The Data Sufficiency Section

Introduction

GMAT test writers use data sufficiency questions to test your ability to "reason quantitatively." This stands in
sharp contrast to the problem solving section, which is designed to test how well you manipulate numbers. If you
find yourself doing a lot of number crunching on the data sufficiency questions, you are doing something wrong.

Math Concepts You Should Know

The data sufficiency questions cover math that nearly any college-bound high school student will know. In
addition to basic arithmetic, you can expect questions testing your knowledge of averages, fractions, decimals,
algebra, factoring, and basic principles of geometry such as triangles, circles, and how to determine the areas
and volumes of simple geometric shapes.

The Answer Choices

GMAT data sufficiency questions will all have the exact same answer choices. Memorize these answer choices
before you take the exam. It will help you better utilize your time in the quantitative section. The answer choices
are summarized below as you will see them on the GMAT exam.

A. Statement 1 alone is sufficient but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement 2 alone is sufficient but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. Both statements 1 and 2 together are sufficient to answer the question but neither statement is
sufficient alone.
D. Each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question.
E. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to answer the question asked and additional data is needed to
answer the statements.

Use Process of Elimination

If statement 1 is insufficient, then choices A and D can immediately be eliminated.

Similarly, if statement 2 is insufficient, then choices B and D can immediately be eliminated.

If either statement 1 or 2 is sufficient on its own, then choices C and E can be eliminated.

A Simple 4 Step Process for Answering These Questions

Many test takers make the mistake of not arming themselves with a systematic method for analyzing the answer
choices for these questions. Overlooking even one step in the process outlined below can make a big difference in
the final quantitative score you will be reporting to your selected business schools.

1.) Study the questions carefully. The questions generally ask for one of 3 things: 1) a specific value, 2) a
range of numbers, or 3) a true/false value. Make sure you know what the question is asking.

2.) Determine what information is needed to solve the problem. This will, obviously, vary depending on
what type of question is being asked. For example, to determine the area of a circle, you need to know the
circle's diameter, radius, or circumference. Whether or not statements 1 and/or 2 provide that information will
determine which answer you choose for a data sufficiency question about the area of a circle.

3.) Look at each of the two statements independently of the other. Follow the process of elimination rules
covered above to consider each statement individually.

4.) If step 3 did not produce an answer, then combine the two statements. If the two statements
combined can answer the question, then the answer choice is C. Otherwise, E.
Data Sufficiency Tips and Strategies

Use only the information given in the questions. The GMAT CAT seeks to measure your ability to distinguish
facts from careless assumptions. Do not rely on a visual assessment of a diagram accompanying a geometry
question to determine angle sizes, parallel lines, etc. In addition, do not carry any information over from one
question to the next. Each question in the data sufficiency section of the GMAT stands on its own. You can count
on seeing at least a few questions where a wrong answer choice tries to capitalize on this common fallacy.

Do not get bogged down with complicated or lengthy calculations. As we stated before, these questions
are designed to test your ability to think conceptually, not to solve math problems.

Use process of elimination. This GMAT section lends itself perfectly to using the process of elimination. If time
becomes an issue, you can always look at the 2 statements in either order. Remember, the order you analyze the
two statements in doesn't matter, so long as you begin by looking at them individually. If you find statement 1
confusing, you can save time by skipping to statement 2 and seeing whether it can help you eliminate incorrect
answer choices.

Be on the lookout for statements that tell you the same thing in different words. When the 2
statements convey the same exact information, you will know, through process of elimination, that the correct
answer choice is either D or E. A favorite ploy of GMAT testers is to mix ratios and percentages. Here is an
example where Statement 2 simply states backwards the exact same information provided by Statement 1.

1. x is 50% of y
2. the ratio of y:x is 2:1

Make real-world assumptions where necessary. You must assume that, in certain abstract questions such
as "What is the value of x?", that x might be a fraction and/or a negative number.

Practice, practice, practice. The more time you spend practicing data sufficiency questions, the better able
you will be to internalize the tips and strategies given above. You will also become very comfortable with the type
of questions from this portion of the test, and will quickly realize if there are any math areas, such as geometry
or algebra where you need to brush up your skills. When it comes time to sit for the GMAT, you will want to know
key math formulas and data relationships off the top of your head.

GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions

Below is a set of sample data sufficiency questions similar to those found in the GMAT math section. Due to the
relatively small number of questions that we have published here, we strongly recommend that you use these
only to augment your GMAT preparations.

Use the following answer choices for the questions below.

A. Statement 1 alone is sufficient but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement 2 alone is sufficient but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. Both statements 1 and 2 together are sufficient to answer the question but neither statement is
sufficient alone.
D. Each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question.
E. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to answer the question asked and additional data is needed to
answer the statements.

1) If the average size of 3 accounts is $1 million, is the smallest account less than $500,000?
 1. The largest account is $1.3 million.
2. One of the accounts is $0.7 million.

2) Is the product of x and y greater than 60?

1. The sum of x and y is greater than 60.

2. Each of the variables is greater than 2.

3) What is the value of y?

1. y-3=2
2. y2 = 25

4) What was the percent increase of Company A's stock between June 1 and June 30, 2000?

1. The stock gained $5 in value during June 2000.

2. The stock rose 12% during the first half of the month.

5) Which company reported the larger dollar increase in earnings?

1. Company A reported that its earnings increased by 5%.

2. Company B reported that its earnings increased by 7%.

6) Is x a prime number?

1. x is an even number.
2. x can not be divided evenly by an odd number other than 1.

GMAT Data Sufficiency Answers

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1) C. Recall that the sum of the 3 accounts is $3 million. If the largest is $1.3 million, then the sum of the other
two accounts must be $1.7 million. Since the second-largest account could be $1.29 million, then the smallest
account could be $0.41 million, which is less than $0.5 million. Hence, Statement 1 by itself is insufficient.

However, if we know the value of 2 of the variables (as we do if we read statements 1 and 2 together), and the
average value of all three variables (as we do from reading the question), then we can determine the value of the
third variable. If the largest account is worth $1.3 million and the smallest is worth $0.7 million, then the third
variable must be $1.0 million. With the value of all 3 variables, we can quickly determine the value of the
smallest variable. Statements 1 and 2 together give us the information needed to answer the question.

2) C. Statement 1 by itself is not sufficient. One of the two variables could be a small fraction. (Think of 500 and
0.01.) Statement 2 by itself could yield the product of 3 and 4. However, the information from both statements is
taken together, we can definitively state that the answer to this question is "true."

3) A. Statement 1 is sufficient to determine that x equals 5. Statement 2 only tells us that x could be +5 or -5.

4) E. The statements, together as well as alone, do not give enough information to answer the question. To
determine the percent change, we would need one of the additional pieces of information:
 a. The beginning stock price for the month.
b. The ending stock price for the month.
c. The percent change in the stock for the second half of the month.

5) E. The question can not be answered with the statements provided. The question asks which company's
earnings increased by more dollars, not which company's earnings increased by a greater percentage. The
different percentage rates of increase tell us nothing about either company's actual (dollar) increase in sales
unless we know each firm's starting baseline.

6) E. The question can not be answered with the statements provided. Because x can be an even number and
still be prime (2 is a prime number), statement 1 is insufficient. Additionally, x might be divisible by even
numbers, so statement 2 is also insufficient.

Here's a list of useful GMAT tips that apply specifically to Data Sufficiency
questions (GMAT Quantitative section):

1. Memorize the five answer choices; they're the same for each and every Data
Sufficiency question.

2. Be careful not to carry over any information from one numbered statement
to another. (Making this mistake is remarkably easy, especially under time
pressure and in a momentary lapse of concentration.)
3. If a question asks for a numerical value (as opposed to a quantitative
expression that includes variables), the question is answerable only if a
numbered statement (1 or 2) yields one and only one possible numerical
answer — not a range of values.
4. If you can eliminate either answer choice (A) or (B), then you can also
eliminate answer choice (D).
5. If either numbered statement (1 or 2) alone suffices to answer the question,
then you can eliminate answer choices (C) and (E).
6. In distinct contrast to Problem Solving geometry figures, Data Sufficiency
figures are not necessarily drawn proportionately — unless a figure indicates
explicitly that it is drawn to scale. Do NOT rely on your eye to measure angle
sizes, line segment lengths, or areas. Instead, handle any Data Sufficiency
question using your knowledge of mathematics along with the numbers
provided.
 7. Data Sufficiency questions are designed to test you primarily on quantitative
concepts, not on your ability to manipulate numbers (that's what Problem
Solving questions are for). So if you find yourself doing a lot of pencil work,
you're probably on the wrong track.
8. Just as in Problem Solving questions, in Data Sufficiency questions cast in a
real-world setting you should make reasonable real-world assumptions.
Don't split hairs by looking for subtle meanings or ambiguous language. The
test-makers are not out to trick you in this way.

