CHAPTER 17

Data Sufficiency Strategy

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to: 

• Describe the format of a Data Sufficiency question
• State the steps of the Kaplan Method for Data Sufficiency questions
• Explain how to solve a Data Sufficiency question by determining whether calculations could be performed, without performing the calculations

Below is a typical Data Sufficiency question. In this chapter, we’ll look at how to apply the Kaplan Method to this question, discuss how to tackle this question type, and go over the basic principles and strategies that you want to keep in mind on every Data Sufficiency question.

1. Is the product of x, y, and z equal to 1?
   1. x + y + z = 3
   2. x, y, and z are each greater than 0.
   1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (2) is not sufficient.
   2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (1) 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.

Before you move on, take a minute to think about what you see in this question and answer some questions about how you think it works:

• How is the structure of this question different from that of a typical math question?
• What mathematical concepts are tested in this question?
• How can you use the answer choices to your advantage?
• What GMAT Core Competencies are most essential to success on this question?