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kelsier1569
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Solving complex quadratic equations. 07 Jul 2023, 18:14
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Hi GMAT experts,

I've been practising a lot of quadratic equation questions, and one thing I don't seem to get right is - the right method of simplification and factorisation. If I choose a certain way and factorise or simplify it, it's not in one of the answer choices. How do we know that 'this' is the right way to factorise/simplify/solve this equation to arrive at this answer?

Should we look at the answer choices and make an educated guess about solving the equation so we arrive at the right option from one of the choices?

Please help me out!

-Kelsier.
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Solving complex quadratic equations. 07 Jul 2023, 23:50
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Looking at the answer choices is definitely a good way to get a sense of the direction you should go in with your manipulation.
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kelsier1569
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Solving complex quadratic equations. 08 Jul 2023, 05:56
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Thank you, Marty!
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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Solving complex quadratic equations. 08 Jul 2023, 12:40
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Hi kelsier1569,

Most GMAT questions are written so that they can be approached in more than one way - so to be efficient with your overall approach to the Exam, you have to consider ALL of the information that appears in the prompt (including the specific question that is asked and the 'format' of the answer choices). It might be that "your way" of approaching certain prompts is a more difficult approach and an easier/more-strategic option is available. In addition, the type of Quadratic math that you're referring to is not a frequently-required bit of work on the GMAT (you'll likely see just one question on Test Day that requires that you factor a Quadratic) - so putting lots of time into that subject at this point might not be the best use of your time.

Do you have any specific prompts that have given you trouble?

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Solving complex quadratic equations. 10 Jul 2023, 17:41
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Hi Rich, thank you so much for your reply, I've made note of all the problems where my way of factoring a quadratic equation is completely different from the answer choices. But now that you've mentioned that my way of simplification might not be the easiest route, I have to be more vigilant. Thank you so much for your reply!