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On GMAT Data Sufficiency, a statement is sufficient only when it forces a unique, consistent outcome: one value, a definite yes, or a definite no. Consistency removes ambiguity, prevents contradictory cases, and proves the information settles the question. If outcomes vary, the statement is insufficient.
One of the earliest traps in Data Sufficiency is falling for inconsistent answers. A statement is sufficient only when it produces the same result every single time: a unique number, a consistent yes, or a consistent no. If a statement gives both yes and no, or if it allows multiple values, it is insufficient. Many students mistakenly “help” the statement by choosing examples that confirm sufficiency, while ignoring counterexamples that expose insufficiency. The real skill lies in trying to prove insufficiency and seeing if you can still break the statement. If you cannot, then it is truly sufficient. This way of thinking transforms DS from a guessing game into an exercise in discipline and clarity. A comprehensive GMAT prep course will strengthen this mindset, while regular practice with high-quality GMAT practice tests will help you apply it under exam pressure.
A statement in GMAT Data Sufficiency is sufficient only when it produces a single, consistent outcome. If the answer sometimes comes out as yes and sometimes as no, or if multiple values are possible, the statement is not sufficient. The GMAT rewards clarity, not ambiguity.
Question: Is X a multiple of 24?
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.
If X = 12, then X is not a multiple of 24, giving us no. If X = 48, then X is a multiple of 24, giving us yes. Since both 12 and 48 satisfy the condition but lead to different answers, the statement is inconsistent and not sufficient.
If X = 12, the answer is again no. If X = 24, the answer is yes. Both satisfy the condition, but the answers differ. Statement 2 is also not sufficient.
When we combine, X must be a multiple of the LCM of 6 and 4, which is 12. So X could be 12 (giving no) or 24 (giving yes) among many possible values. Because the outcome changes with valid examples, combining does not resolve the inconsistency.
The correct answer choice is E.
Many students mistakenly test only values that give yes, such as 24 or 48, and ignore values like 12 that give no. This creates the illusion of sufficiency. The right approach is to challenge the statement by deliberately seeking counterexamples. If different answers appear, the statement is insufficient.
A Data Sufficiency statement is sufficient only when it leads to a unique and consistent result. If it is yes, it must always be yes. If it is no, it must always be no. If it is a number, it must always be one unique value.
The first trap in Data Sufficiency is inconsistency. Do not accept a statement that sometimes says yes and sometimes says no. Always test critically, try to break the statement, and only accept it as sufficient when it holds firm. This discipline will sharpen your GMAT performance and strengthen the judgment that matters in the MBA admissions process.
