Systematic Property Checking

Definition

Systematic Property Checking in plain English

Use Systematic Property Checking on DS or must-be-true stems that hinge on integer, sign, or parity properties. Clues include must be true, could be true, and data sufficiency property asks. List candidate properties (sign, parity, divisibility). Test with quick examples before heavy algebra. Algebra without a property checklist misses the cheap counterexample that ends the question early. Keep a short menu of probes and run them in order. Micro-example: "If n^2 is even, must n be even?" Try n = 2 (works) and remember odds square to odds, so yes. A thirty-second parity check beats expanding polynomials first.

Practice Systematic Property Checking

Which property of arithmetic justifies that first step?

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