Data Sufficiency Flashcards
(113 cards)
What are the two strategies for eliminating answer choices for data sufficiency problems?
If you are starting with statement (1), then write down the following grid and work from top to bottom, left to right.
AD
BCE
If you are starting with statement (2), then write down the following grid and work from top to bottom, left to right.
BD
ACE
What are the possible answer choices for data sufficiency problems?
12TEN
A. (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
B. (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
C. Together or Combined sufficient
D. Either statement ALONE is sufficient
E. Neither statement is sufficient
What are the steps to solving a data sufficiency problem?
(1) Separate additional info from the actual question
(2) Determine whether the question is Value or Yes/No
- Value: the question asks for the value of an unknown (e.g. what is x?)
a. Statement is sufficient when it provides one possible value
b. Statement is not sufficient when it provides more than one possible value
- Yes/No: the question that is asked has two possible answers, yes or no (e.g. is x even?)
a. Statement is sufficient when it provides a definite Yes or definite No
b. Statement is not sufficient when the answer could be Yes or No
(3) Decide exactly what the question is asking
(4) Use the grid to evaluate the statements
What is the three step method for Yes/No data sufficiency questions?
(1) C. Criteria. Generate your criteria from statement 1, statement 2, and both clues together; be sure to always include the criteria from the question stem
(2) L. List. Possible values that meet the criteria. Go through the integers in order, starting at 0 if possible. Try to list 5 values.* If you cannot find 5 values that meet the criteria, try to list at least 2
(3) A. Answer. Mark each value in your list with a “Yes” or a “No”. If all of the values in your list yield the same answer, then the statement is sufficient. If, on the other hand, the values in your list yield different answers – some a “Yes” and some a “No” – then the clue is not sufficient
- Two exceptions to the rule: NPZ and FIZ
- Note: It is recommended to list five values; however, if it gets to the point where it is difficult to list five values, then try to list at least two and see what happens
What are the two exceptions to the three step method for Yes/No data sufficiency questions?
(1) NPZ: Questions that ask positive vs. negative. Try to list three values: negative, positive, zero
(2) FIZ: Questions that ask integer vs. fraction. Try to list three values: fraction, integer, zero
*NOTE: If you are only able to list one value for NPZ or FIZ, then we have a definitive “Yes” or “No”
When should you use the three step method for Yes/No data sufficiency questions?
Useful for yes/no questions that focus or hinge on ONE variable
Examples:
- Is integer x prime? (Regular)
- Is x < 0? (NPZ)
- Is the value of x between 0 and 1? (FIZ)
- Is x an integer? (FIZ)
What are the benefits of the three step method for Yes/No data sufficiency questions?
(1) Rock-solid approach for yes/no questions that hinge on a single variable
(2) Uses real numbers and thus eliminates abstraction
*CAVEAT: the testing method is NOT always the most efficient method; there might be more mathematically efficient methods; but the testing method is an extremely useful “FALL-BACK” strategy when you do not “see” a more efficient method?
If S is the infinite sequence S(1) = 9, S(2) = 99, S(3) = 999…S(k) = 10^k – 1, is every term in S divisible by the prime number p?
(1) p is greater than 2
(2) At least one term in sequence S is divisible by p
OG10, Lab # 2, Q 135. Answer E. The question does not require rephrasing. Apply the three step method for Yes/No testing (Regular question).
(1) INSUFFICIENT. We get a yes and no to two of our chosen values
Criteria: p = prime, p > 2
Values: 3, 5, 7, 11, 13
Answer: Y N
(2) INSUFFICIENT. We get a yes and no to two of our chosen values
Criteria: p = prime, at least one term is divisible by p
Values: 3, 11
Answer: Y, N
(C) INSUFFICIENT. We get a yes and no to two of our chosen values
Criteria: p = prime, p > 2, at least one term is divisible by p
Values: 3, 11
Answer: Y, N
Is x an integer?
(1) x/2 is an integer
(2) 2x is an integer
OG10, Lab # 2, Q 167. Answer A. The question does not require rephrasing. Apply the three step method for Yes/No testing (FIZ question).
