Word Problems (GMAT Course – Overview and Question Types)
Crack GMAT Data Sufficiency (Word Problems) step by step. In this lesson you learn how to translate long English prompts into clean algebra, apply the “x variables → x equations” rule, avoid traps with inequalities, and decide A, B, C, D, or E without over-solving. We cover both Value and Yes or No DS with worked examples and a repeatable 4-step process.
What you’ll learn:
When a statement is sufficient (fast elimination)
Systems of linear equations for DS
Handling inequalities safely
A clinical, reusable DS workflow
AnalystPrep Full GMAT® Course can be found at https://analystprep.com/shop/gmat-lea...
Word Problems (GMAT Course, Segment 1 – Overview and Question Types)
Question Frequency & Format
About ½ of Approximately 16 Data Sufficiency Questions
Five Constant Options Correlating to Which Condition(s) is/are Sufficient to Provide a Definite Answer to the Question Posed
Two Types : Value or Yes / No
Strategic Implications
Minimize Impact of Long Given Statements & Conditions by Translating Words to Math
Deliberately Evaluate What is Known and Needed Algebraically from Given Statements
Use Initials and Shorthand to Efficiently Define Variables for Each Unknown
Recognize One Evaluation can be Significantly Longer than Others
Systems of Linear Equations
Solving for a Single Variable Requires a Single Equation
Solving for Two Unique Variables Requires Two Unique Equations
Solving for 74 Unique Variables Will Theoretically Require 74 Unique Equations
Strategic Implications
Default Data Sufficiency Word Problem Need: x Unique Variables for x Unique Equations
Don’t Unnecessarily Solve for Exact Value
Note Algebraic Paths to Exactly Sought Variable(s)
Inequalities Do Not Function Identically as Equations
Inequalities with All Values more than 0 Can be Manipulated in Same Ways as Equations
Word Problem Data Sufficiency Process
Step 1:
Algebraically Articulate the Given Conditions by Assigning Variables to All Provided Unknown Values While Asking Three Questions :
What Do I Know? | Note with “K:”
What am I Looking For? | Note Question and if Yes / No Format
What Do I Need to Find What I am Looking For? | Note with “N:”
Step 2
Carefully Articulate & Manipulate Statement (1) Algebraically
If Sufficient – Choices A and D Remain Viable
If Not Sufficient – Choices B, C, and E Remain Viable
Step 3
Carefully Articulate & Manipulate Statement (2) Algebraically
If (1) & (2) Each Sufficient – Select Choice D
If (1) Sufficient, but (2) Not Sufficient – Select Choice A
If (2) Sufficient, but (1) Not Sufficient – Select Choice B
If Either Choice is Sufficient – STOP HERE!
If Neither (1) nor (2) Alone is Sufficient – Choices C or E Remain Viable
Step 4 – If Necessary
Carefully Articulate & Manipulate Statements Together Algebraically
If Together Sufficient – Select Choice C
If Together Not Sufficient – Select Choice E
Data Sufficiency Word Problems
0:00 Introduction
0:15 Data Sufficiency Word Problems
10:17 Word Problem Data Sufficiency Process
12:33 Example 1
16:46 Example 2
#GMAT #GMATQuant #DataSufficiency #WordProblems #QuantReasoning #GMATPrep #AnalystPrep #StudyTips #MBA #TestPrep