DECIDE WHETHER TO DO THE PROBLEM OR SKIP IT FOR NOW
Every time you approach a new math problem, you have the option of whether or not to answer the question. Therefore, you have to
make a decision each time about how to best use your time. You have three options.
Remember that when you go back to the problems you skip, you want to fill in an answer even if it’s a random guess. You’ll see
more about this later, but do not underestimate your ability to eliminate wrong answers even when you do not know how to solve a
problem. Every time you eliminate a wrong answer, you increase your chances of guessing correctly.
EXAMPLE
Different test takers are going to have different reactions to question 52. Some test takers may quickly see the algebra—or the
backdoor method for solving this problem—and do the math. Others may see a word problem and run screaming from the room.
This approach is not recommended. However, if despite practice, you know that you habitually have difficulty with algebra word
problems, you may choose to save this problem for later or make an educated guess.
Here’s the algebra, by the way. Kym, Tamika, and Becky contributed a total of $5,200. You can represent this algebraically as K + T
+ B = $5,200. Since Tamika and Becky each contributed as much as Kym, you can represent these relationships as follows:
Now, substitute variables so that you can solve the equation.
- If you can solve the problem relatively quickly and efficiently, do it. This is the best option.
- If you think you can solve it but it will take you a long time, circle the number in your test booklet and go back to it later.
- If you have no idea what to do, skip the problem and circle it. Save your time for the problems you can do.
Tamika, Becky, and Kym were investors in a new restaurant. Tamika and Becky each invested one-half as much as Kym
invested. If the total investment made by these three was $5,200, how much did Kym invest?
52.
F. $900
G. $1,300
H. $1,800
J. $2,100
K. $2,600
