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.
Right triangle ABO is drawn in the xy-plane, with OB as hypotenuse, where O is at the origin and B at (15, 0). What is the area of the triangle?
(1) The x- and y-coordinates of all three points are non-negative integers.
(2) No two sides of the triangle have the same length.
If we modify the original condition, the base is 15, so we only need to know the height. In other words, there is only have one variable and we only require one equation in order to solve the question. The conditions provide us with 2 equations, so there is high chance (D) will be our asnwer.
Looking at condition 1, there is only A(9,12) or A(12,9). (The values which are non-negative integers are 3:4:5=9:12:15) so this is a sufficient condition,
For condition 2, there are too many situations possible, so this is insufficient, and the answer therefore becomes (A).
This type of question is not tested in nowadays GMAT.
For cases where we need 1 more equation, such as original conditions with “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations”, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore, there is 59 % chance that D is the answer, while A or B has 38% chance and C or E has 3% chance. Since D is most likely to be the answer using 1) and 2) separately according to DS definition. Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, C or E.