Smart Numbers in D/S

[gmatwork]

Under what circumstances can we use smart numbers for D/S questions...? I generally refrain from using smart numbers on D/S questions because mostly this can mislead into sufficiency for a statement because some assumed numbers, which we are not really supposed to assume in some cases.

[tim]

You seem to have a good grasp of the danger in picking numbers. You don't want to be lured into a false assumption of sufficiency. So the best time to pick numbers in DS is when you're pretty sure the information is going to be insufficient and you just need to make a quick confirmation by plugging in a couple of numbers and getting two different answers to the question at the top of the page..

[tim]

keep your spam off our boards!

[gmatwork]

Number properties D/S questions are fine candidates for number testing. The problem appears to happen with P/S type questions that are turned into D/S questions such as the D/S problems involving percentages, ratios or rates.

I believe that smart numbers should work for those D/S question stems that have percentages/ ratios in the stem and the question asks us to calculate a percentage or ratio.

In general I will avoid smart numbers for P/S type D/S questions.

[tim]

i have no idea what you mean by P/S type D/S questions, but i'll reiterate that picking numbers for D/S is usually only a good idea if you can use them to quickly prove that the statement is insufficient by generating two answers to the question at the top of the page..