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Struggling with word problems

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sat Jan 21, 2017 4:02 pm
Word problems are tricky for A LOT of students. One of the hardest steps is creating the corresponding equation(s). In many cases, I like to create a "WORD EQUATION" as an intermediary step.

Here's an article I wrote about this strategy: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2014/09/ ... -equations

Here are a few questions where I've used a word equation:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/insurance-t278612.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/equation-t107935.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/speed-distan ... 80473.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/stuck-with-m ... 63906.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/rate-distanc ... 21963.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/distance-wor ... 81078.html

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by [email protected] » Sun Jan 22, 2017 10:38 am
Hi kjone189,

It's important to note that just because a question is 'wordy' doesn't necessarily mean that the question is that difficult. Breaking a wordy prompt into 'pieces' can often help to make the whole process of solving the prompt easier. Try dealing with just one sentence at a time and take whatever notes are relevant (you might even end up stopping a couple of times during each sentence to write down a quick note. You can also use your prior knowledge of similar questions to your advantage. For example, if a prompt begins by stating "A car traveled for two days....", then you should be thinking that you'll need to create a little 'table' of information - and since the car is traveling, there will almost certainly be a distance, rate and time. From just those 6 words you can begin to take notes in an organized fashion.

Do you have any specific GMAT practice questions that you found confusing?

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by Jay@ManhattanReview » Sun Jan 22, 2017 5:29 pm
kjone189 wrote:I need help with most word problems Rate Time.....etc. I can never seem to separate what the question is asking....what to do just overwhelms me...any suggestions?
Hi,

GMAT WORD PROBLEMS can be challenging. Compared to Algebra/Number properties, WORD PROBLEMS demand your precious time to read a question, translate the textual information to a mathematical model, and then solve.

Manhattan Review has a dedicated book on Word Problems. It discusses various nuances of GMAT WORD PROBLEMS. It has a great collection of 135 Word problems. Many questions have been solved through alternate approaches. Moreover, questions and concepts dealt with intuitive and graphics are treats. You may get the book here.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1629260622/

I would also suggest you go through math concepts. Another Manhattan Review publication: GMAT-MATH ESSENTIALS is a great asset. It discusses how to translate text into math. You may get this one here.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1629260576

Pl. feel free to ask for any other help. Best of luck!

-Jay
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by Matt@VeritasPrep » Wed Feb 01, 2017 5:39 pm
I actually think the best introduction to these is a book that isn't specifically about the GMAT. Check it out and see what you think, I used to use it to teach the SAT (which is about the same level as the GMAT).
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by ceilidh.erickson » Sat Feb 04, 2017 11:38 am
Remember that the GMAT is primarily a LOGIC test, not a math test. I find that most students struggle because they want to turn word problems immediately into algebraic equations.

For best results, PUT THE PEN DOWN and use common sense first! https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... -pen-down/

Then look for shortcuts and ways to avoid laborious algebra: https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... m-solving/
Ceilidh Erickson
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Harvard Graduate School of Education
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by Matt@VeritasPrep » Fri Feb 17, 2017 2:01 am
For rate and time specifically, here's a great collection of worked examples.
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