Graphs – Tables and Multi-Source Reasoning

Now, let's turn our attention to the remaining three question types tested in
the DI section, along with the approaches and strategies to effectively solve
them.

Graphs and Tables:

3. Graphical Interpretation (GI):
a. Structure of GI:

Graphical Interpretation question is mostly will have text followed by a blank

which has a drop-down menu with options. There could be two possibilities.

1. One Statement and two blanks OR

2. Two Statement one blank each

Remember you need to solve both the blanks correctly to get the merit of
that question.

Before solving it, one should open the options of drop-down menu and then
solve it. It avoids unnecessary calculations of the objects which are in the
graph but not in the options.

There will be three parts in a GI question. All parts will be presented at once
in the order shown above.

1
● Graph (Multiple Graphs, Graph and a table etc.).
● Details about the Graphs in the text format.
● Either one statement with two blanks or two statements with one blank
each (each dropdown will have minimum 2 to max 6 answer choices).

For example,

As you see above, you will be given a graph (multiple graphs) followed by a
paragraph about the actual the graph and then here there are 2 statements
with one blank each. Remember, you have to get both the blanks correct to
get credit for this question type.

b. Graphs tested in GI:

Graphs can be broadly divided into two types.

(i). Qualitative Graphs:

● Venn – Diagram
● Network Diagram
● Tree Diagram
● Flowchart

(ii). Quantitative Graphs:

2
 ● Pie Chart
● Bar Chart (Grouped, Stacked)
● Histogram
● Line Chart
● Scatter Plots (Bubble Chart)
● Normal Graph

c. Approach and Strategy to solve GI:

To solve the GI question effectively

a. Briefly analyse the graph/graphs and do not note down every detail you see
in a graph. You can back to the graph after reading the question for any
particular details. If there is more than one graph (table) look for a linking
factor between the two graphs.

b. Read the text accompanying the graph (Sometime important details could
be mentioned there). Pay attention to how the graph is labelled.

c. Estimate! You need not read the precise value on the graph if the value is
between two ranges. If you see words like ‘nearest to’ or ‘closest to’ then that
is a clear invitation to estimate.

Let’s solve a question to understand this better!

Question:

In Country X, a building is in Category A if it has a roof height of at least 350

meters. In the graph, each of the 22 Category A buildings is represented by

3
two points arranged vertically: one representing the comparison of the
height of the building's roof to the number of floors (red circles), the other
representing the comparison of the height of the building's roof to the mean
height per floor (black squares). Based on the given information, use the drop
down menus to most accurately complete the following statements about
Category A buildings in Country X.

The building with the greatest mean height per floor has a roof height
between _________ metres.

Select
350 and 370
430 and 450
470 and 490
490 and 510

There is a ___________ correlation between the number of floors and the mean
height per floor.

Select
Strong
positive
Negligible
Strong
negative

Explanation:

Step 1: Brief Analyses of the Graph.

Identifying the units in the graph is very important. In this case, the graph
includes two dots--one red, one black--for each of several buildings. Each
building has a height between 350 and 510 meters. That measurement is the
x-axis.

Step 2: Read the text accompanying the graph.

There are two y-axes. On the left, we have "number of floors," and each
building has a red dot that reflects the number of floors given the building's

4
height. For instance, the red dot is the far lower left tells us that a building
roughly 355 meters high has approximately 53 floors.

The black dots reflect the "mean height per floor," which is the y-axis on the
right. The black dot that refers to that same ~355-meter-high building is near
the top of the graph, indicating that that building's mean height per floor is
just above 6.5 meters.

The intro says there are 22 buildings. Thus, the graph contains 22 black dots
and 22 red dots--one of each for each building.

Step 3: Estimate

First Blank asks you to identify the building with the greatest mean height
per floor. Mean height per floor is the black dot, and the highest black dot is
near the upper left corner of the graph, corresponding with a roof height of
about 365 meters. Thus, the height of this building is between 350 and 370
meters. This a lot easier☺

Second Blank refers to a concept that you may not be familiar with:
correlation.

There are three choices: strong negative, negligible, and strong positive.

If a correlation is positive, it means that when one attribute is high, the other
is generally high, and vice versa.

