Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, Algebra, and Data Sufficiency
Quantitative Reasoning on the Executive Assessment covers arithmetic (ratios, percents, averages, rates), algebra (linear equations, inequalities, quadratics), and data sufficiency-deciding whether given statements provide enough information to answer a question, without necessarily solving it. Fluency with number properties, ratios and proportions, and weighted averages pays off repeatedly. Data sufficiency is a logic puzzle: you evaluate each statement independently, then together, and never assume facts not stated.
Traps to expect
- Sufficiency vs. solvability: a statement can be sufficient even if it yields two symmetric values (e.g., x = ±3) when the question asks for x².
- Assuming integer or positive when the problem doesn't say so-test fractions, zero, and negatives.
- Carrying statement (1) into statement (2)-evaluate each alone.
- Percent change on a changing base (successive discounts don't add).
- Weighted-average shortcuts: the combined mean is pulled toward the larger group.
Rule of thumb
For data sufficiency, memorize the answer grid: (A) 1 alone, (B) 2 alone, (C) together but neither alone, (D) each alone, (E) not enough. Test each statement with extreme and boundary values before committing.
Worked example. Question: What is x? (1) x² = 9. (2) x > 0. Statement (1) alone gives x = 3 or −3-insufficient. Statement (2) alone is insufficient. Together, x = 3-sufficient. Answer: C. But if the question asked for x², statement (1) alone would suffice (answer A).