DS inequalities... any advice?

Question

Hi Everyone,

Firstly, thanks for GMAT club for hosting such an amazing group of people. This is an incredible resource!

I have been studying for the GMAT for about a month and have made some great progress after having not really touched math for close on a decade. There is however, one topic that is giving my A LOT more trouble than any other... data sufficiency inequalities!

I don't know what it is about this subject but I can only get it correct about 25% of the time as I am almost always left with guessing. Compared with most other topics where I am starting to get quite a bit of success in the 700+ questions.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks or resources that might help. I think a lot of the time I don't understand what is being asked so maybe need some practice in framing the questions.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers,

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

The links for the entire quant theory covered by GMAT is at the location: gmat-math-book-87417.html all-you-need-for-quant-140445.html Feel free to browse. In particular , check out these: graphic-approach-to-problems-with-inequalities-68037.html search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=184

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi DropBear,

Data Sufficiency is a category that gives many Test Takers some trouble, so you're not alone. That question type is built around certain repeating patterns and logic though, so you CAN train to approach these prompts strategically.

How long have you been studying?
What resources have you been using during your studies?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

RichEconomistGMAT · Answer

Hi DropBear,

In addition to looking forward to hearing more about your prep up to this point, take a look at these helpful DS articles that we have on our blog over at Economist GMAT Tutor: https://bit.ly/1CM8hhn

Best,
Rich

DropBear · Answer

Thanks for the info Engr2012,

I will have a good look through those resources. However I think it's not so much an issue of the theory, as I am able to follow what is explained when I look at the solutions, it's more an issue of just how to tackle the problem when it is presented to me... If that makes sense. I know it's certainly a case of practice makes perfect, and I have seen this with most topics in my GMAT journey, I am just struggling for traction on this one.

Rich from Empower,

I have been studying for the GMAT for about 6 weeks. most of my study has been done with the Magoosh website, but have also used the OG, and the MGMAT books. I haven't really had much of a chance to go to the MGMAT books yet, but that will be my next port of call I think. Thanks for the encouragement though, and I will certainly be putting in all the effort required to overcome this.

Rich from Economist,

Thanks for the link I will certainly have a look.

Something I thought I might add is that I am not actually a college graduate, I served 10 years as an non commissioned officer in the Army (mostly intelligence and management) until last year. I have had very positive responses with European b-schools based on my professional experience, but will need a very strong GMAT score to make up for my lack of undergraduate. I enjoyed and did quite well at math in high school, but that was a little over 10 years ago, so at times feels like I am learning from scratch again.

I have time on my side too as I am not applying until first round for 2017 intake, so have until the end of this year to make sure I have a strong score.

Thanks again everyone for their help and encouragement. I look forward to sorting this out and might even keep you updated on my progress.

Cheers,

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi DropBear,

DS questions can vary in complexity/difficulty, but there are 'steps' that you can go through to 'break down' the prompt into small pieces so that it's easier to deal with. It might be that you just need to learn to that consistent series of steps. We have a variety of free resources at our site (www.empowergmat.com) - including some DS-focused Modules - that I think you'll find quite helpful.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

DropBear · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the link. I am just finished watching your data sufficiency mini clinic video. I think I need to work on being more methodical and strategic and make sure a follow a systematic approach in the future. I will have a go at some DS questions today and see how I go using the three value approach and "TEST IT". If I find any that I am truly stumped with I will post back.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

dabral · Answer

DropBear

Here are some general rules to keep in mind when dealing with inequalities that show up in data sufficiency.

1) Always look for an opportunity to simplify or rewrite an algebraic simplification when possible. This could include moving all the terms to one side, factoring expressions, eliminating variables(if restricted to being positive), etc.

2) If the statement seems insufficient then immediately generate some examples that help you to answer the question as Yes or No, in case of a value question generate two distinct values.

3) Try to make the statements look same as the question in the main stem. Many inequalities when manipulated end up being same as the question in the main stem and vice versa.

4) Look to add inequalities, often this simple stuff can reveal the direction of the question.

5) Pay attention to if the variables are all positive, many of the ones involving four or five variables often fall in this category. If all the variables are positive, one can easily move terms around and not have to worry about changing the sense of the inequality.

These are some quick pointers that come to my mind. The best way to start to see this pattern is to practice with official GMAT questions and you will start to see the general format of these problems.

And finally, here are some problems that I have written to capture some of the commonly seen ideas on the GMAT in the inequality area:
1) https://www.gmatquantum.com/blog/gmat-q ... ities.html
2) https://www.gmatquantum.com/blog/gmat-q ... ities.html
3) https://www.gmatquantum.com/blog/gmat-question35.html

Cheers,
Dabral

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DS inequalities... any advice?

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