When a correlation is negative, if one attribute is high, the other is low, and
vice versa.

A negligible correlation refers to situations where there is no consistent

relationship between the two attributes.

When the points on a scatter plot lies more or less in a straight line that is
called correlation.

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When it's a straight line with a positive slope, that's positive correlation, and
when it's a negative slope, that's negative correlation

In this example, the correlation is strong negative. For most of the buildings
with roof heights of 410 and above, the red dots and high and the black dots
are low. For two of the shortest buildings, the black dots and high and the red
dots are low. There are a few instances where both are in the middle, but in
general, one attribute is high and the other is low.

So the answer would be strongly negative.

d. Time Limit for GI:

GI questions exhibit a degree of unpredictability. Some graphs are

straightforward and can be deciphered in less than 90 seconds, while others,
with intricate details, might demand more time for comprehension.

In the event of encountering a particularly complex graph during the exam,

assess the overall time situation and consider bookmarking it. This strategic
move allows you to return to it later, potentially towards the end of the
section when you can allocate more focused time to unravel its intricacies.
This flexibility ensures a balanced and efficient approach to GI questions.

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4. Table Analysis (TA):
a. Structure of TA:

A table containing data will be provided. You will have access to a sorting
function where you can arrange the given data (in ascending or descending
order) and select the relevant data to analyze and solve for the questions.

Generally Table analysis questions are data heavy, so one should have a quick
look at the tables and have a clear on the picture about the data provided in
the columns and rows.

The good thing about the table analysis is that you are allowed you to sort the
columns and questions will be of the bi-polar type.

Your screen will be divided into two halves vertically (or horizontally). LHS
(Top half) will contain the data and RHS (Bottom half) will have the question
(three statements of bi-polar type).

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In LHS(Top Half) In RHS(Bottom Half)

1. Table details in text 1. Question Text

2. Option for Sorting (dropdown) for 2. Three statements( Yes/No,
you to select the column to be True/False, Supported/ Not
sorted. Supported etc)
3. Table

For example,

LHS of the Screen:

The table lists data on the 22 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater on the

Richter Scale during a recent year. Times are given in hours, minutes, and
seconds on the 24-hour Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) clock and correspond to
standard time at Greenwich, United Kingdom (UK). Latitude, measured in
degrees, is 0 at the equator, increases from 0 to 90 proceeding northward to
the North Pole, and decreases from 0 to -90 proceeding southward to the
South Pole. Longitude, also measured in degrees, is 0 at Greenwich, UK,
increases from 0 to 180 from west to east in the Eastern Hemisphere, and
decreases from 0 to -180 from east to west in the Western Hemisphere.

Sort By:

Date Time Magnitu Depth Latitud Longitu

(month/day) (GMT) de (km) e de
1/03 22:36:28 7.1 25 -8.799 157.346
01/12 21:53:10 7.0 13 18.443 -72.571
02/26 20:31:27 7.0 25 25.93 128.425
02/27 06:34:12 8.8 23 -36.122 -72.898
04/04 22:40:43 7.2 4 32.297 -115.278
04/06 22:15:02 7.8 31 2.383 97.048
05/09 05:59:42 7.2 38 3.748 96.018
05/27 17:14:47 7.1 31 -13.698 166.643
06/12 19:26:50 7.5 35 7.881 91.936
06/16 03:16:28 7.0 18 -2.174 136.543
07/18 13:34:59 7.3 35 -5.931 150.59
07/23 22:08:11 7.3 607 6.718 123.409

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 07/23 22:51:12 7.6 586 6.486 123.467
07/23 23:15:10 7.4 641 6.776 123.259
08/04 22:01:44 7.0 44 -5.746 150.765
08/10 05:23:45 7.3 25 -17.541 168.069
08/12 11:54:16 7.1 207 -1.266 -77.306
09/03 16:35:48 7.0 12 -43.522 171.83
09/29 17:11:26 7.0 26 -4.963 133.76
10/25 14:42:22 7.8 20 -3.487 100.082
12/21 17:19:41 7.4 14 26.901 143.698
12/25 13:16:37 7.3 16 -19.702 167.947

RHS of the Screen:

As you see above, you will be given a text about the table (multiple graphs)
followed by the sorting option in the LHS and finally the table. In the RHS a
question text, followed by 3 statements (bi-polar).

