wrong variable, you would not earn credit for your effort.

This kind of mistake can happen to any test taker, no matter how careful. In the flow of problem-solving, it is natural to focus on the math without double-checking the precise question prompt. Test designers know this and sometimes include answer choices that reflect intermediate results or related values, knowing that they will attract those who overlook the final step.

Fortunately, there is a simple way to avoid this issue. Make it a habit to pause at the end of your work and confirm that the number or expression you have found is, in fact, what the question is asking for. If the problem asks for Blaze’s age, ensure your final step relates Molly’s age to Blaze’s before selecting an answer.

This brief moment of verification can save you from losing points unnecessarily. It is a small investment of time that yields a significant return, helping you protect your hard-earned progress and improve your overall accuracy on the GMAT.

Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep