GMAT Data Sufficiency Solutions
Sample 1 – Full Explanations

This page provides detailed solutions and explanations for the GMAT Data Sufficiency questions in Sample 1. Each solution explains why statements are sufficient or insufficient, following official GMAT logic.

Solution to Question 1

Let \(L\) be the length and \(W\) the width of the rectangle. The perimeter \(P\) is given by:

\[ P = 2L + 2W = 120 \]

This equation has two unknowns and cannot be solved without additional information. Statement (2) gives \(W = 20\), allowing us to find \(L\).

Both statements are required. Answer: C

Solution to Question 2

To determine \(x\), the values of \(t\), \(z\), and \(w\) are needed.

From statement (2):

\[ z = 2w + 1 \Rightarrow -5 = 2w + 1 \Rightarrow w = -3 \]

From statement (1):

\[ y = 2t - 1 \Rightarrow 3 = 2t - 1 \Rightarrow t = 2 \]

Both statements are necessary to determine \(x\).

Answer: C

Solution to Question 3

The area of a right triangle is:

\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2}(\text{leg}_1)(\text{leg}_2) \]

Since the triangle is isosceles, both legs are equal. Statement (1) alone gives the leg length, so the area can be found.

Using statement (2), let each leg be \(x\). By the Pythagorean theorem:

\[ x^2 + x^2 = (10\sqrt{2})^2 \]

This allows computation of the area as well.

Answer: D

Solution to Question 4

Statement (1) implies \(x = y\) or \(x = -y\), which is insufficient. Statement (2) implies \(x\) and \(y\) have the same sign.

Together, the statements imply \(x = y\).

Answer: C

Solution to Question 5

Let \(x\), \(y\), and \(z\) represent the numbers of Mathematics, Biology, and Geography books. We seek:

\[ x + y + z \]

Given:

\[ z = x + 150 \]

From statement (1):

\[ \frac{x}{y} = \frac{5}{7} \]

From statement (2):

\[ \frac{y}{z} = \frac{7}{8} \]

All three equations together allow determination of the total.

Answer: C

Solution to Question 6

From statement (1):

\[ (x + y)^2 = 16 \Rightarrow x^2 + y^2 + 2xy = 16 \]

Statement (2) gives:

\[ xy = 2 \]

Substituting allows computation of \(x^2 + y^2\).

Answer: C

Solution to Question 7

There are two unknowns and two linear equations. Both statements are required to solve for \(x\).

Answer: C

Solution to Question 8

The type of quadrilateral is not specified. Area and one side length are insufficient to determine the perimeter.

Answer: E

Solution to Question 9

Since \(m\) and \(n\) are positive:

\[ m + n = 14 \]

And since \(m < n\):

\[ n - m = 2 \]

Multiplying:

\[ (m + n)(n - m) = n^2 - m^2 = 28 \]

Thus, \(m^2 - n^2\) is determined only when both statements are used.

Answer: C

Solution to Question 10

Statement (1):

\[ S = 4\pi r^2 \Rightarrow r \text{ can be found} \]

Statement (2) directly gives \(r = 10\). In both cases, the volume:

\[ V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 \]

can be calculated.

Answer: D

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