Remember, you have to get all three statements correct to get credit for this
question type.

b. Concepts Tested in TA:

Questions here may pertain to any concept learnt in your Quant section or it
could simple logical reasoning question.

c. Approach and Strategy to solve TA:

Since there is a sorting option allowed you need to be smartly using that
feature to save in solving certain questions.

To solve the TA questions effectively, follow the SSS Approach.

(i) Scan - Figure out what kind of information is in each row and column.
Understand the nature of numbers in each column. Do not confuse columns
which contain a mix of absolute quantities and percentages.

9
(ii) Sort - Pay close attention to the column labels and sort if needed to solve
the question.

(iii) Solve – Use the estimation and Ball-parking skills to solve quicker. GMAT
expects you to estimate rather doing the exact calculations.

Let’s use the approach to solve the following question.

Question:

LHS of the Screen:

The table lists data on the 22 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater on the

Richter scale during a recent year. Times are given in hours, minutes, and
seconds on the 24-hour Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) clock and correspond to
standard time at Greenwich, United Kingdom (UK). Latitude, measured in
degrees, is 0 at the equator, increases from 0 to 90 proceeding northward to
the North Pole, and decreases from 0 to -90 proceeding southward to the
South Pole. Longitude, also measured in degrees, is 0 at Greenwich, UK,
increases from 0 to 180 from west to east in the Eastern Hemisphere, and
decreases from 0 to -180 from east to west in the Western Hemisphere.

10
Sort By:

Date Time Magnitu Depth Latitud Longitu

(month/day) (GMT) de (km) e de
1/03 22:36:28 7.1 25 -8.799 157.346
01/12 21:53:10 7.0 13 18.443 -72.571
02/26 20:31:27 7.0 25 25.93 128.425
02/27 06:34:12 8.8 23 -36.122 -72.898
04/04 22:40:43 7.2 4 32.297 -115.278
04/06 22:15:02 7.8 31 2.383 97.048
05/09 05:59:42 7.2 38 3.748 96.018
05/27 17:14:47 7.1 31 -13.698 166.643
06/12 19:26:50 7.5 35 7.881 91.936
06/16 03:16:28 7.0 18 -2.174 136.543
07/18 13:34:59 7.3 35 -5.931 150.59
07/23 22:08:11 7.3 607 6.718 123.409
07/23 22:51:12 7.6 586 6.486 123.467
07/23 23:15:10 7.4 641 6.776 123.259
08/04 22:01:44 7.0 44 -5.746 150.765
08/10 05:23:45 7.3 25 -17.541 168.069
08/12 11:54:16 7.1 207 -1.266 -77.306
09/03 16:35:48 7.0 12 -43.522 171.83
09/29 17:11:26 7.0 26 -4.963 133.76
10/25 14:42:22 7.8 20 -3.487 100.082
12/21 17:19:41 7.4 14 26.901 143.698
12/25 13:16:37 7.3 16 -19.702 167.947

RHS of the Screen:

For each of the following statements, select “Yes” if the statement is true
based on the information provided, otherwise select “No”.

Yes No
For the 22 earthquakes, the arithmetic mean of the
O O
depths is greater than the median of the depths
More than half of the 22 earthquakes occurred north of
O O
the equator
Exactly half of the earthquakes listed occurred between
O O
10: 00: 00 and 20: 00:00 GMT

Explanation:

Let’s use the SSS approach to solve this question.

11
Scan: From the table we can understand the information is about the 22
earthquakes.

Sort: The columns are Date (MM/DD), Time (GMT), Magnitude, Depth (Km),
Latitude and Longitude. After reading the question, we can come back and
sort it if necessary.

Solve:

The first statement is whether,

“For the 22 earthquakes; the arithmetic mean of the depths is greater than
the median of the depths.” In simple terms: Is Mean > Median?

The statement asks us to compare mean and median. Our natural instinct will
be to first calculate the mean and then the median.

But let’s find out median first, because it’s easier (Remember you can sort the
column here).

Since the statement is about the depths, let’s sort the table by depth column.

