The 3 Most Common GRE Trick Questions (in the GMAT and many other tests too!)

Summary

This video tutorial addresses common trick questions that frequently appear on standardized tests like the GRE and GMAT. The instructor highlights three key traps to avoid: the importance of 'distinct' in integer problems, the potential for decimals when 'numbers' are mentioned instead of 'integers', and the assumption of positive integers without explicit statement. Each trick is illustrated with a sample question, emphasizing the need for careful reading and logical deduction. The video encourages viewers to practice these concepts to improve their test scores.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses common trick questions that appear on the GRE and GMAT exams.
• 🔍 Students often fall for these tricks due to overlooking specific wording in the questions.
• ✅ The first trick involves the word 'distinct' which implies that x and y cannot be the same number.
• 🤔 The second trick highlights the difference between the words 'numbers' and 'integers', where 'numbers' can include decimals.
• 🧐 The third trick points out that without the word 'distinct', x, y, and z could all be the same integer.
• 📉 The importance of understanding the question's wording is emphasized to avoid common mistakes.
• 📈 Practice is crucial to recognize and avoid these trick questions under exam conditions.
• 💡 The video encourages viewers to pause and try the questions themselves to test their understanding.
• 👍 Positive feedback and comments are encouraged to support the channel and potentially lead to more videos on similar topics.
• 🚫 The script warns against assuming that variables are positive without explicit mention in the question.
• 🎯 The video concludes by stressing the necessity of practice to handle such trick questions effectively during the actual exam.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video mentioned in the transcript?

The main purpose of the video is to cover the trick questions that are most likely to come up in the GRE, and potentially in the GMAT, to help students avoid common mistakes.

Why is the word 'distinct' important in the first trick question about integers x and y?

The word 'distinct' is important because it means the integers are different. Without it, x and y could be the same number, which changes the outcome of the comparison between quantity a and quantity b.

What is a common mistake students make when dealing with the first trick question?

A common mistake is assuming that x and y are distinct integers without the question explicitly stating so, leading to incorrect conclusions about the comparison of quantities a and b.

In the second trick question, why is the word 'numbers' instead of 'integers' a red flag?

The word 'numbers' instead of 'integers' is a red flag because it implies that the values can be decimals, not just whole numbers, which changes the possible range of the greatest numbers that can be chosen.

What is the trick in the second question regarding Nicole choosing three distinct numbers between one and five?

The trick is that the question allows for decimal numbers, not just integers, which means Nicole can choose numbers very close to five, making the product much larger than 64.

Why is it a mistake to assume that x, y, and z in the final question are positive integers?

It's a mistake because the question does not specify that x, y, and z are positive. They could be negative integers, which would significantly change the sum in quantity a.

What is the correct sum of x, y, and z in the final question if they are all positive integers?

If x is 23, y is 1, and z is 19, the correct sum of x, y, and z is 43, which is greater than quantity b.

What is the potential error in the final question if x, y, and z are considered to be negative integers?

If x, y, and z are negative, their sum could be much less than 42, making quantity a smaller than quantity b.

What does the video suggest about the importance of practice for GRE and GMAT test takers?

The video suggests that practice is essential for test takers to be aware of and avoid falling for trick questions, even under exam pressure.

What can viewers do if they enjoyed the video and want to see more content like it?

Viewers can leave a like and a comment to show their appreciation and provide feedback, which may encourage the creator to make more videos on similar topics.