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MGMAT Strategy Guide #1 FDPs, Ch 6

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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by ninagmat » Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:54 pm
I'm having trouble with the "Smart numbers with variables" problem on pg. 86 of the FDP Strategy guide. I see that plugging in numbers is an easy way to do it but my instinct will guide me to try to solve it algebraically. How would you do it?
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Source: — Quantitative Reasoning |

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by [email protected] » Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:50 pm
Hi ninagmat,

If you'd like to see how the Experts (and other Users) here would approach a question, then you should post it (just be sure to include the answer choices and the correct answer).

When it comes to dealing with the GMAT as a whole, you have two goals when facing any individual question:

1) Get it correct, if possible (without spending too much time on it)
2) Get to every question in each section, so that you have a reasonable chance to attempt all of them.

The best Test Takers know how to approach questions in more than one way. With that 'flexibility', you have options and you can choose to approach each question in whatever way is fastest/easiest for you. NOW is the perfect time to practice multiple approaches - you can build up all of those skills, so that you'll be ready to use them on Test Day.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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by Jim@StratusPrep » Sun Jul 12, 2015 6:20 am
There is no right way to do all problems. Sometimes plugging in numbers is the best, and sometimes algebra is better. Practicing both techniques on problems will help you understand how and when each method should be used.
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