12
Sorted By: Depth

Date Time Magnitu Depth Latitud Longitu

(month/day) (GMT) de (km) e de
04/04 22:40:43 7.2 4 32.297 -115.278
09/03 16:35:48 7.0 12 -43.522 171.83
01/12 21:53:10 7.0 13 18.443 -72.571
12/21 17:19:41 7.4 14 26.901 143.698
12/25 13:16:37 7.3 16 -19.702 167.947
06/16 03:16:28 7.0 18 -2.174 136.543
10/25 14:42:22 7.8 20 -3.487 100.082
02/27 06:34:12 8.8 23 -36.122 -72.898
1/03 22:36:28 7.1 25 -8.799 157.346
02/26 20:31:27 7.0 25 25.93 128.425
08/10 05:23:45 7.3 25 -17.541 168.069
09/29 17:11:26 7.0 26 -4.963 133.76
04/06 22:15:02 7.8 31 2.383 97.048
05/27 17:14:47 7.1 31 -13.698 166.643
06/12 19:26:50 7.5 35 7.881 91.936
07/18 13:34:59 7.3 35 -5.931 150.59
05/09 05:59:42 7.2 38 3.748 96.018
08/04 22:01:44 7.0 44 -5.746 150.765
08/12 11:54:16 7.1 207 -1.266 -77.306
07/23 22:51:12 7.6 586 6.486 123.467
07/23 22:08:11 7.3 607 6.718 123.409
07/23 23:15:10 7.4 641 6.776 123.259

Median is the value of the middle-most cell of depth column, when data
points are arranged in ascending order.

In this dataset, there are 22 elements. So middle most value = mean of 11th
and 12th values.

From the table we can see that, 11th and 12th positions are 25 and 26
respectively.

Hence the median is 25.5.

Now let’s find the mean, you got to be smart don’t do any unnecessary
calculations.

13
Don’t find mean by the standard approach (Sum of all terms/ number of
terms), be smart here, knowing a small rule would help here,

Fundamental principle – In a series of all positive numbers, mean of the series

is always greater than the sum of limited data divided by total # of data
points in the set

When we glance at the dataset, we find that the last value 641 is
disproportionately high.

This implies that mean of the all depths must be greater than 641/22.

This equals to 641/22 ~ 29.136 km. Now, 29km is already greater than the
median depth (25.5 km), so the actual mean of the depths must be greater
than the median of the depths. So we could arrive at the answer without
actually calculating the exact mean of the list.

So answer would be “Yes”.

Next two statements are much simpler.

Second statement, given location is north of the equator provided that its
latitude is positive. So you can sort the latitude column here (See the table
below).

You can see that only 10 of the 22 earthquakes listed occurred at positive
latitude, so fewer than half of the earthquakes occurred north of the equator.
So the answer would be “No”.

Third statement, to determine the number of earthquakes occurring

between 10:00:00 and 20:00:00 GMT, you can sort the column on Time (GMT)
and then count (refer the table below). The 9 earthquakes appearing in
positions 5 through 13 of the sorted list meet the criterion, but 9 out 22 is less
than half. So the answer is “No”.

14
Sorted By: Latitude

Sorted By: Time (GMT)

15
d. Time Limit for TA:

While TA questions may involve multiple rows and columns, the presence of a
sorting option simplifies the process. However, it's crucial to use this option
judiciously—apply it when necessary rather than for every statement.

Typically, TA questions include three statements to evaluate. Two of these

statements are generally straightforward, while one might pose a bit of a
challenge. Effective planning is essential. Considering you'll encounter a
maximum of 2 or 3 TA questions, aim to complete each one within 2 minutes,
allocating your time wisely.

This strategic approach ensures efficient handling of TA questions within the

allotted time frame.

5. Multi Source Reasoning (MSR):

a. Structure of MSR:

This IR question type is similar to Reading Comprehension. You will have to

make sense out of multiple sources of text, such as an email exchange
between two people, traffic signals of different cities etc., and then answer
the questions that follow based on the multiple sources of data.

16
In LHS(Top Half) In RHS(Bottom Half)

Multiple Tabs(2 or 3) 1. Question Text

Tab 1 | Tab 2 | Tab 3 2. Three statements (Yes/No) or MCQ

question type with 5 answer choices.
Data in text or Visual Format

As illustrated above you will have two or three tabs on the left side of your
screen. Each tab shows a written passage, a table, a graph, or another form of
information. The different tabs may show information in different forms. You
click on the tabs to see what’s on them and find what you need to answer the
questions.

