Data Sufficiency GMAT

Introduction, Tips & Strategies

11/19/2011

Data Sufficiency
Introduction:
Data Sufficiency which is part of the quant section tests the same concepts as tested in Problem Solving section. The good thing about GMAT Data Sufficiency is the structure. It is the same for every Data Sufficiency question. Although the concepts are the same as that of Problem Solving, there are challenges in solving Data Sufficiency questions. The challenges may be due to the assumptions we have or due to the incomplete understanding of a particular subject.

Data Sufficiency Structure:

Mark Choice 4) and move on Yes Check if you can solve with statement (B) alone

Check if you can solve with statement (A) alone

Yes No

No Mark Choice 1) and move on Mark Choice 2) and move on

Check if you can solve with statement (B) alone

Yes No Check if you can solve with statements (A) & (B) together

Yes No Mark Choice 5)

Mark Choice 3) and move on

Lets look at a sample question to understand how it works. If x + 2y = z, what is the value of x? (1) 2.6y = 3.9 + 1.3z (2) Y = 2 The question actually tests your knowledge in basic equations. General theory says, to find out the value of a variable uniquely among three variables you need three equations involving those variable. But lets see if we can follow the structure presented above and solve this question. First, the question asks you to find the value of x and provides you with one equation. Lets combine with the first statement. The first statement can be rewritten as 2y = 3 + z (by dividing by 1.3 throughout) Now, substitute this value in the equation provided in the question. We get, X+3+z =z X = -3. So with statement (1) alone we can solve this question. Now we should not stop here. We need to find if we can solve this question with statement (2) alone. If we substitute y =2 in the equation of the question, we will have multiple values of x which is dependent on x. Hence we cant solve for unique value of x. Answer will be Choice 1. There are several such concepts tested in every topic in GMAT Data Sufficiency. We will deal with that in our online classes.