Data Sufficiency in GMAT

The Quantitative Reasoning section of GMAT consists of 31 questions that are based on a variety of mathematical concepts such as Probability, Profit and Loss, Simple Interest and many others. Apart from these, Data Sufficiency (DS) questions a vital part of the GMAT syllabus. As the GMAT exam enables you to pursue reputable MBA courses at your dream university, it is important to grab a score that gives you an edge over the cut-throat competition. If you want to familiarize yourself with some essential questions as well as tips and tricks for data sufficiency, read through the blog. 

Understanding the Data Sufficiency Questions

Various topics related to quantitative aptitude are found under the data sufficiency section. Majorly, the DS questions consist of 2-3 statements analysing which you can determine the answer of the given questions. For a given DS question, you will be asked to find out whether you need one single statement or all of them together, in order to find the answer. The main element of these questions is that you do not have to use mathematical operations or any other related BODMAS questions for finding the answer. Let us have a look at some solved examples for a better understanding of the topic.

Data Sufficiency in GMAT – Leverage Live

Arithmetic Questions for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section

Dat Sufficiency in GMAT Solved Examples 

Before you start with a data sufficiency question, make sure that you read all the given statements, a question along with the options given. 

Go through these basic conclusions, which will help you in evaluating your own answer. 

Point 1: If a given argument A alone is sufficient but the argument B is not sufficient alone 

Point 2: If an argument B is alone and not sufficient but statement A alone is not sufficient 

Point 3: If both the statements B and A are required in solving an answer

Point 4: If each statement A or B alone are insufficient for solving a question

Point 5: If both A and B clubbed together are not sufficient 

Example 1: What will be the total number of students reading both the two magazine M and N?

1. 30% of the students read magazine M
2. 50% of the students read the magazine N

Solution:

Statement (1): 30% of the students read magazine M is insufficient as we cannot conclude anything from it
Statement (2): 50% of the students read the magazine N is again insufficient because we cannot find a conclusion from this statement

But when we analyse both the statements together, we can conclude that 30% of the students read both M and N magazine. 

Hence, statements 1 and 2 are together are sufficient for concluding the answer.

Data Sufficiency in GMAT Practice Question

A. Who is the wife of Z?

Statement I: H is the only daughter of X. K is the paternal uncle of X.
Statement II: K is the brother-in-law of X
Statement III: K and Z are brothers

1. If statement I, II & III together are sufficient
2. If only statement II & III are sufficient
3. If only statement I is sufficient
4. If only statement I & II are sufficient
5. None of the above

B. What will be the code for “big”?

Statement I: In a certain code language, “butterfly is beautiful” is written as “es je ik”
Statement II: In the same code language, “box is big” is written as “ik ej ze” and “blow the big balloon” is written as “ze ak xo il”

1. I statement I alone is sufficient
2. If both statements I and II are sufficient
3. If neither statement I nor II is sufficient
4. If either statement I or II is sufficient
5. If only statement II is sufficient

C. Who among Mukund, Karan, Ajay and Sanjay is the youngest?

Statement I: Mukund is elder than Karan. Sanjay is younger than Karan
Statement II: Ajay is younger than Karan and elder than Sanjay

1. If only statement I is sufficient
2. If both statements I and II are sufficient
3. If only statement II is sufficient
4. If neither statement I nor II is sufficient
5. If either statement I or II is sufficient

D. Six friends Agrima, Barkha, Charu, Dhriti, Elina and Faiza are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre. Who sits exactly in between Charu and Dhriti?

Statement I: Barkha sits second to the left of Dhriti and only one person sits between Charu and Barkha
Statement II: Agrima sits to the immediate right of Barkha and there are two people sitting between Elina and Dhriti

1. If statement I alone is sufficient
2. If both statements I and II are sufficient
3. If both statements I and II together are not sufficient
4. If either statement I or II is sufficient
5. If only statement II is sufficient

E. Seven people are sitting in a straight line viz. Gautam, Palak, Varun, Diya, Krishi, Rudra and Lalit. Who among these is sitting exactly in the centre of the line?

Statement I: Gautam is sitting at one of the ends of the line. Varun is sitting third to the right of Gautam
Statement II: Rudra is sitting third to the left of Palak. Lalit is sitting second from the right end of the line
Statement III: Three people sit between Krishi and Palak. Gautam is sitting at one of the ends of the line

1. Only statement I is sufficient 
2. Only statement II is sufficient
3. Only statement III is sufficient
4. All statements I, II & III are sufficient
5. None of the above

Download this worksheet to practice more questions on GMAT Data Sufficiency-

Data Sufficiency in GMAT Tips and Tricks

While using the data sufficiency questions, you must keep in mind these tips and tricks. Using them will help you save some time while solving complex questions. 

• Avoid using the elimination method 
• Do solve the entire question rather than relying on the preferable option 
• Analyse both statements separately
• Do not forget to cross-check the answer
• The ‘yes/no’ data sufficiency questions in GMAT are comparatively easier, thus, it is advised to attempt them first 

Simplification Questions for GMAT

We hope this blog was helpful in explaining data sufficiency in GMAT. If you want to qualify the GMAT exam to enter your dream B school, get enrolled in Leverage Edu’s interactive online GMAT preparation classes. Our experts will help you earn an edge over the others through some unique tips and tricks. Hurry up register for an online free demo session.