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Difficulty: MediumValue vs. Yes/No Data Sufficiency Decision Logic

In a GMAT Data Sufficiency 'Yes/No' question asking whether a real variable x>0x > 0, a statement that establishes definitively that x<0x < 0 is considered INSUFFICIENT because it yields a negative answer to the question stem.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. In a GMAT 'Yes/No' Data Sufficiency question, any statement that yields a definitive 'No' answer is sufficient.
The statement is false because GMAT Data Sufficiency decision logic defines sufficiency as achieving an unambiguous binary answer. Obtaining a conclusive 'No' settles the question entirely, rendering the statement sufficient rather than insufficient.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the logical structure of the question stem.
The target question is a 'Yes/No' Data Sufficiency question asking whether x>0x > 0.
Understanding whether a question seeks a specific value or a binary condition determines the sufficiency rule.
2
Apply the standard GMAT Data Sufficiency rule for 'Yes/No' questions.
A statement is sufficient if and only if it leads to a consistent 'Yes' in all permissible cases or a consistent 'No' in all permissible cases.
Sufficiency means certainty of outcome, not necessarily an affirmative outcome.
3
Evaluate the outcome of a statement proving x<0x < 0.
Since x<0x < 0 guarantees that xx is never greater than 0, the answer to 'Is x>0x > 0?' is an absolute 'No'.
A guaranteed 'No' provides complete information and solves the question, making the statement sufficient.

Key Concept

Yes/No Data Sufficiency Decision Rule (Definitive No is Sufficient)
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Topics

Value vs. Yes/No Data Sufficiency Decision Logic

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