GMAT Prep – Secrets of Problem Solving

I’m a word person but I hate word problems. So imagine my delight when I discovered that the GMAT loves word problems. Yes, the wonderful test writers have contrived to deliver 22  fantastic opportunities for me to flaunt my mathematical incompetence.  Considering that there are only 37 quantitative problems in total, Problem Solving is a huge portion of the GMAT and thus cannot be underestimated.

Interesting Fact #1 - many Problem Solving word problems are rated as “difficult” even though the math within them is really quite simple.
What does this mean for you? Firstly, math whizzes can rejoice because most of these will present you with easy opportunities to boost your score. For the rest of us, this just means that we shouldn’t be intimidated. Take comfort in the fact that the questions sound harder than they really are. Once you get a good feel for word problems, you’ll laugh maniacally as you score point after point, stickin it to the GMAT man! (sorry, got carried away here).

Interesting Fact #2 – The questions are written to confuse you!
If you feel like the GMAT word problems are out to get you, you’re probably right. The diagram that’s “NOT DRAWN TO SCALE”? Yes, you’re being deliberately misled. Four variables and only three equations? (E) none of the above.

Interesting Fact #3 – solving the equation can waste precious time
Not all problems need to be solved longhand. In fact, many don’t require any solving at all. I cannot overemphasize the importance of strong arithmetic skills! Practice your multiplication tables, division tables, memorize primes, decimals, etc. This will help you recognize shortcuts and  avoid doing everything the long way. Different approaches can yield good results. One of my favorites is the old standard, “trial & error.” Plug in each answer choice to see if it fits.

Interesting fact #4 – the answer is right in front of you!
Before you start throwing your chair in frustration, remember that one of the answer choices is always correct. So even if I’m feeling confident about a particular question, I’ll still take a few seconds to mull over the choices. You can learn all sorts of things (e.g. range of answers, +/- pairs, factors, zeros, primes). This will not lead you to the right answer without some effort but it can be extremely helpful when solving algebraic problems.

Interesting fact #5 - word problems = verbal math
Best for last. In times of trouble, the John Lennon in me likes to quietly remind me that word problems are not logic puzzles but rather simply equations in word form. Struggling with these? Just focus on translating your English into numbers. Yes, I’m telling you to actually write out the equations. For non-numbers people like me, this makes things much simpler solve.
Do you have a favorite way to outwit the GMAT problem-solving behemoth? Let me know!