Here's a list of useful GMAT tips that apply specifically to

Problem Solving questions (GMAT Quantitative section):

1. If the question asks for a numerical value, the answer choices will either increase
or decrease in value as you read down the list. So if you estimate roughly the size
of number the question asks for, then you can more easily zero in on the most
viable answer choices.
2. Always look for a shortcut to crunching numbers — a more intuitive way of
getting to the right answer. The typical Problem Solving question is designed to
allow for a longer way as well as a shorter way of solving it. So if you find
yourself doing a lot of pencil work, then there's probably an easier way.
3. Geometry figures are drawn proportionately unless a figure indicates explicitly
that it is not drawn to scale. Nevertheless, don't rely on your eye to measure angle
sizes, line segment lengths, or areas. Instead, use your knowledge of mathematics
along with the numbers provided to solve the problem. Believe me: The test-
makers are careful to ensure that no problem can be solved merely by visual
measurement or estimation.

NOTE: The one exception involves Data Interpretation questions that require you
to interpret bar graphs and line charts; you can (and should) rely on visual
estimation for these questions.

4. If you're stuck, many questions allow you to work backwards by assuming

hypothetically that each answer choice in turn is the correct one, then testing it by
"plugging it in."
5. Use pencil and scratch paper for all calculations, and always check your
calculations before confirming your response. Remember: Wrong answer choices
will anticipate commonly made computational errors, and careless errors are the
#1 cause of incorrect answers in GMAT Problem Solving.
6. In handling word problems (math problems cast in a real-world setting), make
reasonable real-world assumptions. Don't split hairs by looking for subtle
meanings or ambiguous language. The test-makers are not out to trick you in this
way.
Data Sufficiency Format, Skills Tested, and Directions
Here are the key "specs" for GMAT Data Sufficiency questions:
How many: 13-14 questions

Where: In the 75-minute Quantitative Ability section, mixed with Problem

Solving questions

Format: Multiple-choice. A question is followed by two numbered statements,

which provide specific information. You select one of 5 choices by clicking on an
oval. The 5 answer choices are the same for every Data Sufficiency question.

Skills tested: Your ability to understand arithmetic, algebra, and geometry

concepts, and your ability to reason logically about quantitative problems.
(List of specific areas covered)

Directions: The following directions will appear on your screen — just before
your first Data Sufficiency question (and you can access them while tackling any
Data Sufficiency question by clicking on the HELP button):

Directions: This problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in
which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements
are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements plus your
knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the
meaning of counterclockwise), you must indicate whether:

o statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
to answer the question asked;
o statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
to answer the question asked;
o BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the
question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient;
o EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked;
o statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the
question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Numbers: All numbers used are real numbers.

Figures: A figure accompanying a data sufficiency problem will conform to the

information given in the question, but will not necessarily conform to the additional
information in statements (1 and 2).

Lines shown as straight can be assumed to be straight and lines that appear jagged can
also be assumed to be straight.

You may assume that positions of points, angles, regions, etc., exist in the order shown
and that angle measures are greater than zero.

All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.

Note: If the data sufficiency problem asks you for the value of a quantity the data given
in the statements are sufficient only when it is possible to determine exactly one
numerical value for the quantity.

To review these directions for subsequent questions of this type, click on HELP.

Sample Data Sufficiency Question

Here's a typical GMAT-style Data Sufficiency question:
Are the majority of salespeople employed by XYZ Company commissioned?

1. The number of salespeople employed by XYZ Company exceeds the number of

employees at XYZ Company who are not salespeople.
2. The percentage of XYZ Company's salespeople who are commissioned exceeds
the percentage of employees at XYZ Company who are salespeople.

o Statement 1 ALONE is sufficient to answer the question, but statement 2 alone is

NOT sufficient.
o Statement 2 ALONE is sufficient to answer the question, but statement 1 alone is
NOT sufficient.
o BOTH statements 1 and 2 TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question, but
NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
o Each statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question.

o Statements 1 and 2 TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question.

