Word Problems and Approach We will learn how to approach word problems and what should happen as your complete the problem.

2 Principles of GRE Question Types Principle 1: The GRE is not a math test… Traditional math tests require that you show all your work before you get credit- they test the process as well as the answer. But the GRE tests only the answer- how you get there isn’t important. Since time is usually your biggest concern on the GRE, the best way to each solution is the quickest way, and that is often not by “doing the math.” Principle 2: … it’s a critical reasoning test GRE math questions are created to measure critical reasoning, your ability to recognize the core math concept in a problem and come up with the right answer. As a result, while the questions aren’t necessarily mathematically difficult, they are tricky. That means that hard word problems will have traps in the answer choices.

As you work through the problem… Read through the whole problem first to get a sense of the overall problem. Don’t pause for details. Name the variables in a way that makes it easy to remember what they stand for. For example, call the unknown quantity Bill’s age B, and the unknown quantity Al’s age A. When you are asked to find numeral examples for unknown quantities, the word problem will give you enough information to set up a sufficient number or equations to solve for those quantities. Be careful of the order in which you translate terms. For example, consider the following common mistranslation: 5 less than 4x equals 9: This translates as 4x-5=9, not 5-4x=9.

The Kaplan Method for Problem Solving Step 1: Analyze the question Step 2: Identify the task Step 3: Approach Strategically Step 4: Confirm your answer

Step 1: Analyze the question Look at what the question is asking and what area of math is being tested. Also note any particular trends in the answer choices (e.g. numbers/ variables, integers/non-integers) and what information is being given. Unpack as much information as possible.

Identify the task Determine what question is being asked before solving the problem. Ask yourself, “What does the correct answer represent?” The GRE intentionally provides wrong answers for test takers who get the right answer to the wrong question.

Approach strategically Depending on the type of problem, you may use straightforward math- the textbook approach- to calculate your answer, or you may choose one of the following strategies: Picking Numbers Backsolving Strategic Guessing

Picking numbers When picking numbers to substitute for variables, choose numbers that are manageable and fit the description given in the problem.

Backsolving Backingsolving is another form of Picking numbers; you’ll start with one of the answer choices and plug that choice back into the question.

Strategic Guessing Strategic Guessing can be a great time- saver on the GRE- being able to make a smart guess on a question is preferable to taking too much time and thus compromising your ability to answer other questions correctly.

Step 4: Confirm your answer Check that your answer makes sense. Also, check that you answered the question that was asked.