Don’t Be Afraid to Test Numbers in Quantitative Comparison Questions
👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!
While many Quantitative Comparison questions can be answered by simplifying or solving algebraic expressions (as we did above) or using formulas, some cannot. In such cases, testing various possible values for variables may help determine which quantity is greater. When we plug in numbers, however, we do not do it blindly. We use the given information to guide us on which numbers to test, and then we can strategically consider testing the following types of numbers:
- Zero
- One
- Positive proper fraction
- Negative proper fraction
- Positive integer
- Negative integer
Memorize this list. Keep in mind that it is rare you will need to test all six types of numbers to arrive at a correct answer. In fact, the goal is to test the fewest numbers possible.
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-StewartFounder & CEO,
Target Test Prep