Practice GMAT Data Sufficiency Question

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a, b, c, and d are integers; abcd≠0; what is the value of cd?
  1. c/b = 2/d
  2. b3a4c = 27a4c
Correct Answer: C
  1. Evaluate Statement (1) alone.
    1. Cross-multiply:
      c/b = 2/d
      cd = 2b
    2. Since b could be any integer, the value of cd cannot be definitively determined. For example, if b = 2, then cd = 4. However, if b = 3, then cd = 6.
    3. Since we cannot determine the value of cd, Statement (1) is NOT SUFFICIENT.
  2. Evaluate Statement (2) alone.
    1. Simplify by dividing common terms:
      b3a4c = 27a4c
      b3 = 27; (divided by a4c)
      b = 3
    2. By knowing that b = 3, there is no information about the value of cd. (Do not make the mistake of importing the information from Statement (1) into your evaluation of Statement (2)).
    3. Since we cannot determine the value of cd, Statement (2) is NOT SUFFICIENT.
  3. Evaluate Statements (1) and (2) together.
    1. Combining Statements (1) and (2), you know that b = 3 and cd = 2b.
    2. By plugging b = 3 into cd=2b, you know that cd = 2(3) = 6. Combining Statements (1) and (2), you can find a definitive value of cd.
  4. Statements (1) and (2), when taken together, are SUFFICIENT. Answer C is correct.

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