<p>Is this a good technique or just a waste of time? Because when I plug in numbers to make it more concrete, I find it easier, however this process is slower to me than doing regular algebra. So my question is: should i plug in or not plug in?</p>
<p>This method is extremely important, both as a “fallback” method, and to use on all problems of a certain difficulty level (this level varies from student to student). Even the srongest student should use this method if it can be used on the last problem in a given section. Doing algebra on level 5 problems often leads to even the best students being tricked.</p>
<p>Do option C first then see if you need to go higher or lower, not waste of time!</p>
<p>Eric is describing a technique very different from (but just as important as) the one the original poster is describing.</p>
<p>Yup. I was just trying to tell him that if he uses plug-in from the answer choices the right way, it will most likely not waste any time… I believe…?</p>
<p>For me, it’s a waste of time because the problem can usually be solved in as much time (or less) by actually working through the steps.</p>
<p>The only exceptions are questions like, “What value of x satisfies x = 9k + 4 where k is an integer” then you could plug in the answers. Even then working through the problem is easier, because all you need to do is say that x is congruent to 4 (mod 9) and then go through the answer choices.</p>
<p>I’d be impressed if someone uses this technique on a grid-in and gets it correct on the first try.</p>