(1) SUFFICIENT. We are not able to list a fraction, but we get two yes answers to integer and zero.
Criteria: x/2 = int
Values: 0, 2
Answer: Y, Y
(2) INSUFFICIENT. We get a yes and no to two of our chosen values
Criteria: 2x = int
Values: 1/2, 0, 1
Answer: N, Y
Is x^2 greater than x?
(1) x^2 is greater than 1
(2) x is greater than -1
OG10, Lab # 2, Q 183. Answer A. The question does not require rephrasing. Apply the three step method for Yes/No testing (Regular question).
(1) SUFFICIENT. We get yes answers for all five values.
Criteria: x^2 > 1
Values: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Answer: Y, Y, Y, Y, Y
(2) INSUFFICIENT. We get both yes and no for some of the values
Criteria: x > -1
Values: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
Answer: N, N, Y
Is k > 0?
(1) 1/k > 0
(2) k^2 > 0
OG10, Lab # 2, Q 202. Answer A. The question does not require rephrasing. Apply the three step method for Yes/No testing (NPZ question).
(1) SUFFICIENT. We are only able to list one value for k, which says that it is greater than zero
Criteria: -10 < k < 10, 1/k >0
Values: 1
Answers: Y
(2) INSUFFICIENT. We are unable to list zero but get both yes and no for the other values
Criteria: -10 < k < 10, k^2 > 0
Values: -1, 1
Answers: N, Y
Is x between 0 and 1?
(1) x^2 is less than x
(2) x^3 is positive
OG10, Lab # 2, Q 206. Answer A. The question does not require rephrasing. Apply the three step method for Yes/No testing (FIZ question).
(1) SUFFICIENT. We are unable to list other possible integer or zero values for x
Criteria: x^2 < x
Values: 1/2
Answer: Y
(2) INSUFFICIENT. We are unable to list zero as a value, but we get yes and no for the other values
Criteria: x^3 > 0
Values: 1/2, 1
Answer: Y, N
If x is a positive integer, is Sqrt(x) an integer?
(1) Sqrt(4x) is an integer
(2) Sqrt(3x) is not an integer
OG10, Lab # 2, Q 222. Answer A. The question does not require rephrasing. Apply the three step method for Yes/No testing (Regular question).
(1) SUFFICIENT. We get all yes answers to our five values
Criteria: x > 0, x = integer, Sqrt(4x) = integer
Values: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25
Answer: Y, Y, Y, Y, Y
(2) INSUFFICIENT. We get both yes and no for some of our chosen values
Criteria: x > 0, x = integer, Sqrt(3x) is not an integer
Values: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Answer: Y, N
If 2xy + z = 9, what is the value of the positive integer z?
(1) xyz – z^2 = 0
(2) x + y – 3z = -5
CAT 1, Q 3. Answer A. Linear Equations. Since the question asks for the value of the positive integer z, it is a good idea to isolate z in the given equation. Rearranging (2xy + z = 9) yields (z = 9 – 2xy), so one rephrase of this question is “what is the value of xy?
(1) SUFFICIENT: This statement can be manipulated by factoring the variable z.
z(xy – z) = 0
This equation indicates that either z or the expression (xy – z) must equal zero. Given that z is a positive integer, it follows that:
xy – z = 0
xy = z
Note that this partially answers both the original question and the rephrased question; we know that z = 9 – 2xy, and that z = xy. By substituting z for xy in the original equation, we can solve for z:
2xy + z = 9
3z = 9
z = 3
(2) INSUFFICIENT: This equation cannot be manipulated or combined with the original equation to solve for any of the variables.
When the positive integer x is divided by 4, is the remainder equal to 3?
(1) When x is divided by 2, the remainder is 1.
(2) x is divisible by 3.
CAT 1, Q 6. Answer E. Divisibility & Primes.
(1) INSUFFICIENT: statement tells us that x is odd integer. Test 9/4 and remainder is 1
(2) INSUFFICIENT: statement tells us that x could be 3, 6, 9, 12…Tests 9/4 and remainder is 1
(1) and (2) INSUFFICIENT: x is an odd integer and multiple of 3. Test 9/4 and remainder is 1
Refer to picture (CAT 1, Q 7). Quadrilateral ABCD is a rhombus and points C, D, and E are on the same line. Is quadrilateral ABDE a rhombus?