Quick Tip for Sample Question

Ask yourself what specific information you need in order to answer the question posed.
As you consider each of the two numbered statements independently of each other, ask
yourself whether the statement provides any such information.

Analysis of Sample Question

This problem involves the concept of proportion. During the GMAT, expect to encounter
at least two proportion questions (either Problem Solving or Data Sufficiency) altogether.
Notice that no arithmetical calculations are required here. That's because Data
Sufficiency problems are designed to test you primarily on concepts, not on your ability
to solve a problem by working to a quantitative solution. (That's what Problem Solving
questions are for.)

In order to answer the question posed here, you need information about the number of
commissioned salespeople relative to the number of non-commissioned salespeople.
Statement (1) alone provides no such information. [You can eliminate the first and fourth
answer choices (A and D).]

Statement (2) alone provides a meaningless comparison between percentages of two

different "wholes"; the statement provides no information about the number of
commissioned salespeople relative to the number of non-commissioned salespeople (the
"whole" being the total number of salespeople). Thus, statement (2) alone is insufficient
to answer the question. [You can eliminate the second answer choice (B).]

Considered together, however, statements (1) and (2) do suffice to answer the question.
The correct response is the third answer choice (C). Statement (1) provides that more
than 50% of the employees are salespeople. Statement (2) adds that this percentage is less
than the percentage of salespeople who are commissioned. Thus, the percentage of
salespeople who are commissioned must exceed 50%, and the answer to the question
itself must be "yes." (In other words, you can answer the question considering the two
statements together.)

Data sufficiency tutorial

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

Data sufficiency questions account for about 1/3, i.e. 12 to 13, of the questions in the
quantitative section.

These questions are about working out what is necessary and sufficient data to be able to
answer a question which is very different from the usual problems solving questions you
have faced.

Once you are familiar with the format then this will make complete sense.

In this tutorial we will look at the key strategies for tackling data sufficiency questions
and work through some examples of standard 'tricks' that are used to catch you out in this
type of question.

You are expected to have completed the fractions, exponents, ratios and percents,
geometry and properties of numbers tutorials before starting this tutorial.
Next page: What is a data sufficiency question

What is a data sufficiency question

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

Each data sufficiency question consists of 3 parts

• The question
• Statement (1)
• Statement (2)

You are asked to determine which combination of the two statements is necessary and
sufficient to answer the question.

Answers A-E answers for data sufficiency problems are always the same.

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

Data sufficiency questions are unlike most of the math questions in that you don't have to
answer the question in the first part of the problem, rather you have to work out what
information is sufficient to solve the question.

This is probably easiest to see if we look at an example.

Example data sufficiency problem

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

This is an example of a data sufficiency problem.

Is ?

1.
2.

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
 5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

Remember, each data sufficiency problem is made up of the question,

Is ?

And two statements,

1.
2.

You are asked to decide which combination of the statements is is required to answer the
question.

Have a go at this question before we look at the answer on the next page.

Explanation for example problem

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

Now lets work through this example of a data sufficiency problem together.

Is ?

1.
2.

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

To answer this we will have to examine each statement separately.

Is statement (1) sufficient to answer the question?

Statement (1) tells us that .

This is true of any non-zero value of x, so x could be positive e.g. which is greater
than zero, but it could also be negative e.g. which is also greater than zero.

Therefore statement (1) is not sufficient to answer the question.

Is statement (2) sufficient to answer the question?

Statement (2) tells us that .

A cubing a number does not change it's sign so if cubed is positive then is positive.

Therefore statement (2) is sufficient to answer the question.

Putting it all together

We have just shown that statement (2) is sufficient to answer the question but statement
(1) is not.

This matches answer B which must be the correct answer.

In answering this question we already are starting to make use of the key strategies for
tackling data sufficiency problems so lets look at them in more detail.

Explanation for example problem

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

Now lets work through this example of a data sufficiency problem together.

Is ?

1.
2.

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

To answer this we will have to examine each statement separately.

Is statement (1) sufficient to answer the question?

Statement (1) tells us that .

This is true of any non-zero value of x, so x could be positive e.g. which is greater
than zero, but it could also be negative e.g. which is also greater than zero.

Therefore statement (1) is not sufficient to answer the question.

Is statement (2) sufficient to answer the question?

Statement (2) tells us that .