You will a question with answer choices on the right side of your screen. With
each set of tabs, three questions appear one at a time. Some questions are
traditional multiple choice, with five answer choices. Others are “conditional
statement” questions. Each question gives a condition. Below that are three
rows with content such as sentences, phrases, words, numbers, or formulas.
For each row, mark “yes” or “true” if the row’s contents meet the given
condition, and “no” or “false” otherwise.

You have to mark one answer PER ROW for each statement. You must mark
all three rows correctly to get credit for the question.

17
For example,

As you see above, you will be given multiple tabs (Article and Weekend
Conferences) in the LHS. In the RHS a question text, followed by 3 statements
(bi-polar). Remember, you have to get all three statements correct to get
credit for this question.

b. Concept Tested in MSR:

For solving a MSR question, one should be comfortable solving all other
question types tested in Quant, Verbal and DI sections of the GMAT.

c. Approach and Strategy to solve the MSR question:

Since this question type is data heavy, one should strategically plan to crack
it.
To solve it effectively, one should follow the MPS approach.

(i) Map - Create a summary or a map for the information in every tab. When
you get a detail question, follow your map back to the relevant tab.

18
Always try to figure out two things

a. Where the pieces of information are located

b. How information given on one card influences or plays into information
given on other cards

(ii) Pick – Pick which tab(s) to use to solve that particular question based on
the map which you created.

(iii) Solve - Be careful to answer exactly what is asked. Verify the answer to
each question with concrete information on the cards.

Let’s consider this OG MSR question.

Question:

LHS of the Screen:

Tab 1 | Article:

The expenses related to sponsoring a conference can be immense. An

organization sponsoring a conference can recoup these expenses through
registration fees and partnership with the host hotel. As part of the
partnership, the host hotel sets aside a block of rooms for conference
attendees, with rooms available at a slightly higher-than-normal rate.

While most conference attendees prefer to stay in the host hotel, they often
follow an alternate strategy to avoid the extra cost of reserving a room within
the block at the host hotel. Some attendees reserve rooms outside the host
hotel -- the ROHH strategy. Others reserve rooms outside the block -- the
ROB strategy.

Conference sponsors have succeeded in countering these strategies by

increasing the conference registration fee by a fixed amount and then
offering an equivalent registration fee discount to attendees who book rooms
in the block. A study has shown that if this registration discount is equal to at

19
least half the potential savings of an attendee's particular cost-saving
strategy, the attendee is much more likely to reserve a room within the block.

Tab 2 | Weekend Conferences:

Ten conferences are scheduled for the same weekend in City X. For each
conference, the table lists the conference sponsor, the registration fee, the
discounted registration fee (if any), the host hotel, the rate for rooms in the
block at the host hotel, and the lowest rate for an available room in the host
hotel during that same weekend. Conference attendees will require two
nights lodging, and all room rates are per guest, per night, assuming two
guests per room. The lowest rate for an available room in City X on this same
weekend is $65.

Sponso Registratio Discounte Host Bloc Lowest

r n d Hotel k Rate
Fee registratio Rate for
n Waterfront
AMG $225 $150 Garden $120 $65
Inn
CC $720 $620 Hilton $110 $70
CDA $450 $400 Asiawest $190 $185
Center
FFNA $325 $275 Hilton $140 $70
HMHPA $600 $575 Holiday Inn $104 $79
PPOA $550 $400 Hilton $105 $70
PNDA $425 $400 Bard Inn $125 $125
QRTA $325 no Asiawest $195 $185
discount Center
RCD $995 $895 Asiawest $195 $185
Center
WWLO $475 no Perry $155 $155
P discount Pavilion

RHS of the Screen:

Question 1:

For each of the following sponsors, select Yes if an attendee of the sponsor's
conference would spend less money by employing the ROB strategy—paying

20
the lowest possible room rate in the host hotel and paying the
non-discounted registration fee—than by reserving a room in the block.
Otherwise, select No.

Yes No
O O CC
O O FFNA
HMHP
O O
A

Explanation:

Let’s use the MPS Approach to solve this question.

