Quantitative Stragegies

Question 1

Quantitative

Answer 1

1. Step 1 : Analyze the centered information and the quantities.
   
   • Notice whether the quantities contain numbers, variables, or both.
   • Decide how centered information affects the quantities.
   • Jot down information and what you are ask for.
2. Step 2: Engage the hand
   
   • Do the set up.
3. **Step 3: Approach strategically. **
   
   • **Tactic 5: **Don’t calculate: compare.
     
     • Think math properties that can be apply.
     • Compare piece by piece.
   • Apply the faster technique:
     
     • **Tactic 1: **Plug-in. B(189)
     • **Tactic 2: **Choose an appropriate number.
     • **Tactic 3: **Make the problem easier: Do the same thing to each quantity.
       
       • Make one look like the other.
     • **Tactic 4: **Ask “could they be equal?” and “must they be equal?” B(199)
     • Calculation directly.
     • If a graph
       
       • Draw, redraw, or exaggerate.
       • Add a line B(155-156)
       • Subtract to find shaded regions.

Question 2

Problem solving questions

Answer 2

1. Step 1 : Analyze the question
   
   • What area of math is being tested.
   • Note any particular trend in the answers such as numbers/variables, integers/non-integers, etc.
   • Identify what is being ask and circle it what can it represent?
   • Extract needed information.
2. Step 3: Approach strategically. B(170-)
   
   • Use math and its properties.
   • Tactic 1: Back-solving
   • Tactic 2: Replace variables with numbers.
   • Tactic 3: Choose an appropriate number. (Similar to PITA)
   • Tactic 4: Eliminate absurd choices and guess.
3. Step 4: Confirm your answer.
   
   • Check that your answer makes sense.
   • Also check that our answer the question that is ask.

Question 3

Data interpretation

Answer 3

1. Step 1 : Start with the chart
   
   • Titles: Make sure you know what each chart is telling.
   • Scale: Check unit of measurement.
   • Notes: Read any accompanying notes.
   • Key: If there are multiple bars or lines on a graph, make sure you understand the key so you can match up the correct quantities with the correct items.
2. Step 2: Approach strategically
   
   1. Take time to be sure you answer the right question.
   2. Approximate.
   3. Be sure your answer is reasonable.

Question 4

Plug-in

Answer 4

1. Step 1 : Recognize the opportunity
   
   • Problems that has variables in the answer choices.
2. Step 2: Engage the hand
   
   • List your answers choices on your scratch paper.
3. Step 3: Plug-in
   
   • Plug in something simple, but avoid 1 or 0.
   • If the math get difficult, change the numbers.
4. Step 4: ID target numbers
   
   • This is the number you are asked to solve for. Once you arrive to it, jot it down and circle it.
5. Step 5: Check all answers choices.
   
   • Check all the answers.
   • Plug in the target number into the variables.
   • Do the math.
   • The correct answer is the one that matches your target number.
   • If more than one matches, just plug in a different number for the variables and test the remaining answers.

Question 5

Pita questions

Answer 5

This does not have variables but you can plug in.

1. Step 1 : Recognize the opportunity
   
   • The first trigger is phrases such as “how much, how many… or what is the value of”
   • The second trigger is specific numbers in the answer choices in ascending or descending order.
   • The last is if you find tempted to write formulas, and invent variables to solve a problem.
2. Step 2: Engage the hand
   
   • List the numbers in the answer choices in a column in the upper left-hand corner of your scratch paper.
3. Step 3: Label the first column.
   
   • What does this number represent.
4. Step 4: Assume C to be correct.
   
   • This will allow to eliminate as many as three choices if it is wrong.
5. Step 5: Create your spreadsheet.
   
   • Assuming that the number in choice C is correct, use this number to work through the problem.
   • Work through the problem piece by piece.
6. Rinse and repeat.
   
   • On simple answer choices, only one can work.
   • If is multiple fill up the spreadsheet