A cubing a number does not change it's sign so if cubed is positive then is positive.

Therefore statement (2) is sufficient to answer the question.

Putting it all together

We have just shown that statement (2) is sufficient to answer the question but statement
(1) is not.

This matches answer B which must be the correct answer.

In answering this question we already are starting to make use of the key strategies for
tackling data sufficiency problems so lets look at them in more detail.

Strategies for data sufficiency questions

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

The basic strategies for tackling data sufficiency problems are as follows.

• Learn the answer choices

• Keep the statements separate
• Simplify the question and data
• Avoid unnecessary calculations
• Use a process of elimination
• Learn the 'gotchas'

Let us start with learning the answer choices.

Learn the answer choices

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

The answers A, B, C, D and E are exactly the same for every data sufficiency question.

However they are quite confusing when you first see them. Therefore it is important the
you learn the choices so that you do not make the mistake a selecting the answer you
want in the real test.

The answers are as follows.

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

Which sounds complicated but there is a simple phrase to help you remember them, '1-2-
TEN' which stands for...

• A. 1 alone is sufficient
• B. 2 alone is sufficient
• C. Together they are sufficient
• D. Either is sufficient
• E. Neither is sufficient

As you practice data sufficiency questions test your recall of the answer choice for each
possible combination of statements.

Keep the statements separate

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

When you first start working on data sufficiency problems you will find it very easy to
fall into the trap of mixing up the data statements.

To ensure you don't fall into this trap you should tackle every data sufficiency questions
in the same way.

1. Write 1 & 2 on your noteboard

2. Work out whether statement 1 alone is sufficient to answer the question.
3. Mark 1 on your board with a tick or a cross depending on whether you could
answer the question with 1 alone.
4. Work out whether statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the question.
5. Mark 2 on your board with a tick or a cross depending on whether you could
answer the question with 2 alone.
6. Then work out which is the appropriate answer using the table below.
Statement 1 Statement 2 Answer
A
B
D
C or E

You can see that in the case where neither statement is sufficient on it's own the answer
could be C, i.e. both statements together can answer the question, or E, i.e. even with
both statements together you cannot answer the question.

Therefore in this case you will need to do some more work out whether the question can
be answered with both statements.

Next page: Data sufficiency mini quiz (part I)

Data sufficiency mini quiz (part I)

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

To help you practice keeping the data statements separate when working on data
sufficiency problems we will do the problems in this mini quiz in two parts.

In this first part of the quiz consists you are faced with a set of problems with the first
data statement and then the same set of problems again but this time with the second data
statement.

For each question/statement combination below, decide whether the statement provides
you with sufficient information to answer the question.

Statement 1
# Question Data statement Is the data sufficient?
1 What percentage of is ?

2 Is an integer? is an even number

3 Is an even number? is even
4 What is the value of
5 Is an odd number? is an even number

Statement 2
# Question Data statement Is the data sufficient?
1 What percentage of is ?
2 Is an integer? is a multiple of
3 Is an even number? is odd
4 What is the value of
5 Is an odd number? is divisible by 3

Try answering these before we look at the answers.

Mini quiz answers (part I)

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

These are the answers to the data sufficiency mini quiz (part I).

Statement 1
Data
# Question Is the data sufficient?
statement
What
Yes. This gives you the ratio between and so you can
1 percentage of
work out what percentage of is .
is ?
is an even
2 Is an integer? number No. being an even number tells you nothing about
Yes. An even times an even is even BUT an odd times
Is an even
3 is even and odd is odd, so if is even then must be even. See
number?
the properties of numbers tutorial for more detail.
What is the No. This tells you nothing about a which could be any
4
value of number so you cannot tell the value of
Is an odd is an even No. is even just tells you that is an integer, but it
5
number? number could still be odd or even.

Statement 2
Data
# Question Is the data sufficient?
statement
1 What No. This tells you nothing about the ratio between and
 . For example could be 1 and could be 4 which would
percentage of
give you one percentage but equally could be 97 and
is ?
100 which would give a totally different percentage.
is a Yes. If is a multiple of then it must be divisible by
2 Is an
integer? multiple of and will be an integer.
Is an even
3 is odd Yes. If is odd then must be even.
number?
What is the No. Knowing the value of does not enable you to
4
value of work out .
No. could still be odd or even. For example could be 9
Is an odd is divisible
5 which is odd and divisible by 3 but it could also be 6
number? by 3
which is even and divisible by 3.

