GMAT Quantitative: Data Sufficiency Questions

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TopMBA.com looks at the data sufficiency questions in the GMAT Quantitative section.

In the data sufficiency questions, GMAT test-takers will be tested on their ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which information given in the question is relevant, and determine at which point there is sufficient information to solve a mathematical problem.

Questions in the data sufficiency part of the Quantitative section all have a similar layout, with some initial information accompanied by two statements. There are then five multiple choice answers.

Rather than selecting a numerical solution to the questions, participants are instead required to state which of the two statements offer enough data to answer the original question; statement one, statement two, both together, both on their own, or neither.

Multiple choice

As all five of the multiple choice options in the data sufficiency questions are the same, GMAT test-takers can save valuable time by memorizing the answers, and the order they appear in. To become familiar with the data sufficiency multiple choice answers before your GMAT test, you can take a look at TopMBA.com’s free GMAT practice questions.

In contrast to the problem solving questions on the GMAT Quantitative section, diagrams contained in the data sufficiency questions are not to scale, unless specifically stated. Those taking the MBA admissions test should also bear in mind that the diagrams could also be misleading, and so should never base their answer on visual interpretation of diagrams that are not to scale.

One regular mistake that participants of the GMAT make during the data sufficiency questions is to confuse the two statements given in the question, so that, for example they mistakenly believe that one statement is sufficient in answering the question, when in fact both statements are needed. Although this can seem like an obvious mistake to make, once participants are put under the time constraints and pressure of the GMAT, it can be surprisingly easy to make. To avoid this, many successful participants check their answers, reading through the question once again.

Numerical answers

When answering data sufficiency questions that ask for a numerical answer, a useful shortcut to look out for is whether the two statements actually include a final numerical answer. If neither do, then neither statement can be sufficient in answering that question. If only one statement or both statements include a numerical answer, then be sure to work through the question, as the statements could still be incorrect.

Prior to any preparation work, many mistakenly believe the GMAT Quantitative questions are purely problem solving focused. However, both the data sufficiency and problem solving question types require test-takers to respond in very different ways. If participants are aware of this during their GMAT preparation, then the chances of them scoring highly are dramatically improved.

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