Key Strategy: Testing Answer Choices (Backsolving)
Hunter College High School Exam Prep Tip
When the answer choices are numbers, it is often easier to test each choice individually in order to avoid complicated algebra. The algebraic way often involves quadratic equations—you do not need quadratic equations for the Hunter Exam! Instead, simply test choices starting with logical values.
Example
A group of friends plan to equally split the cost of a $1,200 trip. One friend cancels at the last minute, and the remaining friends each spend $60 more to split the cost of the trip evenly. How many friends originally planned to go on the trip?
Click any choice above to test how backsolving works!
Test each choice (A through E) to see which number of friends results in a $60 increase per person when one friend cancels.
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Question 1 of 17
Source: Page 82
HCHS Equity Math
Scratchpad & Calculation Workbench
Use your mouse or touchscreen to draft calculations and eliminate answer choices.