Keep the statements separate

Last updated: 12 Dec 2007

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)