Practice Answering Quant Questions in More Than One Way

One thing the GMAT tests is our skill in finding ways to answer questions. In other words, GMAT questions aren’t simply straightforward math or verbal questions. Many GMAT questions are designed to require us to come up with a creative path to the solution. So, developing skill in finding paths to solutions can help us achieve a high GMAT score.

One way to develop such skill is to answer GMAT Quant practice questions in multiple ways. While it doesn’t make sense to answer all Quant questions in multiple ways, many are appropriate for identifying different paths to solutions.

For example, you could answer an Overlapping Sets question first using a diagram and second using only a formula. You could answer an Inequalities question first by using algebra and next by plugging in numbers. You could first answer a Combinations question using the combinations formula, then answer using the box and fill method.

If you don’t see a way to answer a question, stick with it! Try to find a path to the answer. Even if you don’t find an elegant solution, you can likely find some way to answer. Worst case, you’ll at least be able to eliminate answer choices. By doing so, you’ll be getting good practice in coming up with ways to solve questions.

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep