Algebraic Translations / Rates & Works Strategies

[hsingh2088]

Hi,

I am constantly struggling with these two types of questions, and in all of the practice tests I have taken. I feel like there is always some sort of trick or interpretation, which is not obvious, that these questions each have, which throw me off every single time I see a new one. How on earth can I best prepare for these curve balls on the exam?

I cannot afford to miss as many as I have missed so far and this is the biggest hurdle I have faced so far. What are some tips/suggestions that this community can offer?

Thanks,

[[email protected]]

Hi hsingh2088,

Most of the little mistakes that Test Takers make are due to a handful of possible explanations:

1) The Test Taker didn't take enough notes and/or didn't label the work.
2) The Test Taker made a silly math mistake.
3) The Test Taker tried to do too much work in his/her head.

The shortcuts and patterns that you reference are usually fairly easy to spot IF you're writing everything down on your pad. Many patterns are not immediately obvious UNLESS you physically see them (which is another reason why taking notes is such a good idea). Since GMAT questions are usually "built" on a handful of "steps", you just have to do one step at a time and then you can move on to the next step. During this process, if you're paying attention to the details (the numbers used, what the question is specifically asking you for, number properties, etc.), you'd be amazed how easy it is to find the shortcuts and avoid the silly mistakes.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[TheGmatTutor]

If you plan on studying on your own, the best book for these types of problems is probably Manhattan GMAT Word Problems, 5th edition.