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Simplifying with Substitutions


Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The content provides advanced strategies for simplifying complex algebra problems on the GMAT exam, focusing on the use of substitutions to reduce problem complexity and facilitate easier solutions.
  • Introduces a sophisticated trick involving right-brain pattern matching for simplifying advanced algebra problems.
  • Demonstrates the technique through practice problems, highlighting the process of substituting complex expressions with a single variable to simplify equations.
  • Explains the method of solving for the substituted variable and then using those solutions to solve for the original variables.
  • Shows how to apply the substitution method to different types of algebraic expressions, including quadratic equations and compound fractions.
  • Provides step-by-step guidance on solving complex problems efficiently by breaking them down into simpler parts.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Substitution Technique
01:01
Simplifying Quadratic Equations
03:34
Applying Substitution to Complex Expressions