Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
For nonnegative integers x and y, what is the remainder when x is divided by y?
(1) x/y = 13.8
(2) The numbers x and y have a combined total of less than 5 digits
There are 2 variables (x,y) and 2 equations, so there is high chance that (C) will be our answer.
Looking at the conditions together, we will substitute in values directly, as it is the fastest way to solve remainder problems. From x=yQ+r(Q=integer, 0<=r<y), x/y=(yQ+r)/y=Q+(r/y)=13+0.8
r/y=0.8에서 r=0.8y
r is an integer, so y=5,10,15... . Then we can see that (x,y,r)=(69,5,4),(138,10,8),(207,15,12)...
But the only set of values that suits conditions 2 is (x,y,r)=(69,5,4). The conditions give a unique value, so they are sufficient and the answer becomes (C).
Normally for cases where we need 2 more equations, such as original conditions with 2 variable, or 3 variables and 1 equation, or 4 variables and 2 equations, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore C has a high chance of being the answer, which is why we attempt to solve the question using 1) and 2) together. Here, there is 70% chance that C is the answer, while E has 25% chance. These two are the key questions. In case of common mistake type 3,4, the answer may be from A, B or D but there is only 5% chance. Since C is most likely to be the answer according to DS definition, we solve the question assuming C would be our answer hence using ) and 2) together. (It saves us time). Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, D or E.