Solving Inequalities Graphically: Is Graph Paper Allowed

Question

Hi,

I was just trying to solve different inequalties questions with the help of graphs. Now the question is how can we plot a graph so accurately during GMAT, as sometimes the margin of error is of decimals. Is graph paper allowed or we have to do it on the basis of our own judgement while drawing the scales.

Secondly, can anybody let me know that can we solve all type of inequality questions graphically or there is a limitation there?? I mean what about quadratic inequalities??

GMATPill · Answer

Hussain15,
 You will not be asked to draw any accurate graphs on the GMAT. If you do, then you're not approaching the question in an efficient manner. There is no graph paper allowed.

As for inequalities, think of the intersection of a line and a parabola. With inequalities, you can sometimes have multiple solutions, but you can also have no solutions (null set). So it is possible to have no solution to a set of inequalities.

walker · Answer

For me it is better to have a few good ways for solving any types of questions under your belt. 
I drew fast and not so accurate but If I saw that inaccuracy could influence answer, I checked it with a few more precise numbers.
When should we use one or another way? You see the problem and the most appropriate method is getting obvious after some practice. No rules, just intuition that this particular way will be faster and better.

Hussain15 · Answer

I think the secret of succes lies in practice in this very case.

Thanks for the replies!!!

walker · Answer

Exactly! Practice will give you intuition.
Moreover, after reading feedback about Graphical approach it seems that the approach is not suitable for everyone. It is like Gin's and Rhyme's approach to RC. I'm good in Gin's one but others are good in Rhyme's. The same here. If you like the approach and practice, you will get a good tool but if it is difficult for you, maybe other approaches would be better.

Hussain15 · Answer

Well I think majority of us dont use this approach as they dont want to do so. I have jumped into this & hopefully will come out with some expertise & secondly my approach is that if Walker has found it useful then it will be useful.

Will come back in a week time to inform about my experience.

tan888 · Answer

Practice, practice, practice! Good luck.

gurpreetsingh · Answer

Strategies will automatically flow through mind once we have done enough practice..

The most imp thing is to retain all the concepts and practice. This will ensure speed and accuracy.

Solving Inequalities Graphically: Is Graph Paper Allowed

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