The VIC Method

[skyjarrett12]

In an explanation of a percent question on the CAT, the "VIC" Method was mentioned. What is that? Never heard of it before.

[tim]

it's in our algebra book..

[freek_claessen]

No, it's not.

[jnelson0612]

"VIC" just means "variables in answer choices". You may be more familiar with it as "plugging in numbers".

Here's a thread in which it's discussed in more detail: vic-problems-plugging-in-numbers-vs-algebraic-solution-t14292.html

[RonPurewal]

Also, it's the same method described elsewhere as "smart numbers".

There's a difference, but it's purely cosmetic.
- The moniker "VIC" is used when numbers are 'plugged' into actual variables (x, y, etc.)
"- Otherwise, "smart numbers".

For instance, if the problem says "A certain school has n students, 40 percent of whom are female", then the book would refer to plugging 100 for n as "VIC" (because n is a variable).
By contrast, if there's no n and the problem just says "40 percent of a certain school's students are female", then the book would refer to plugging 100 for the total number of students at the school as "smart numbers".

This is not a particularly meaningful or useful distinction, so I'd suggest forgetting the term VIC altogether, and just referring to the method universally as "smart numbers".

[tim]

And please understand that just because you may not have found something in the book this month doesn't mean it wasn't there in whatever edition we were using several years ago. :)