Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Practice Test

Which method is suggested for solving distance, time, and speed problems when insufficient data is present?

1. Picking consecutive integers

2. Picking random numbers

3. Picking average values

4. Picking prime numbers

The correct answer is: Picking random numbers

When dealing with distance, time, and speed problems, particularly when faced with insufficient data, utilizing random numbers can be a strategic approach. This method allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. By selecting random values for distance, time, or speed, you can create scenarios that can help you understand the relationships between these variables. This enables the establishment of equations or the identification of patterns, which could lead to a solution. For instance, if you randomly select a distance and a speed, you can calculate the corresponding time using the formula: time = distance/speed. This method is particularly useful when the problem does not provide specific values but still requires an analysis of the relationships involved. By experimenting with different random numbers, you can explore multiple scenarios and their outcomes, further cementing your comprehension of how distance, time, and speed interact. Using other methods, like picking consecutive integers, average values, or prime numbers, may not effectively represent the diverse set of potential solutions and might limit the exploration needed in complex problems. Randomizing values fosters a more comprehensive understanding and can lead to discovering the correct approach to solve the problem at hand.