Now to answer the questions.

Next page: Data sufficiency mini quiz (part II)

Data sufficiency mini quiz (part II)

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

In part I of the data sufficiency mini quiz we looked at each data statements in turn for
the questions below.

Now we will look at the both statements together with each question.

Fill in the "Is 1 sufficient?" and "Is 2 sufficient?" columns with "yes" or "no" to indicate
whether each data statement is sufficient to answer the question. If you can't remember
what you answered previously then work it out again (it should not take you long).

Then fill in the "Answer" column with one of the the following GMAT answer choices.

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

If you have trouble remembering the answer choices then remember 1-2-TEN.
We have filled in the first row for you.

# Question Is 1 sufficient? Is 2 sufficient? Answer (A-E)

What percentage of is ?

1 Yes No A
1.

2.

Is an integer?
2 1. is an even number

2. is a multiple of
Is an even number?

3 1. is even

2. is odd
What is the value of ?

4 1.

2.
Is an odd number?

5 1. is an even number

2. is divisible by 3

Try to answer these before continuing the tutorial.

Next page: Mini quiz answers (part II)

Mini quiz answers (part II)

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

Answers to part II of the data sufficiency mini quiz.

Remind yourself what the answers A-E stand for with 1-2-TEN.

Is 1 Is 2
# Question Answer (A-E)
sufficient? sufficient?
1 What percentage of Yes No A (1 alone)
 is ?

1.

2.

Is an integer?

1. is an even
2 number No Yes B (2 alone)

2. is a
multiple of
Is an even number?

3 1. is even Yes Yes D (Either)

2. is odd
Since neither on it's own can answer the
question the answer to the question
What is the value of could be C (Together) or E (Neither).
?
In this case using both pieces of
4 No No.
1. information you can work out what
and are and so discover the value of
2. .

Therefore the answer is C.

Since neither on it's own can answer the
Is an odd number? question the answer to the question
could be C (Together) or E (Neither).
1. is an even
5 number No No In this case even using both pieces of
information together you can't work out
2. is divisible whether y is odd.
by 3
Therefore the answer is E.

Next page: Simplify questions and data statements

Simplify questions and data statements

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008
You will find that the question and data statements are sometimes written in a way which
deliberately obscures a fairly simple meaning.

In these cases you will find it useful to simplify the statements or question to make it
clearer what information you are provided or what the question you are asked is.

Example problem to simplify

If n is a positive integer, is ?

1.
2. n > 2

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

Have a go at this question before reading the explanation below.

Simplify the question

The question in this problem can be simplified.

If n is a positive integer, is ?

Firstly we can express both sides of the inequality in similar ways because we know that

So we can write the question as

But since the bases for both exponents are the same this can be simplified further to just
compare the powers.

Which means can simplify what looks like quite a complex question to, "If n is a positive
integer, is n > 3?"
Simplify the data statements

We can also simplify the first data statement

If we take cube roots of both sides of the equation we get

Statement 2 cannot be simplified further

Solve the problem

Once you have simplified this data sufficiency problem it is easy to solve

Statement 1 tells you which is greater than 3 and so is sufficient to answer the
question.

Statement 2 tells you that which is insufficient to answer the question.

Therefore the answer is A.

Next page: Avoid unnecessary calculations

Comments (4):

1. If n is larger than 2, and n is an integer. . wouldn't that make it 3 or bigger? Then

wouldn't this be enough info to solve question for statement 2?

Anonymous on 29 Oct 2007 (permalink)

2. You know that n is an integer and n > 2 and you need to know whether n > 3.

There are two possibilities n is 3 in which case it IS NOT greater than 3 or n is 4

or more in which case it IS greater than 3.

Therefore statement 2 is not enough to answer the question.

joel on 1 Nov 2007 (permalink)

3. why isnt it n LESS THAN 3, why is it n GREATER THAN 3

Anonymous on 10 Nov 2007 (permalink)

4. I agree, n should be LESS THAN 3.

Avoid unnecessary calculations
Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

You are so used to working out the answer in math questions and that when you first start
data sufficiency questions it is easy to find yourself doing unnecessary calculations to
work out the answers from the data you are given.

In fact if you find yourself doing lots of calculations on a data sufficiency question then
you are almost certainly approaching it in the wrong way.

