Way to go about data sufficiency questions??

Hi nik256,

Here are some general thoughts that can help you.

First and foremost, you do need to be versed in the types of Data Sufficiency questions that can be asked:

1) Value Questions

2) Yes/No Questions

You also need to understand that Data Sufficiency questions do not have to be solved out to the “bitter end.” For instance, take a look at example 10 here: https://gmat.targettestprep.com/gmat-quant-examples

Notice that the goal of the problem is to determine the mean grade for left-handed students. If you look at the solution for statement two, notice that it’s clear that we can determine the value of L well before we actually do. So taking that mentality when solving DS questions should greatly help your accuracy and your timing.

There are definitely certain nuances or traps to be aware of when solving Data Sufficiency questions. One of those traps is the dreaded “C Trap.” In C-trap questions, you’ll be baited into choosing answer choice C because C so clearly and obviously seems to be the correct answer; DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!! For instance, take a look at example 9 here: https://gmat.targettestprep.com/gmat-quant-examples

Upon first glance, choice C seems like a logical answer, right? Yet, if you properly attack the problem, you’ll see that you can determine the value of x using statement one alone.

Once you further develop your general Data Sufficiency skills, whether you correctly solve DS questions will be based more on your topical knowledge than on anything else. For example, if you are given a DS question testing you on “units digits,” such as example 1 here: https://gmat.targettestprep.com/gmat-quant-examples

So, if you are not skilled in working with units digits and do not know that the base of 7 has a units digit of 1 when raised to an exponent that is a multiple of 4, then how can you expect to answer that particular DS question correctly, right? Thus, to improve, you would have to spend time reviewing not Data Sufficiency concepts but concepts related units digits patterns.

In summary, yes, there are some general Data Sufficiency skills that you could use to avoid being trapped or wasting time doing math unnecessarily. At the same time, if you thoroughly master each GMAT quant topic, you should not have any major issues with Data Sufficiency questions.