Picking numbers

When picking numbers, make sure you read the question carefully. For instance, when question says
positive integers, make sure you test only those, not 0, not fractions and negative numbers. This is
something that we tend to overlook when solving a question.

As a rule of thumb, there are certain critical values that I tend to plug in:

<m>x<-1</m>

<m>x=-1</m>

<m>-1<x<0</m>

<m>x=0</m>

<m>0<x<1</m>

<m>x=1</m>

<m>x>1</m>

When picking numbers <m><-1</m> or <m>>1</m>, don't break your head necessarily with complicated
numbers. Stick to say 2 then 10 then 100 and the same with negative numbers. Unless there is some kind of
geometric progression in the question, it is not necessary to go through 2,3,4,5 and so on so as to try them
all.

Remember that for exponent questions, it is very important to test negative numbers as well as fractions
unless the question explicitly states that the range of answers should be positive or should be integers.

This is just a rule of thumb and with practice, you will see what numbers you may need to use in the
"plugging in" method.

Some more picking numbers tips

1. Watch for <m>|X|</m>, GMAT likes questions involving modulus.

2. In general, <m>X^2</m> is greater than X. However, if X is a fraction between 0 and 1, any higher
(n greater than or equal to 2) powers of X ie <m>X^N < X</m> i.e. X is bounded within 0 and 1. i.e.
<m>0 < X < 1.</m>
3. Note that 2 is a very special number. It is an even number and also a prime number. When plugging
in numbers for a problem involving prime numbers, usually we think of odd numbers but not 2. Note
that GMAT is setting up a trap for you.
4. Note that the inequality changes when multiplied by negative numbers.

eg: <m>X < 2</m> implies <m>-2X > -4</m>

By multiplying by -2, the inequality has changed. However, multiplying by a positive number, the
inequlity does not change.

For example, if <m>X < 2</m> then <m>3X < 6</m>.

5. If the problem involves 3 consecutive integers, you might want to try n-1,n,n+1. Note that the sum of
3 consecutive integers, in this case is 3n. So, you can see right away that irrespetive of what n is, a
sum of three consecutive integers is always divisible by 3.
6. Translate information in the question into equations and vice versa.
 i.e. As already posted by someone, if y is a factor of x, <m>\frac{x}{y} =</m> integer. Write this
down on the scratch paper so that you know you need to include this information to solve the
problem.

Another example is, if the problem says, x and y are positive integers, write it down as x > 0, y > 0.

7. Note the following simple facts:

sum, product or difference of two even numbers yields an even number.

Sum and difference of two odd numbers is Even.

Product of two odd numbers is Odd.

Sum or difference of an odd and even number is Odd.

Product of an odd and even number is Even.

8. Know the difference between a factor and a multiple. Do not get confused.
9. Note that for any real number x not equal to zero, <m>x^2</m> is always positive.
10. Even though <m>X^2 = 16</m> has two solutions, <m>X^3 = 8</m> has only one real solution. i.e.
<m>X^3 = 8</m> does not mean x is either 2 or -2. NO. X is 2.

Eg:

1. statement 1 : <m>X^2 = 4</m>, Statement 2: <m>X^3 > X</m> Answer C.

2. Statement 1: <m>X^3 = 8</m>, statement 2: <m>X^3 > X</m>. Answer A.

11. As already posted earlier, test some critical conditions such as

x=0,1,-1.

x=even and odd

x=fraction between 0 and 1

12. Note that 2 independent equations are needed to solve for x and y. GMAT likes to set up a trap
where Statement 1 and Statement 2 appear to provide two equations. So, it is natural to pick answer
C thinking that two equations and two unknown. Write down the equations. In some cases, both
statements 1 and 2 might give you the same equation. In other words, you will end up with only one
equation to solve for x and y. So, in this case the answer should be E.
13. Do not assume any information that is not provided.

For example, GMAT tries to set you up by saying x,y,z are three consecutive integers. This does not
mean <m>x<y<z</m> or <m>x>y>z</m> unless otherwise stated.