For example

What is the area of rectangle ABCD?

1. AB is 6.125cm long
2. BC is 12.375 cm long

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

It should be obvious to you that you need both the length and width of the rectangle to
find the area and therefore that the answer is C.

However you do not have to multiply 6.125 x 12.375 to work out the area.

Early on you will be tempted to do the calculations to find the answer in data sufficiency
because you will lack confidence in your answers.

This is a habit that you must break as soon as possible.

You should aim to spend significantly less time on data sufficiency questions than you do
on problem solving questions because you rarely have to do any calculations.

Once you are well practiced it should take you on average about 1.5 minutes per data
sufficiency question which will leave you nearer 2.5 minutes per problem solving
question.

Those extra seconds on the problem solving questions are invaluable if you are to score
well in the quantitative section of the GMAT.

Next page: Process of elimination

Process of elimination
Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

If you get stuck on a data sufficiency question then you can often use a process of
elimination to give yourself a reasonable chance of getting the questions right anyway.

For example, if you have found that statement 1 is sufficient to answer the question and
you are not sure about statement 2 then you can eliminate all the answers except A (1
alone) and D (Either). Even if you guess at this point you have a 50-50 chance of getting
the question right.

Similarly, if you have already found that statement 2 is sufficient to answer the question
and you are not sure about statement 1 then you can eliminate all the answers except B (2
alone) and D (Either). Again this gives you a 50-50 chance of getting the question right.

On the other hand, if you have found that statement 1 is not sufficient to answer the
question and you are not sure about statement 2 then you can eliminate all the answers
except B (2 alone), C (Together) and E (Neither). Even if you guess at this point you
have a one third chance of getting the question right.

I will leave it as an exercise for you to work out which answers remain if you have
already found that statement 2 is not sufficient to answer the question.

Next page: Data sufficiency 'gotchas'

Data sufficiency 'gotchas'

Last updated: 23 Nov 2008

There are lots of tricks or 'gotchas' that are used commonly in GMAT data sufficiency
questions to catch you out and you need to learn to spot these.

There are too many of these to list in this tutorial and learning these is a case of trying
lots of practice questions.

Once you have reviewed 100 or more practice questions you will become very familiar
with these 'gotchas' and you should aim not to fall for the same trick twice.

However, there is one 'gotcha' that is worth covering in this tutorial.

The answer can be no

Although the data statements will never contradict one another, they may sometimes lead
to a negative answer.

Lots of beginners get caught out by data sufficiency questions where the answer is no,
and mark no against the data statement without thinking.

For example

Is x even?

1. 2x is even
2. x + 1 is even

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE
is sufficient
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

You should be able to see that first statement does not answer the question for you. Even
if 2x is even, x could still be even or odd. So you can mark statement 1 as 'no'.

The second statement however tells you that x is odd and therefore you know that the
answer to the question is no. Be careful here, you may be tempted to mark statement 2 as
'no' but statement 2 has given you enough information to answer the question so you
must mark it as 'yes'.

Since the second statement answers the question alone and the first statement does not the
answer is B.

Next page: Summary of data sufficiency

Summary of data sufficiency

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

We looked at some examples of data sufficiency questions and also covered the basic
strategies for data sufficiency questions.

Learn the answer choices

 This will keep you from making mistakes in the real test when selecting your
answer.

Remember 1-2-TEN

Keep the statements separate

This is the key strategy for data sufficiency.

Study each statement separately and use your noteboard to keep a record of
whether statement 1 and/or statement 2 is sufficient to answer the question.

Simplify
When you are faced with complex looking questions or data statements it is worth
spending a short time simplifying them to work out what you are really being
asked and what data you are being provided with.
Avoid unnecessary calculations
You can save lots of time on data sufficiency questions because you usually don't
have to do any calculations.
Use a process of elimination
You can eliminate many of the answers to improve your chances of getting the
question right even if you get stuck assessing one of the statements.
Learn the 'gotchas'

There are lots of standard tricks that are used in GMAT data sufficiency questions
to catch you out and you should learn to spot these.

Further reading

• Data sufficiency posts from Jeff Sackmann's GMAT Daily Tips

• Introduction to data sufficiency from Bell Curves
• Data sufficiency tips from AdmissionsConsultants
• Quick data sufficiency tips from Mark Alan Stewart

Next page: Practice Questions