GMAT Data Insights: Multi-Source Reasoning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An MSR set includes a chart (Tab 1), a memo (Tab 2), and a data table (Tab 3). A question requires data from the chart and the table only. The memo is:
- Always required anyway
- A potential distractor for this question (Correct answer)
- Proof the answer is no
- The only relevant source
Correct answer: A potential distractor for this question
Not every tab is needed for every question; unused sources often serve as distractors.
Question 2: A memo says 'Region A sales must be at least 15% higher than Region B to expand.' Tab 2 shows A=$230k, B=$200k. Should they expand?
- No, A is only 10% higher
- Yes, A is exactly 15% higher, meeting the 'at least 15%' threshold (Correct answer)
- No, A is lower than B
- Cannot determine
Correct answer: Yes, A is exactly 15% higher, meeting the 'at least 15%' threshold
230k is exactly 15% above 200k, which satisfies the 'at least 15%' requirement.
Question 3: In MSR, a 'two-part analysis' style question may ask you to select one option per column. The two columns are:
- Always identical
- Often interdependent conditions you evaluate together (Correct answer)
- Unrelated to the sources
- Both scored separately for partial credit
Correct answer: Often interdependent conditions you evaluate together
Two-part items typically require finding values or conditions that jointly satisfy the constraints.
Question 4: A table lists monthly revenue; a question asks for the quarter-over-quarter growth. You should:
- Use one month only
- Sum each quarter's months, then compute the percentage change (Correct answer)
- Average all twelve months
- Use the highest month
Correct answer: Sum each quarter's months, then compute the percentage change
Quarterly figures require aggregating the relevant months before computing growth.
Question 5: An MSR source contradicts a figure stated in the question stem. The reliable basis for answering is:
- The question stem always
- The provided source data unless the stem defines a new scenario (Correct answer)
- Neither
- Whichever number is larger
Correct answer: The provided source data unless the stem defines a new scenario
Source tabs are authoritative unless the question explicitly introduces a hypothetical that overrides them.
Question 6: Why does MSR emphasize reading comprehension as much as quantitative skill?
- Because all data is verbal
- Because conditions and rules are often embedded in prose that must be applied to numbers (Correct answer)
- Because no math is allowed
- Because tabs contain only essays
Correct answer: Because conditions and rules are often embedded in prose that must be applied to numbers
MSR blends verbal rules with quantitative data, requiring careful reading to apply constraints correctly.
Question 7: A question asks which of three suppliers meets all criteria listed across two tabs. The best method is:
- Pick the cheapest
- Check each supplier against every criterion, eliminating those that fail one (Correct answer)
- Choose the first listed
- Average the criteria
Correct answer: Check each supplier against every criterion, eliminating those that fail one
Systematic elimination against all criteria ensures only fully-qualifying options remain.
GMAT Data Insights: Multi-Source Reasoning 3
An MSR set includes a chart (Tab 1), a memo (Tab 2), and a data table (Tab 3).
A question requires data from the chart and the table only.
The memo is: