Unravel the GMAT Integrated Reasoning

The GMAT Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the GMAT evaluates your ability to analyze and synthesize data from various sources and formats.

It comprises four question types: Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Two-Part Analysis. Mastering these question types is crucial for a strong performance. Let’s delve into each, providing strategies and sample questions to enhance your skills.

Table of content

 

• Table Analysis
• Graphical Interpretation
• Multi-source Reasoning
• Two-part Analysis
• More Questions on GMAT Integrated Reasoning

 

1. Table Analysis

In Table Analysis questions, you’re presented with a sortable table containing data. Your task is to interpret this data to answer multiple statements with “Yes” or “No,” or “True” or “False.”

Strategy:

• Understand the Table Structure: Identify the variables and units presented.
• Sort the Data: Utilize the table’s sortable feature to organize data effectively, aiding in comparison and analysis.
• Focus on Specific Data Points: Direct your attention to the relevant rows and columns pertinent to the question.

Sample Question:

Consider a table displaying the annual sales figures (in millions) for five companies over four years.

Company	2018	2019	2020	2021
A	50	55	60	65
B	40	42	45	47
C	70	68	72	75
D	30	35	33	36
E	60	62	65	70

Statement: Company C’s sales decreased from 2018 to 2019.

Analysis:

• Company C’s sales in 2018: 70 million.
• Company C’s sales in 2019: 68 million.

Since 68 million is less than 70 million, the statement is True.

2. Graphics Interpretation

GMAT Integrated Reasoning Graphics Interpretation questions involve analyzing graphical data, such as charts or graphs, to complete statements accurately.

Strategy:

• Interpret the Axes and Legends: Understand what each axis and legend represents to grasp the data’s context.
• Identify Trends and Patterns: Look for overall trends, peaks, troughs, and anomalies in the data.
• Use Estimation: Approximate values when exact numbers aren’t necessary, saving time.

Sample Question:

Refer to a bar chart illustrating the monthly revenue (in thousands) of a retail store from January to June.

 

Statement: The month with the highest revenue is ________, and the revenue was approximately ________ thousand dollars.

Analysis:

• Identify the tallest bar, indicating the highest revenue.
• Assume the tallest bar corresponds to May, with a height near the 80 mark.

Thus, the statement completes as: “The month with the highest revenue is May, and the revenue was approximately 80 thousand dollars.”

3. Multi-Source Reasoning

GMAT Integrated Reasoning Multi-Source Reasoning questions provide multiple tabs of information, including text, charts, and tables. You’ll answer questions that may require synthesizing data from one or more tabs.

Strategy:

• Review All Sources: Skim through all tabs to understand the available information.
• Cross-Reference Data: Determine which sources are relevant to each question and integrate information accordingly.
• Manage Time Efficiently: Avoid spending too much time on any single source; focus on what’s necessary for the question.

Sample Question:

You have two tabs:

• Tab 1: A memo stating that implementing a new software system increased productivity by 15%.
• Tab 2: A table showing quarterly productivity percentages before and after the software implementation.

Question: Based on the information, did productivity increase by exactly 15% after the software implementation?

Analysis:

• Tab 1 claims a 15% increase.
• Tab 2’s data should be examined to verify this claim.
• If Tab 2 shows an increase from, say, 60% to 75%, that’s a 15 percentage point increase, but the percentage increase is (75-60)/60 * 100% = 25%.

Therefore, the claim in Tab 1 doesn’t align with Tab 2’s data, indicating a discrepancy.

4. Two-Part Analysis

GMAT Integrated Reasoning Two-Part Analysis questions require solving problems with two components, often involving quantitative and verbal reasoning.

Strategy:

• Understand the Relationship: Determine how the two parts are connected; solving one may depend on the other.
• Use Process of Elimination: Eliminate answer choices that don’t satisfy both parts of the question.
• Check Consistency: Ensure that your answers to both parts are logically consistent with each other.

Sample Question:

A company sells two products: Product X and Product Y. In a particular month, the total revenue was $10,000. Product X sells for $100 per unit, and Product Y sells for $200 per unit.

Question:

• How many units of Product X were sold?
• How many units of Product Y were sold?

Analysis:

• Let the number of units sold for Product X be $x$ and for Product Y be $y$.
• The total revenue equation is: $100x+200y=10,000$.

 

More examples of GMAT Integrated Reasoning

 

1. Table Analysis

 

Sample Question:

A table presents data on five companies, detailing their annual revenues (in millions) and the number of employees.

Company	Revenue (in millions)	Number of Employees
A	150	500
B	200	800
C	120	400
D	180	600
E	220	900

Statement: Company D has the highest revenue per employee among the listed companies.

Solution:

To determine revenue per employee, divide each company’s revenue by its number of employees:

• Company A: 150 / 500 = 0.30 million per employee
• Company B: 200 / 800 = 0.25 million per employee
• Company C: 120 / 400 = 0.30 million per employee
• Company D: 180 / 600 = 0.30 million per employee
• Company E: 220 / 900 ≈ 0.244 million per employee

Companies A, C, and D each have a revenue per employee of 0.30 million, which is higher than that of Companies B and E. Therefore, the statement is False; Company D does not have the highest revenue per employee.

2. Graphics Interpretation

 

Sample Question:

A line graph displays the monthly sales figures (in thousands) for two products, X and Y, over six months.

Statement: In the fourth month, Product X’s sales were double those of Product Y.

Solution:

Examine the line graph to identify the sales figures for both products in the fourth month.

• Assume Product X’s sales: 40,000 units
• Assume Product Y’s sales: 20,000 units

Since 40,000 is double 20,000, the statement is True.

3. Multi-Source Reasoning

Sample Question:

You have two tabs:

• Tab 1: An email stating that implementing a new marketing strategy increased sales by 20%.
• Tab 2: A report showing monthly sales figures before and after the strategy implementation.

Question: Does the data in Tab 2 support the claim made in Tab 1?

Solution:

Review Tab 2’s sales figures:

• Average monthly sales before implementation: $50,000
• Average monthly sales after implementation: $60,000

Calculate the percentage increase:

((60,000 – 50,000) / 50,000) * 100% = 20%

The data in Tab 2 shows a 20% increase in sales, supporting the claim in Tab 1. Therefore, the answer is Yes.

4. Two-Part Analysis

 

Sample Question:

A company produces two products, A and B. Product A costs $30 per unit to produce and sells for $50 per unit. Product B costs $20 per unit to produce and sells for $35 per unit. In a month, the company sold a total of 500 units, comprising both products, and achieved a total profit of $12,000.

Questions:

• How many units of Product A were sold?
• How many units of Product B were sold?

Solution:

Let:

• $x$ = number of units of Product A sold
• $y$ = number of units of Product B sold

We have two equations:

1. Total units sold: $x+y=500$
2. Total profit: $(50-30)x+(35-20)y=12,000$

Simplify the profit equation:

$20x+15y=12,000$

Divide by 5:

$4x+3y=2,400$

Solve the system of equations:

From the first equation:

$y=500-x$

Substitute into the second equation:

$4x+3(500-x)=2,400$

$4x+1,500-3x=2,400$

$x=900$

Since $x=900$ exceeds the total units sold, re-evaluate the equations for calculation errors. Correcting the approach:

From the first equation:

$y=500-x$

Substitute into the second equation:

$4x+3(500-x)=2,400$

$4x+1,500-3x=2,400$

$x=900$

Since $x=900$ is not feasible, re-check the initial problem constraints for consistency.

These sample questions illustrate the types of challenges you’ll encounter in the Integrated Reasoning

 

To learn more about GMAT Integrated Reasoning, click here