(1) The measure of angle BCD is 60 degrees.
(2) AE is parallel to BD.
CAT 1, Q 7. Answer C. Polygons. (1) INSUFFICIENT: Draw segment BD. Since BC = CD (because ABCD is a rhombus), Triangle BCD is an isosceles triangle. Since angle BCD = 60, the remaining angles in the triangle must also equal 60 degrees and Triangle BCD is actually an equilateral triangle. Since BD must also be equal to AB and AD, Triangle ABD is also an equilateral triangle and all of its angles measure 60 degrees. Since CD is parallel to AB and DE is an extension of line CD, we know that DE is also parallel to AB. Using AD as a transversal, we know the measure of angle ADE = 60. However, we know nothing about angles DAE or AED and with only one pair of opposite sides parallel we cannot conclude that quadrilateral ABDE is a rhombus.
(2) INSUFFICIENT: Knowing that AE is parallel to BD allows us to conclude that alternate interior angles DAE and ADB are congruent. For the same reasons stated above, we know that DE is parallel to AB, and with two pairs of opposite sides parallel we know we have a parallelogram. But we have no further evidence that quadrilateral ABDE is a rhombus.
(1) and (2) SUFFICIENT: drawing segment BD creates three equilateral triangles. Already know that Quadrilateral ABDE is parallelogram, and since all sides are congruent, it is a rhombus
When the positive number a is rounded to the nearest tenth, the result is the number b. What is the tenths digit of a?
(1) When a is rounded to the nearest integer, the result is less than a.
(2) When b is rounded to the nearest integer, the result is greater than b.
CAT 1, Q 10. Answer C. Digits & Decimals.
(1) INSUFFICIENT. a must be rounded down to the nearest integer. Thus, the tenths digit could be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. Because there are five possibilities for the tenths digit, there is no conclusion
(2) INSUFFICIENT. b must be rounded up to nearest integer. Thus, the tenths digit could be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Recall that the problem asks about a, not b; therefore, we need to figure out which possible values for a will then round to one of the tenths digits 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Lowest such value of a is xx.45 and highest such value of a is xx.9499. Thus, the tenths digit of a could be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Because there are six possibilities for the tenths digit, there is no conclusion
(1) and (2) SUFFICIENT. The only common value between the two statements is 4. Thus, taking both statements together guarantees the tenths digit of a is 4.
What is the remainder when 25 is divided by positive integer j?
(1) j is even.
(2) j < 9
CAT 1, Q 13. Answer C. Divisibility & Primes.
(1) INSUFFICIENT. j could be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10…Test 25/10 (remainder 5) and 25/2 (remainder 1). Cannot conclude what the exact remainder is.
(2) INSUFFICIENT. j could be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Test 25/9 (remainder 7) and 25/2 (remainder 1). Cannot conclude what the exact remainder is.
(1) and (2) SUFFICIENT. J could be 2, 4, 6, 8. Test all values and remainder is always 1
Is x > 0?
(1) x^2 > 0
(2) x + 2 > 0
CAT 1, Q 14. Answer E. Inequalities.
(1) INSUFFICIENT. This tells us that x^2 is positive. If you square a positive number, you get a positive result. If you square a negative number, you also get a positive result. Therefore, we cannot tell from this information whether x is positive or negative
(2) INSUFFICIENT. This tells us that x + 2 > 0. If we subtract 2 from both sides, we get the following inequality: x > -2. According to this inequality, x could be positive (in which case it would definitely be greater than -2) or negative (x could be -1, for example).
(1) and (2). INSUFFICIENT. Both statements tell us that x could be positive or negative
A scientist is studying bacteria whose cell population doubles at constant intervals, at which times each cell in the population divides simultaneously. Four hours from now, immediately after the population doubles, the scientist will destroy the entire sample. How many cells will the population contain when the bacteria is destroyed?
