■ If two numbers differ only by a decimal point (and the others
aren’t close), choose one of them. (Example: 2.3, 40, 1.5, 6,
15; I’d go with 1.5 or 15. If I could at least figure out from the
question where the decimal point should go, even better!)
■ If two answers to a mathematical problem lookalike—either
formulas or shapes—choose one of them.Remember: This is not the way to ace a test—these are just some
tried-and-true ways to increase your guessing power when you have
absolutely nothing else to go on.
Should You Ever Change a Guess?
How valid was your first guess? It was probably pretty darned good
(presuming you had some basis for guessing in the first place). So good
that you should onlychange it if:
■ It really was just a wild guess and, upon further thought, you
conclude that answer actually should be eliminated (in which
case your next guess is, at least, not quite so wild).
■ You remembered something that changed the odds of your
guess completely (or the answer to a later question helped
you figure out the answer to this one!).
■ You miscalculated on a math problem.
■ You misread the question and didn’t notice a “not,” “always,”
or other important qualifier.What if you eliminate four of the five answers and are convinced that
the one that’s left—your supposedly “right” answer—is flat-out
wrong? Eliminate itand start your analysis again with the other
four answers.
Chapter 8 ■ How to Study for Tests 189