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Picking numbers, which are the best to choose

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Picking numbers, which are the best to choose [#permalink]

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New post 04 Nov 2017, 04:58
If encounter a question where I need to choose numbers, which numbers should I choose?
Are there numbers which are most suitable?
I have learnt that 0 is that good number to choose from a Kaplan video session.
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Re: Picking numbers, which are the best to choose [#permalink]

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New post 04 Nov 2017, 09:14
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very_nice wrote:
If encounter a question where I need to choose numbers, which numbers should I choose?
Are there numbers which are most suitable?
I have learnt that 0 is that good number to choose from a Kaplan video session.


Check the links below:
Backsolving on GMAT Math
How to Plug in Numbers on GMAT Math Questions
Why Approximate?
GMAT Math Strategies — Estimation, Rounding and other Shortcuts
The Power of Estimation for GMAT Quant
The 4 Math Strategies Everyone Must Master, Part 1 (1. Test Cases and 2. Choose Smart Numbers.)
The 4 Math Strategies Everyone Must Master, part 2 (3. Work Backwards and 4. Estimate)
Intelligent Guessing on GMAT
How to Avoid Tedious Calculations on the Quantitative Section of the GMAT
GMAT Tip of the Week: No Calculator? No Problem.
The Importance of Sorting Answer Choices on the GMAT
Identifying the Correct Answer on GMAT Quant Questions
How to Manage Unmanageable Numbers on the GMAT
Should You Double Check Your Answer Choices on the GMAT?
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Re: Picking numbers, which are the best to choose [#permalink]

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New post 08 Nov 2017, 12:17
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very_nice wrote:
If encounter a question where I need to choose numbers, which numbers should I choose?
Are there numbers which are most suitable?
I have learnt that 0 is that good number to choose from a Kaplan video session.


In general, choose whichever numbers seem like they'll make the math easiest. Those numbers will typically be small(ish), round, and sometimes they'll be multiples of other numbers in the problem.

In even/odd problems in particular, try 0 and 1.

In positive/negative problems, try 1 and -1.

In percent problems, try 100.

In ratio problems, try the numbers in the ratios you're given. For instance, if the ratio of boys to girls is 10 to 3, start out with 10 boys and 3 girls. Or, use an easy multiple of those numbers, like 100 boys and 30 girls.

If you begin choosing numbers and the math doesn't seem to be working out correctly, you have a choice to make: do you keep working, using the not-so-good numbers? Or do you back up and pick easier numbers instead? That depends on how comfortable you are with doing pen-and-paper arithmetic. Even if the numbers start to look weird, you may be able to finish the problem anyways.
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Re: Picking numbers, which are the best to choose [#permalink]

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New post 11 Nov 2017, 17:34
very_nice wrote:
If encounter a question where I need to choose numbers, which numbers should I choose?
Are there numbers which are most suitable?
I have learnt that 0 is that good number to choose from a Kaplan video session.


Suppose there are two numbers such as 10 and 15 given in the question.
Then options which are obtained by simple addition or subtraction of numbers are usually wrong and can be eliminated. So options containing 25 and 5 would be wrong in this case.
Needless to say that we should use these techniques when we have no idea how to solve a question or just have few seconds left in the clock.
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Re: Picking numbers, which are the best to choose   [#permalink] 11 Nov 2017, 17:34
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