Check All Answers When Picking Numbers?

Question

I've found that picking numbers is often the best strategy for me on VIC (Variables In the Answer Choices) problems. While it is often slower, I think I have a higher probability of getting the answer correct. Additionally, on some problems when I use algebra, it actually takes much longer as I try to write and solve the equations.

Since using more time is the major drawback with picking numbers, I was wondering if you all think it is worth it to solve every answer choice? I realize that it is possible to get multiple answers that may be correct depending on the numbers chosen. However, I have never run into this problem. I'm guessing the probability of this occurring is very low if numbers are chosen intelligently.

I feel like the extra 30 seconds to a minute saved per problem makes it worthwhile to stop as soon as you get a match. I guess the counter argument would be that if you definitely know how to solve a problem, it is worthwhile to make sure you get it correct.

Thoughts?

KarishmaB · Answer

It is possible and in fact quite likely that you will have multiple matches. We tend to pick the easiest numbers first e.g. x = 0 or x = y = 1 etc since they take very little time. But they do give us multiple matches since the GMAT question maker puts in quite a bit of effort to make the other 4 options too. They are not random though many prep material makers may not put in much effort on the other 4 options. Once you narrow down the options to 2 using the easy numbers, it is not very time consuming to check for those 2. 
Alternatively, we can also pick up more obscure numbers (or pick them more intelligently e.g. if two options are symmetrical in two variables, the values assumed of the variables should be different) upfront and hope that only one option will match. But mind you, it is risky. I always check each option since the extra 30 sec lost is better than losing the full 2 minutes we put in the question.

CA88 · Answer

I have come across this problem once or twice (probably due to my laziness in number choosing). I know not to choose x and y as the same number, but I have come across a couple of problems where two VIC answers come up with the correct number. I took the extra 30 seconds to pick different numbers and narrowed it down to the correct answer. I found that it wasn't too time consuming since only two answer choices need to be tested with the "new" numbers. Just my 2 cents.

Check All Answers When Picking Numbers?

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