Skip to Main Content
This is a free sample lesson. Sign up for Magoosh to get access to over 200 video lessons.

Backsolving



Summary
The content focuses on alternative strategies for solving word problems on the GRE, specifically emphasizing the technique of backsolving.
  • Backsolving involves starting with one of the numerical answers and working backwards to see if it makes sense.
  • A recommended strategy is to begin with answer choice C, which statistically offers a 20% success rate on the first try and allows for the elimination of other answers based on whether the result is too large or too small.
  • An alternate strategy suggests starting with answer choice B, providing a 40% chance of finding the correct answer on the first guess by also considering the possibility of A being correct if B is too big.
  • Practical application of backsolving is demonstrated through practice questions, showing how to efficiently narrow down answer choices.
  • The technique is particularly useful when all answer choices are numerical, allowing for a systematic approach to eliminate incorrect options.
Chapters
00:02
Introduction to Backsolving
00:24
Backsolving Strategy Explained
02:10
Practical Application of Backsolving
01:31
Advanced Backsolving Technique