GMAT DS: Combine the Two Statements Only When Each Fails

Quick Summary

On GMAT’s data sufficiency, answer choice C states that both statements together are sufficient while neither alone is. Thus, in DS, combine only after each fails to give a unique, consistent answer. Test statement 1, test statement 2 alone. Then, combine only if each failed.

Overview

One of the most common traps in Data Sufficiency questions is the tendency to combine the two statements even when it is not required. Many students assume that both statements must work together to yield an answer, but that is far from true. The GMAT tests not just your quantitative reasoning, but also your ability to isolate information and evaluate it independently. The rule is simple: always test each statement separately before you even think of combining them. If one statement alone gives a clear “yes” or a clear “no,” that statement is sufficient. Remember, “no” is as much an answer as “yes.” Combining statements prematurely often leads to incorrect conclusions and wasted time. This clarity comes with careful practice. Going through targeted GMAT preparation and regularly working on simulated GMAT practice tests helps you train your mind to avoid such traps.

GMAT DS: Combine the Two Statements Only When Each Fails

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The Trap of Unnecessary Combination

In Data Sufficiency questions, one of the most frequent errors is combining statements unnecessarily. The GMAT is designed to check whether you can evaluate each piece of information on its own, without being influenced by the other.

An Explanatory Example

Question: Is X a multiple of 12?

• Statement (1): Two factors of X are 5 and 7.
• Statement (2): X is a product of odd integers.

A: Statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not.

B: Statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not.

C: Both statements together are sufficient, but neither alone is sufficient.

D: Each statement alone is sufficient.

E: Even both statements together are not sufficient.

Examining Statement (1) alone:

This only tells us that X has 5 and 7 as factors. Other factors may or may not be present, including 12. This creates a “maybe” situation, which is insufficient.

Examining Statement (2) alone:

This guarantees that X must be odd. Since 12 is even, an odd X cannot be a multiple of 12. This gives a definite “no,” which makes the statement sufficient.

The correct answer choice is B.

The mistake many students make is carrying the information from Statement 1 into Statement 2, and concluding that X must equal 35. This is incorrect because the question only requires sufficiency, not the exact value of X.

The Learning

The key is discipline. Always give each statement its independent chance. Only when both fail – when both lead to insufficiency – should you combine them. Keeping this approach in mind while practicing with GMAT practice tests will help you avoid one of the most common traps on test day.

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