Step 1 – Map:

Start by taking good amount of time to understand the information in the

tabs. There are two tabs here, one says “Article” and other says “Weekend
Conferences”.

The first passage, "Article," explains that hotel rooms at conference hotels can
be more expensive than the typical rates for those rooms.

It then describes two strategies conference-goers can use: staying elsewhere

(ROHH) and staying at the hotel but not booking through the conference
(ROB). Finally, we learn that conferences offer discounts to those who stay
within the block of allotted rooms, and that "if the discount is equal to at least
half" of the savings of staying elsewhere, the conference-goer will stay within
the block at the host hotel.

And there's more, in the "Weekend Conferences" tab. This is Multi-Source

reasoning at its best: plenty more information, both in written and table form.
There is important data in the passage: "attendees will require two nights
lodging." In other words, if an attendee saves $50 per night by staying
elsewhere, that's $100 over two nights.

21
Before attacking the questions, take a brief look at the table, as well. The
leftmost column lists conferences, while the next two columns list the
registration fee and the registration fee if the attendee stays within the
allotted block of rooms. The next columns name the host hotel, the rate
within the block, and the rate outside of the block. The passage gives us
another point of comparison, that the cheapest room for the ROHH strategy
is $65--lower than almost all of the prices in the table.

You can take a good 2 minutes to understand the tabs before getting into the
actual questions.

Question 1:

For each of the following sponsors, select Yes if an attendee of the sponsor's
conference would spend less money by employing the ROB strategy—paying
the lowest possible room rate in the host hotel and paying the
non-discounted registration fee—than by reserving a room in the block.
Otherwise, select No.

Yes No
O O CC
O O FFNA
HMHP
O O
A

Here the question asks for three conferences, whether staying outside the
block at the host hotel (the ROB strategy) is cheaper than staying in the block
(and getting the registration discount).

Also remember that one has to get all three correct to get the credit of the
question.

To determine that, consider the savings from each strategy.

For CC, the savings from the registration discount is $100. The savings from
using the ROB strategy is $80 ($40 per night, paying $70 instead of $110).

22
Thus, first one is NO, staying in the block is cheaper than employing the ROB
strategy.

For FFNA, the registration discount is $50. The savings from ROB is $140 ($70
per night). This is YES, since staying outside the block is less expensive.

For HMHPA, the registration discount is $25. The savings from ROB is $50 ($25
per night). This again will be YES, since staying outside the block is less
expensive.

So answer would be NO, YES and YES.

Remember you could have about 3 questions for one MSR data!

For example, in this MSR the data in the LHS of the screen about Article and
weekend conferences remains constant and only the question changes in
the RHS of the screen.

RHS of the Screen:

Question 2:

Let X denote the block rate of the host hotel for a particular conference, and
let Y denote the lowest room rate available in the host hotel outside of the
conference block. For a conference that requires a two-night hotel stay,
which one of the following expressions represents the least amount of
discount on the conference registration fee that, according to the article,
would be sufficient to deter conference attendees from employing the ROB
strategy in choosing accommodations?

𝑋+𝑌
A. 2

𝑋−𝑌
B. 2

C. X-Y
D. X+Y
E. 2(X-Y)

23
Explanation:

Recall from the article (tab 1) that if the registration discount is at least half of
the possible savings of the ROB or ROHH strategies, attendees will stay
within the block. Since X is the block rate and Y is the non-block rate, the
savings per night from staying outside the block is X - Y. The savings for
staying two nights outside the block is double that: 2(X-Y).

But the registration discount only needs to be half that. Divide by two, and
the result is (X - Y), choice (C).

d. Time Limit for MSR:

It's crucial to note that Multiple Source Reasoning (MSR) question types can
be time-consuming. Allocating approximately 7–8 minutes, including the
time to comprehend the information in the tab, is a prudent strategy. Utilize
the bookmarking option wisely, as it allows you to revisit and modify answers
up to three times.

With this, we've covered the discussion on all the distinct question types
tested in the GMAT DI section. The examples provided, using official
questions, aim to illustrate effective approaches for each question type.

I trust you find this article beneficial as you prepare for the GMAT. Best of luck
in your preparations!

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