THIS HAS BECOME A VERY EASY PROBLEM RESULTING FROM ELIMINATING INFO...

3. This has become a very easy problem resulting from eliminating information the two quantities shared.

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Substitute real values for unknowns or variables. If you can do so quickly, many of the comparisonswill be straightforward and clear. The process of substituting numbers should be used in most QCquestions when given a variable. However, be sure to simplify the equation or expression as much aspossible before plugging in.

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The QC section tests how quick, creative, and accurate you can be. Do not get stuck doing complexcomputations. If you feel yourself doing a lot of computations, stop and try another method. There isoften more than one way to solve a problem. Try to pick the easiest way.

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Make no assumptions about the information listed in the columns. If the question requires you tomake assumptions, then choose answer d. For example, if one of the questions asks for the root ofx

²

,you cannot assume that the answer is a positive root. Remember that x

²

will have two roots, one posi-tive and one negative. Do not let the test fool you. Be aware of the possibility of multiple answers.

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If one or both of the expressions being compared have parentheses, be sure to evaluate the expression(s) toremove the parentheses before proceeding. This is a simple technique that can make a large difference inthe similarity of the two comparisons. For example, if you are comparing the binomial (x2)(x2) withthe trinomial x

²

4x4, first remove the parentheses from the product of (x2)(x2) by multiplyingthe two binomials. The product will be the trinomial x

²

4x4. You can clearly see that they are equal.

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Perform the same operation to both columns. This is especially useful when working with fractions.Often, finding an LCD and multiplying both columns by that number helps to make the comparisoneasier. Just keep in mind that, like working in an equation, the operation must be performed exactly thesame in each column.Problem-Solving QuestionsProblem-solving questions test your mathematical reasoning skills. This means that you will be required toapply several basic math techniques for each problem. Here are some helpful strategies to help you improveyour math score on the problem-solving questions:

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Read questions carefully and know the answer being sought. In many problems you will be asked tosolve an equation and then perform an operation with the resulting variable to get an answer. In thissituation, it is easy to solve the equation and feel like you have the answer. Paying special attention towhat each question is asking, and then double-checking that your answer satisfies this, is an importanttechnique for performing well on the GRE.

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Sometimes it may be best to try one of the answers. Many times it is quicker to pick an answer andcheck to see if it is a solution. When you do this, use response c. It will be the middle number and youcan adjust the outcome to the problem as needed by choosing bor dnext, depending on whether youANSWER SHEET