Target Test Prep Must Knows

The two statements in DS can never contradict each other

The two statements in data sufficiency questions will never contradict each other.

The Black Swan Trap and Data Sufficiency Questions

When using strategic numbers to evaluate statements, consider testing positive integers, positive proper fractions, zero, negative proper fractions, and negative integers. Be systematic and strategic! When testing strategic numbers, use the evidence presented in the problem. For example, if a question states that "X is an integer," we wont test fractional values for x. Similarly, if we know that some unknown value is a negative fraction, we won't test positive integer values.

Data Sufficiency Answer Choices

You must commit to memory the five data sufficiency answer choices. Furthermore, you should consider splitting the answer choices into an A/D block and a B/C/E block.

Triangulating Between Two Statements in Data Sufficiency Problems

Any time neither statement one alone nor statement two alone is sufficient to answer the question, but there is a single (unique) value shared between both statements, then both statements together are sufficient to answer the question.

Be sure to record all of the given question stem information and use it to your advantage.

Be sure to record all of the given question stem information and use it to your advantage.

Rephrase and simplify stems

Be sure to rephrase and simplify information given in the stem and statements and use it to your advantage.

Don't Restate Value Questions as Yes/No Questions or Vice Versa

Do not restate y/n as a value question and don't restate value as y/n.

Yes/No data sufficiency questions

If a statement or statements allow us to conclusively answer yes or conclusively answer no, that statement or statements are sufficient to answer the question.

In D/S, we don't need to PRODUCE and answer, just need to determine whether or not we COULD produce an answer

In data sufficiency questions, we are not being asked to calculate a numerical answer. Instead, we are being asked only whether we could produce a unique answer. Take your analysis only to the point at which you are sure you could or could not answer the question.