How To Solve Any GMAT Problem:

This statement might not make sense to you as there are 5 different types of problems tested on the GMAT, in fact many more if you consider AWA and IR. So here we are going to provide you a framework or rather pre requisite steps to follow before you jump on to solving a problem.

As soon as the problem is in front of you, try to follow the steps below. This will save your time and can prevent you from solving a problem in the wrong direction.

1. Identify
2. Read
3. Reflect and Write
4. Organize and Solve

 

 

 

Let us start with the Math Section.

How to Solve PS Problems:

Here is a sample problem for you to solve:

The shaded portion of the rectangular lot shown above represents a flower bed. If the area of the bed is 24 square yards and x = y+2, then z equals

(A)

(B) 2

(C) 6

(D) 8

(E) 10

1. Let us start by following our algorithm. The first step is to IDENTIFY the type of the problem.

Yes, yes. You heard me right, many times we are so focused on solving a question after another, that we do not identify the type of the problem we are solving. By identifying the type, we change the mode of our mind to the specific problem type and can help you avoid unnecessary calculations at times.

2. The second step asks us to READ the problem.

Reading the problem simply means glancing through the problem and keeping in mind what information has been given to us and what information has been asked.

In this problem, we have been given a rectangle, a shaded portion and its area along with some variables: x, y, z.

We have been asked to calculate the value of some variables.

3. Here I am going to club the next two steps: REFLECT and WRITE

This is where you decide on how to solve the problem, which information given to you is relevant and what formulas do you need to solve this problem.

• The shaded area is a right angled triangle
• Base=y, height = x, hypotenuse = z
• X = y+2

Formulas to be used:

• The area of a triangle is (½)*base*height
• Hypotenuse =

What is asked?

• Value of

4. At this point, again I am going to club the next two steps: ORGANIZE and SOLVE

Organize simply means having a clear idea of what information has to be used at what step in solving the problem.

Once you have figured that out in your mind, start writing down things and come to the SOLVING part.

½*x*y = 24 or xy = 48

Putting the value of x in the equation:

(y+2)y = 48 or +2y-48 = 0

Or (y+8)(y-6)=0

This gives us

Y = -8 or 6 and X = -6 or 8

 

Next we have to use the Pythagoras theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse.

On plugging the values, we get

Z = ( in both cases.

On further simplification, we get the answer as z = 10. (Option E)

Now, you may be thinking, “I am not at all going to follow this step. This will cause a lot of wastage of time.”

Well, after looking here you might think that I have to perform so many steps, but if you do not perform these steps and randomly start solving the problem from the word go, there is a high possibility that you might actually end up solving something else that is not asked in the problem.

Whereas if you dive in the problem without a plan, the solution will be much faster than in the case in which you are trying to solve a problem without a plan.

What if you can’t reflect and organize things and come up with a clear plan? The best thing to do in such case is to not to waste much time on the problem, make an educated guess and move on to the next one.

Key Takeaways for Problem Solving Question:

(1) First, understand what’s in front of you. Identify and Read the problem to pick up any clues, complexity, and strategies available. As you Read, Write down the given information

(2) Next, Reflect on what you’ve been given and Organize your thoughts on your scratchpad.

(3) Finally, solve the problem. By going through the previous, now you must have understood the problem and would have a plan to solve it. If not, then make an educated guess when possible (estimate, for example) or just pick your favorite letter and move on J