The Basic GMAT Probability Equations First, we need to establish some sort of general definition for the term Probability itself. You’ll most often hear Probability defined as some variant of: desired outcomes / total outcomes First things first: Probability is always a fraction, which, of course, could also be a percent (because these two statements, … Read More
GMAT Critical Reasoning Strategy Part II: Biases and Fallacies (or Yes, You Are Wrong About That) What we have previously considered is what might be called the “models” that we can use to think properly, but just as important is to realize that we are hopelessly irrational creatures with a lot of bullshit programmed into … Read More
Independent vs. Dependent Probability in GMAT Probability Questions — What is the Difference? It would be really easy to dive into a thoroughly flummoxing explanation of the difference between Independent and Dependent Probabilities, but I’ll spare you that. In other words, a technical proof of this is somewhat mind-bending, so we’ll leave it here with … Read More
I hate the GMAT because it is built to be frustrating. (Among other reasons, of course!) Start with contempt. If you get frustrated enough, the GMAT wins. While it’s nice to really enjoy something and pursue everything “for the love,” let’s be honest–that’s bullshit. At least at the beginning. Let’s start with a little story… … Read More
If your GMAT Score is stuck in the 600s, there’s probably a good reason. And that reason is technique. What is it that the 700+ scorers do that’s so different? One key thing is that they don’t waste time on unnecessary Arithmetic. Rather, knowing the multiplication tables and fraction-decimal equivalents cold plus understanding quick ways … Read More
Is it even possible to use Possessive Antecedent on the GMAT? This is an interesting topic that recently came up on Reddit. So… can you use a possessive antecedent on GMAT? Short answer: YES, but try doing it sparingly. It’s not good writing or good practice. By the way, if you don’t know what a … Read More
Relative Primes in GMAT Properties of Numbers questions. Scary stuff! I’m sure you’re here not for the explanation but for the video. With that in mind, let’s keep this short: This GMAT Properties of Numbers question itself is bit of a logical nightmare. If you’re not really going for 700+, I’d advise just skipping it … Read More
How do you know that a GMAT Quant question is tricking you? Read on… Of course the GMAT is trying to trick you. That’s the whole point. You probably thought you’d learn some “tricks” and be able to get a 700+. Excuse my giggling. No, that’s just GMAT Quant tricking you, I’m afraid. Like an … Read More
Are amounts of money singular or plural in GMAT Sentence Correction? Short answer: BOTH. Seems like this might be tricky, but it actually won’t matter and depends on context. That is, do you say “two-hundred dollars IS on the table” or “two-hundred dollars ARE on the table?” It will really depend whether you want to … Read More
When do you try Smart Numbers with a GMAT Rates question? Hardly ever. Why? It just makes things twice as difficult. This question doesn’t need to take a long time to solve if you do it right, but as you’ll see, it’s not easy either way you cut it. The hard part, really, is to … Read More