Number Picking for DS

[Nina1987]

I have seen that it could be a valuable skill on some tough DS questions esp involving inequality/absolute value etc. However, number picking doesnt come naturally to me. For instance in problems such as

If u(u+v) different from 0 and u >0, is 1/(u+v) < 1/u + v?
1) u+v >0
2) v>0

for st1 since the algebraic approach isnt very easy, when I try to use number plugging-
I have to hold the following three statements in mind:
u(u+v)# 0
u >0
u+v > 0
And then think of numbers that will give two different answers to 1/(u+v) < 1/u + v?
This entire process flips me out. So picking numbers, while relatively easy to put in practice, is uncomfortable, error prone methods and time consuming method for me.

Where as algebra is far more natural. For instance in St2- algebra is quite straightforward. But algebra is not always obvious and could be really time consuming especially on options where the statement is insufficient. That is probably also why it takes me a lot of time to solve DS problems where answer is E.

Any suggestions to improve number picking skills? Any drills would you guys suggest? Im not looking for advice such as pick all numbers +ve and -ve intigers , +ve and -ve fractions , roots , and zero etc etc. I am looking for how to practically improve this skill

Thanks

[[email protected]]

Hi Nina1987,

You posted this in another thread, so I've pasted my response from there:

TESTing VALUES is a skill that's quite useful to have in the Quant section (and on certain IR questions), but it's one that many Test Takers have not ever learned to use before. As such, it takes time to practice and hone that skill.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) What resources have you been using?
3) How have you been scoring on your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

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

[Nina1987]

Hi Rcih,

1) How long have you been studying?
a couple of months.

2) What resources have you been using?
mostly OGs

3) How have you been scoring on your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
Consistently 49 on quant but I need to go to 51 as I am looking at MFE programs. I mostly like algebraic approach but every now and then I run into difficult problems such the above where I see experts/tutors using number picking. It looks like I need learn number picking where theory/algebra is not so obvious

Verbal score doesnt really matter there. But still to answer I should be able to score 40

Thanks

[[email protected]]

Hi Nina1987,

The OGs are great books for practice questions, but they're not really designed to teach you Tactics, pattern-matching or any of the little "secrets" about the GMAT.

With a Q49, you clearly have the knowledge and ability to hit a Q51, but if 'your way' of doing things is keeping you from that goal, then you have to get comfortable with the idea that you have to adjust your approach (and practice more Tactics-based methods). Thankfully, there are resources that can help you to hone those skills, but you're going to have to invest the necessary time, money and energy into that process.

1) When are you planning to take the GMAT?

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