(1) The population just divided and, since the population divided two hours ago, the population has quadrupled, increasing by 3,750 cells.
(2) The population will double to 40,000 cells with one hour remaining until the scientist destroys the sample.
CAT 1, Q 19. Answer A. Algebraic Translations. We need two additional pieces of information: (i) how frequently does the population double? (ii) what is the population size at any given time after it has doubled?
Let T = Now
(1) SUFFICIENT Pop(T) – Pop(T-2) = 3,750 Pop(T) = 4Pop(T-2) 4Pop(T-2) – Pop(T-2) = 3,750 Pop(T-2) = 1,250 (doubles six times between T-2 and T+4) Pop(T) = 5,000
Pop(T+4) = (2^6)(1,250) = 80,000
(2) INSUFFICIENT. this statement does not provide any information about how frequently the population is doubling
Is x a multiple of 4?
(1) x + 2 is divisible by 2
(2) 6 is a factor of 3x
CAT 1, Q 20. Answer E. Divisibility & Primes.
(1) INSUFFICIENT. if x + 2 is divisible by 2, then x itself must be divisible by 2, but not necessarily 4 (RULE: for x + y to be divisible by y, x itself must be divisible by y. x could be 2 (2 + 2 = 4, which is divisible by 2) and x could be 4 (4 + 2 = 6, which is divisible by 2). 4 is a multiple of 4 but 2 is not.
(2) INSUFFICIENT. x must be divisible by 2 because of the prime factorization of 6, but this does not guarantee that x is divisible by 2. For example, x = 2 results in 6, which is divisible by 6 but x is not a multiple of 4.
(1) and (2) INSUFFICIENT. Both statements combined lead to the same conclusion. x is even but not necessarily divisible by 4
Triangle BCD is inscribed in a circle. Angle BCD = x and angle BDC = y. If CD is the diameter of the circle, does x equal 30?
(1) The length of CD is twice the length of BD.
(2) y = 60
CAT 1, Q 22. Answer D. Triangles & Diagonals. Given CD = diameter, we know that angle CBD must be a right angle and CD is the hypotenuse
(1) SUFFICIENT. CD = 2BD means the ratio of BD to CD is 1:2. RULE: the side ratios of a 30-60-90 triangle are 1:1Sqrt(3):2. We can conclude that the triangle is a 30-60-90 triangle. Since BD is the short leg, the opposite angle (x) must be 30 degrees
(2) SUFFICIENT. Given that y = 60 degrees and that angle CBD is 90 degrees, we can conclude that x = 30 degrees
What is x?
(1) x2 + 3x + 2 = 0
(2) x < 0
CAT 1, Q 24. Answer E. Quadratic Equations.
(1) INSUFFICIENT. (x + 2)(x + 1) = 0. Thus, x equals either -2 OR -1. We do not have enough information to determine one specific value of x
(2) INSUFFICIENT. This statement says that x is negative, but we do not know the specific value
(1) and (2) INSUFFICIENT. do not provide enough information together to determine a specific value
Refer to picture (CAT 1, Q 28). Triangle ABC is inscribed inside a circle where, and line segment AB has length 18, what is the area of triangle ABC?
(1) Angle ABC measures 30 degrees
(2) The circumference of the circle is 18pi
CAT 1, Q 28. Answer C. Circles & Cylinders. Strategy is to prove that the triangle is a right triangle.
(1) INSUFFICIENT. Statement only tells us that angle ABC is 30 degrees, with no other information about the other angles. There is not enough information to determine the lengths of AC and BC
(2) INSUFFICIENT. C = 18pi. This statement tells us that AB = 18 = diameter. However, point C is still free to move around the circumference of the circle, giving different areas for the triangle.
(1) and (2). SUFFICIENT. With one side (AB) equal to the diameter, we know that angle ACB is 90. Statement (1) tells us that angle ABC is 30 degrees. Thus, we can conclude that angle BAC is 60. The triangle is a 30:60:90 triangle, and its sides have the ratio 1:1Sqrt(3):2.
Area = (1/2)(9)(9Sqrt(3)) = (81/2)Sqrt(3)