Data sufficiency is a tricky subset of the math section. These questions ask individuals to determine if two statements provide enough information to answer the question prompt. Individuals do not necessarily need to solve a question to completion, they only need to solve to the point where they know that a solution can be determined.

Many people find data sufficiency to be the most difficult aspect of the quantitative section. This is because the unique question structure makes data sufficiency a trap for careless errors. Fortunately, I’ve developed a strategy to minimize the risk of careless errors.

Data Sufficiency Genera Approach:

1. Determine if the answer is yes/no or numerical
2. Look at statement 1 and determine if sufficient to answer the question
   • Write “yes” if statement is sufficient, “no” if insufficient
3. Look at statement 2 and determine if sufficient to answer the question
   • Write “yes” if statement is sufficient, “no” if insufficient
4. If both statement 1 and statement 2 are insufficient, look at both statements together to determine if both statements in conjunction are sufficient to answer the problem statement.