Easy Ways to Solve Data Sufficiency Related Problems

Data Sufficiency is one of those topics which is an integral part of both quantitative aptitude and reasoning ability. Most public exams feature such questions to check a person’s ability to answer questions while keeping the given information in mind. While solving data sufficiency based problems, candidates sitting for exams need to see if the provided information or clue is enough for answering questions and choose the right option accordingly. 

Today, we will tell you some tips and tricks to solve data sufficiency-related problems easily. So, let’s get started! 

What is Data Sufficiency?

Data sufficiency means reaching answers through statements that offer clues to answer given questions effectively. Candidates sitting for exams need to see if the provided information or clue is enough for answering questions and choose the right option accordingly. 

Generally, a question from topics such as ranking, sequence, coding-decoding, puzzle test, blood relations and so on are asked with two or more two given statements. These clues help to arrive at the right answers. Here, the candidate is expected to decide whether the given statements are enough to answer questions or not. 

Types of Data Sufficiency 

Data sufficiency is an integral part of public examinations and is of these types:

• Blood relation – In the blood relation, statements are given based on the relationship between two individuals. Based on these statements, correct solutions are obtained. 
• Floor Puzzle – In the floor puzzle data sufficiency, candidates get the data of people residing on a single or different floor. Based on the data, correct answers need to be identified. 
• Direction and Distance – Direction and distance provide data about an individual’s direction or distance. Statements are given to obtain the correct solution.
• Scheduling – In scheduling data sufficiency, statements related to days, months, and years are provided. Candidates need to acquire answers based on the data given.  
• Order and Ranking – Data on people’s ranking or order is given in order and ranking. Statements are given to obtain the correct solution.
• Coding and Decoding – In coding and decoding, letters or words are coded, and candidates apply logic to obtain the right answer based on the given statements. 
• Sitting arrangement – In the sitting arrangement, data about the arrangement of the people is mentioned. Statements are given to obtain the correct solution.

Easy Ways to Solve Data Sufficiency Related Problems

Although data sufficiency is a critical aspect of logical reasoning, there are some ways to solve data sufficiency-related problems. Here they are – 

• First and foremost, read the questions carefully. Since these questions are lengthy, candidates tend to panic and lose confidence. 
• Do not search for the final answer if it is not asked in the question. 
• Do not make any assumptions while solving data sufficiency related problems. The information provided should only be considered as facts. 
• While going pointwise, try answering questions with the first condition mentioned. As you move further, keep on adding the conditions. 
• Generally, such questions do not need a calculative answer. So, read the question properly before stating answers. 

Topics under logical reasoning 

Here are the types of questions asked in Data Sufficiency section – 

• Permutation and Combination
• Time, Speed & distance
• Ratio and Mixtures
• Number system
• Profit and Loss
• Mensuration
• Geometry
• Percentage
• Probability
• Algebra

Data sufficiency for logical reasoning 

Data sufficiency is a crucial part of logical reasoning. It is important to note that questions related to other reasoning concepts are used for framing questions of data sufficiency. As a result, a candidate needs a strong understanding of this concept and other reasoning topics as well. 

Logical reasoning features aptitude questions that require a logical understanding to arrive at the right answer. Most questions under logical reasoning are concept-based, whereas certain questions come from nowhere. Therefore, a candidate has to be prepared for both. When sitting for government exams, logical reasoning is a major part. Logical reasoning, a type of aptitude test, mainly has two sections:

• Quantitative aptitude 
• Logical reasoning. 

Types of logical reasoning 

Logical reasoning is mainly classified into two major parts:

• Verbal reasoning – Verbal reasoning is understanding the stated concept and finding answers to problems written in words. It tests the candidate’s ability to extract the required information and imply it into a sentence.  
• Non-verbal reasoning – Non-verbal reasoning is understanding the stated concept and finding answers to problems expressed in letters, figures, and numbers. 

How to solve logical reasoning based questions 

Here is the list of steps involved in solving logical reasoning questions:

• Reading and understanding the information carefully. 
• Analysing intricate logical solutions 
• Thinking of all potential solutions 
• Comparing all answers obtained from all possibilities. 
• Reaching the right logical conclusion. 

Conclusion 

For candidates appearing for competitive exams, the concept of data sufficiency is exceptionally important for them as it is easy to solve and score. Data sufficiency means reaching answers through statements that offer clues to answer given questions effectively. These clues help to arrive at the right answers. 

Here, the candidate is expected to decide whether the given statements are enough to answer questions or not. Mainly there are 7 types of data sufficiency which we discussed today. We hope it has helped you better understand the Easy Ways to Solve Data Sufficiency Related Problems.