Overlapping Sets : Should I Worry???

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Overlapping Sets : Should I Worry???

by BlindVision » Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:16 pm
Lately, I've been spending a good amount of time learning Overlapping Sets for Quant. I'm wondering if these question-types come up often on the real GMAT... should I really worry? How frequent do they appear??

I've tried doing a chart matrix to solve these questions, and the other formula approach: T = G1 + G2 - B + N. If anyone has suggestions on tips to tackle Overlapping Sets, I would appreciate any help. Thank you!
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by VP_Jim » Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:48 pm
The hard thing about the GMAT is that there are lots of different types of problems. I don't really think that any one type of problem is more important than any other, as a lot of these "special" problem types (sets, work problems, interest rates, etc.) are common, but not guaranteed.

So, long story short - is there a good chance you'll see a set problem? Yes. Is it a terribly important topic because you'll definitely see it, or see more than one? Probably not. If you're struggling with foundational stuff such as mental math and algebra, definitely work on that stuff first; it's not worth spending tons of time on a topic you might see once, at the expense of more foundational skills that you'll need on every problem.
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep