previous year papers of IBPS PO<\/a> to gather some basic idea about these questions.<\/p>\nData sufficiency questions for IBPS PO:<\/h2>\n
Data sufficiency questions for IBPS PO check a candidate\u2019s ability to make sense of the data given. Unlike conventional questions, these questions test one\u2019s ability to think.<\/p>\n
Let us have a look at some Data sufficiency questions for IBPS PO to get the hang of these questions.<\/p>\n
Choose A as answer if statement A alone is sufficient to answer the question.
\nChoose B as answer if statement B alone is sufficient to answer the question.
\nIf both the statements A and B are required to answer the question, choose C as the answer.
\nChoose D as answer if both the statements A and B together are insufficient to answer the question.<\/p>\n
Have a distinction between data given in question and statements:<\/h3>\n
1) Ravi invests some amount in a bank. What is the rate of interest \u2018r\u2019 if the bank compounds the principal annually?
\nA)The principal doubles in a period of 3 years.
\nB)Ravi invests Rs. 20,000.<\/p>\n
According to the first statement, p(1+r)^3 = 2p => (1+r)^3 = 2
\nFrom this equation, \u2018r\u2019 can be determined. Statement A alone is sufficient to answer.<\/p>\n
From statement B, 20000(1+r)^n = Amount. Since there are 3 unknowns, the equation cannot be solved. Statement B is insufficient to answer the question.<\/p>\n
A is the right answer.
\nOne of the common mistakes that students make is that they carry data from statement A while solving using statement B unconsciously. Hence, aspirants must be clear with the data the question provides and the data the statements provide.<\/p>\n
Avoid superfluous data:<\/h3>\n
2)What is the %age change in the area of the rectangle?
\nA)The length was initially twice the breadth. Initial length = 7.7m. The length was increased to thrice the breadth.
\nB)The length was initially equal to 8m. It increases to thrice the value of breadth of the rectangle.<\/p>\n
From statement A, l = 2b => Area = 2b^2
\nFinally, l = 3b => Area = 3b^2
\nWe can calculate the percentage change in the area using these data.
\nStatement A alone is sufficient to answer the question.<\/p>\n
One of the mistakes that aspirants make is that they feel they have to use all the data given in the question. As it turns out, l = 7.7m is not at all needed to answer the question. Beware of superfluous and redundant data.<\/p>\n
From statement B, l = 8m. Area = 8b.
\nFinal length = 3b. => Final area = 3b^2.
\nStatement B is insufficient to answer the question.<\/p>\n
A is the right answer.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t jump to conclusions:<\/h3>\n
3)What is the value of angle C, provided ABC is a triangle.
\nA)Angles A, B, and C are in arithmetic progression. Angle C is the largest angle in the triangle.
\nB)If AB is made the diameter of a circle, angle C will be the angle subtended by AB on the circumference.<\/p>\n
From A, A, B,and C are in arithmetic progression. => a-d+a+a+d =180
\n3a = 180 => a =60 degrees.<\/p>\n
This is the point at which most aspirants falter. On seeing a = 60 degrees and the word A.P, they conclude that ABC must be a 30-60-90 triangle and angle C must be 90 degrees since it is the largest angle.
\nHowever, we only know that a = 60 degrees. The other 2 angles are 60-d and 60+d. \u2018d\u2019 can be any value.
\nHence, statement A is insufficient to answer the question.<\/p>\n
Statement B states that had AB been the diameter, C would be the angle subtended by it on the circumference. We know that angle subtended by diameter on circumference = 90 degrees. Hence, statement B alone is sufficient to answer the question.<\/p>\n