Deciphering GMAT Data Sufficiency: Unveiling the Puzzle

GMAT Data Sufficiency questions, nestled within the Data Insights section, pose intriguing puzzles that test your ability to determine if provided information is adequate to answer a specific question. In this blog, we offer GMAT Data Sufficiency questions along with their answers to aid your understanding of these distinctive challenges.

GMAT Data Sufficiency Practice Questions:

Question1.

A manufacturing company conducted a study to determine the impact of various factors on employee productivity. The table below shows the measured parameters and their corresponding values for two departments: Department A and Department B.

Based on the given information, which department has a higher employee productivity?

1. A) Department A
2. B) Department B
3. C) Both departments have the same employee productivity
4. D) It cannot be determined based on the given information

Explanation:

To determine employee productivity, we need to consider the measured parameters and their impact. In this case, we can compare the average work hours per week and the training hours per employee as indicators of productivity.

For Department A, the average work hours per week is 40, while for Department B, it is 45. This implies that employees in Department B work longer hours on average, which could potentially contribute to higher productivity.

However, we also need to consider the training hours per employee. In Department A, employees receive 20 hours of training, while in Department B, employees receive only 10 hours of training. Training can enhance skills and knowledge, leading to improved productivity.

Since both departments have different factors that could impact productivity, such as work hours and training, it is not possible to determine which department has higher employee productivity based solely on the given information.

The correct answer is D) It cannot be determined based on the given information.

Question 2.

The table below displays the average monthly sales (in thousands of dollars) for three different products in four consecutive months:

Based on the given information, which product had the highest percentage increase in sales from Month 1 to Month 4?

1. a) Product A
2. b) Product B
3. c) Product C
4. d) The information is insufficient to determine

Correct Answer: c) Product C

Explanation: To calculate the percentage increase in sales, we need to find the difference between the sales in Month 4 and Month 1, divide it by the sales in Month 1, and then multiply by 100.

For Product A:

Percentage increase = [(80 – 50) / 50] * 100 = 60%

For Product B:

Percentage increase = [(60 – 30) / 30] * 100 = 100%

For Product C:

Percentage increase = [(50 – 20) / 20] * 100 = 150%

Therefore, Product C had the highest percentage increase in sales from Month 1 to Month 4.

Question 3.

The table below displays the average monthly sales (in thousands of dollars) for three different products in four consecutive months:

Based on the given information, which product had the highest average monthly sales over the four months?

1. a) Product A
2. b) Product B
3. c) Product C
4. d) The information is insufficient to determine

Correct Answer: b) Product B

Explanation: To find the average monthly sales, we need to sum the sales for each product over the four months and divide by four.

Average monthly sales for Product A: (50 + 60 + 70 + 80) / 4 = 65

Average monthly sales for Product B: (30 + 40 + 50 + 60) / 4 = 45

Average monthly sales for Product C: (20 + 30 + 40 + 50) / 4 = 35

Therefore, Product B had the highest average monthly sales over the four months.

Question 4.

The table below displays the average monthly sales (in thousands of dollars) for three different products in four consecutive months:

Based on the given information, which product had the highest total sales over the four months?

1. a) Product A
2. b) Product B
3. c) Product C
4. d) The information is insufficient to determine

Correct Answer: a) Product A

Explanation: To find the total sales over the four months, we need to sum the sales for each product.

Total sales for Product A: 50 + 60 + 70 + 80 = 260

Total sales for Product B: 30 + 40 + 50 + 60 = 180

Total sales for Product C: 20 + 30 + 40 + 50 = 140

Therefore, Product A had the highest total sales over the four months.

Tips for Mastering GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions:

Avoid Complex Calculations:

Heavy math is unnecessary. Make informed judgments using provided data.

Minimize reliance on calculators to streamline your approach.

Systematic Approach:

Develop a structured strategy.

Evaluate each statement (1) and (2) independently before combining them.

Ensure a logical progression in your decision-making process.

Critical Thinking:

Stay vigilant for tricky GMAT tactics and potential pitfalls.

Resist being easily deceived by carefully assessing each statement.

Practice:

Regular practice enhances pattern recognition and fosters quick decision-making.

Familiarize yourself with the common types of Data Sufficiency scenarios.

Time Management:

Data Sufficiency questions can be time-consuming.

Avoid lingering on a single question; if it proves challenging, move forward and return later if time permits.

Conclusion:

Initiate your journey through GMAT Data Insights by grasping the core of each question and understanding its demands. Scrutinize each statement independently, considering provided data and any constraints. Determine if each statement alone yields a complete answer. If not, assess the synergy of combining statements to unveil a clear solution. Mastering these strategies will empower you to conquer the unique challenges presented by GMAT Data Sufficiency questions. Start your GMAT preparation journey with Unacademy.