Summary
◦ When an algebra question has numbers in the answer choices, plug each of the numbers in the
answer choices into the problem until you find one that works.
◦ If you start with one of the middle numbers, you may be able to cut your work. The answer choices
will be in order, so if your number is too high or too low, you’ll know what to eliminate.
◦ When the question has variables in the answer choices, you can often plug in your own amounts for
the unknowns and do arithmetic instead of algebra.
◦ When you plug in, use “good” numbers—ones that are simple to work with and that make the
problem easier to manipulate: 2, 5, 10, or 100 are generally easy numbers to use.
◦ Plugging In works on problems containing inequalities, but you will have to be careful and follow
some different rules. Plugging in one number is often not enough; to find the answer, you may have to
plug in several numbers.
◦ Not every Plug In question has variables in the answer choices. For some problems, there will be
some unknown amount: in that case, try making up a number.
◦ Plugging In can also be used on Meaning In Context questions. If a question asks you to identify a
part of an equation, plug your own amounts into the equation so you can start to see what is going
on.
