DATA INSIGHTS SECTION of GMAT FOCUS EDITION
Data Sufficiency Question

Directions:

This data sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements, plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of the word counterclockwise), you must indicate whether:

Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

Question:

What is the monthly rent for a certain apartment?

(1) The monthly rent per person for 4 people to share the rent for the apartment is $375.
(2) The monthly rent per person for 4 people to share the rent of the apartment is $125 less than the monthly rent per person for 3 people to share the rent.

 

(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
(C) BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.

Answer: (D)

 

EXPLANATION:

Imagine yourself in a dimly lit room, facing a daunting GMAT Data Sufficiency question. Your heart races as you read the prompt: «What is the monthly rent for a certain apartment?» You glance at the two statements provided, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. But fear not, for I, Claudio Hurtado (+56 945 517 215) from gmatchile.cl, your trusted GMAT Focus Edition coach, am here to guide you through this challenge and unlock the secrets to mastering Data Insights and Quantitative Reasoning.

Data Sufficiency questions are notorious for their complexity, requiring not only mathematical prowess but also strategic thinking and analytical skills. In this question, you’re presented with two statements and tasked with determining whether each statement alone is sufficient to answer the question, or if both are needed together.

Let’s delve into the statements:

Statement (1) reveals that the monthly rent per person for 4 people to share the apartment is $375. This information gives us a glimpse into the division of rent among the tenants, providing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Statement (2) states that the monthly rent per person for 4 people sharing the apartment is $125 less than the monthly rent per person for 3 people sharing the apartment. This comparison sheds light on the relationship between different scenarios of occupancy, offering valuable insights into the rental costs.

Now, let’s analyse each statement individually:

Statement (1) alone provides us with sufficient information to determine the monthly rent for the apartment. By knowing the rent per person and the number of people sharing the apartment, we can easily calculate the total monthly rent.

x/4 = 375
…

So, Statement (1) alone is sufficient to answer the question.

Statement (2) alone also gives us enough data to find the monthly rent for the apartment. It presents a comparison between different occupancy scenarios, allowing us to deduce the monthly rent for both situations.

x/3 – x/4 =125

12(x/3 – x/4) = 12*125

4x – 3x = 1500

…

Therefore, Statement (2) alone is also sufficient to answer the question.

Since both statements individually provide enough data to answer the question, the correct answer is option (D): EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.

This question exemplifies the importance of meticulously analysing each statement in a Data Sufficiency problem and leveraging your mathematical skills to arrive at the correct answer. With the right approach and guidance, you can confidently tackle any GMAT Quantitative Reasoning challenge that comes your way.

And remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way on your GMAT journey. Together, we’ll conquer the GMAT Focus Edition and achieve your target score!

Claudio Hurtado
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