GMAT data sufficiency comprise 15 questions which are two-fifths of the total 31 GMAT quant questions. The GMAT Data Sufficiency questions consist of a problem statement followed by two factual statements. Each GMAT Data Sufficiency problem consists of two statements (1) and (2) and five different sets of GMAT data sufficiency options:

1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.

Data sufficiency assesses candidates’ critical thinking and hypervigilance. An abstract problem-solving question is mainly given and most of the difficulty comes from obtuse or clever wording, candidates usually miss it.

Steps for Answering GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions

Candidates undergoing confusion associated with solving GMAT Data Sufficiency Problems can undertake the following measures demonstrated in the example:
Is x > 10?

(1) x > 9
(2) x > 11

In all data sufficiency questions, the GMAT DS options appear like:

A) (1) is enough, (2) is not
B) (2) is enough, (1) is not
C) You need both statements
D) (1) is enough alone and (2) is enough alone
E) You can’t answer the question

The following steps will help candidates to solve data sufficiency problems:

1. Study the question to know what specifically needs to be solved
2. Find the information you need to solve problem
3. Take the first statement and see if it is enough to solve problem
4. Similarly, take the second statement and notice if the data is enough to solve problem
5. Next, study both the statements and notice if the data is enough to solve the problem

The above diagram helps candidates follow a path while evaluating the data sufficiency questions and choosing the correct answer from the GMAT DS options.