0. Intro to the Quantitative Section

Question 1

You must commit to memory the five data sufficiency answer choices. Furthermore, you should consider splitting the answer choices into an A/D block and B/C/E block.

Answer 1

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.

B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.

C. Both Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked; but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.

D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question.

E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Question 2

If a statement or statements allow us to conclusively answer yes or conclusively answer no…then…

Answer 2

that statement or statements are sufficient to answer the question.

Question 3

It’s important to not restate value questions as yes/no questions, and it’s important to not restate yes/no questions as value questions.

Answer 3

n/a

Question 4

Be sure to record all of the information given in the stem and use it to your advantage

Answer 4

n/a

Question 5

Attempt to rephrase and simplify information given in the stem and statements and use it to your advantage

Answer 5

n/a

Question 6

In data sufficiency questions, we are not being asked to calculate a numerical answer. Instead, we are being asked only whether we could produce a unique answer. Take your analysis only to the point at which you are sure you could or could not answer the question.

Answer 6

n/a

Question 7

Any time neither statement one alone nor statement two alone is sufficient to answer the question, but there is a single (unique) value shared between both statements, then…

Answer 7

both statements together are sufficient to answer the question.

Question 8

When using strategic numbers to evaluate statements, consider testing….

Answer 8

positive integers (1,2,3…) , positive proper fractions (1/2) , zero (0) , negative proper fractions (-1/2) , and negative integers (-1,-2,-3). Be systematic and strategic!

Question 9

When testing strategic numbers, use the evidence presented in the problem. For example…

Answer 9

…if a question states that “x is an integer,” we won’t test fractional values for x. Similarly, if we know that some unknown value is a negative fraction, we won’t test positive integer values.

Question 10

Will the two statements presented in a data sufficiency question ever contradict each other?

Answer 10

No, they never will.