Multi-Source Reasoning
This topic covers information from multiple tabs, text, tables, graphics, discrepancies, source relevance, inferences, and cross-source decisions.
How to study for the GMAT
Build every answer around the exact decision: problem setup, argument gap, passage support, data source, sufficiency, table filter, graph label, or linked two-part condition.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Multi-Source Reasoning questions test the reasoning and decision skills used on the current GMAT exam.
Exam cue: Name the task type: problem solving, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, or two-part analysis.
Concept 2
The strongest answer identifies the business-relevant task, data source, argument relationship, arithmetic setup, or decision criterion before comparing choices.
Exam cue: Check constraints, units, variables, claim structure, source tabs, table filters, graph axes, and whether the answer is enough to make the decision.
Concept 3
Eliminate choices that answer a different question, overlook a condition, misuse a source, ignore sufficiency, or rely on specialized outside knowledge.
Exam cue: Use review and edit time to verify the exact question, not just the topic that first looked familiar.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Solving a nearby math or reading task while missing the decision the item actually asks for.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Using outside business knowledge instead of the evidence, data, or argument in the prompt.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Ignoring GMAT-specific constraints such as no calculator in Quant and sufficiency rather than calculation in Data Insights.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Memory anchors
Source Tab
A source tab contains one part of the information needed for a decision.
Cross Source
Cross-source reasoning combines facts from more than one source.
Discrepancy
A discrepancy is a conflict or mismatch among sources.
Relevant Source
The relevant source is the one that answers the specific question.
Inference
A multi-source inference must follow from the combined information.
Text Source
Text sources provide definitions, policies, claims, or qualitative constraints.
Table Source
Table sources provide structured values for comparison or filtering.
Graphic Source
Graphic sources show patterns or relationships visually.
Source Priority
Source priority determines which information controls when sources differ.
Decision Rule
A decision rule turns source facts into a conclusion.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Source 1 — Sales: Store A sold 1,200 units at an average price of $25; Store B sold 1,000 units at an average price of $28. Source 2 — Returns: Store A had a 5 percent return rate; Store B had a 2 percent return rate. Source 3 — Policy: Revenue is recognized only for units not returned. Which store recognized more revenue after returns, and by how much?
Source 1 — Sales: Store A sold 1,200 units at an average price of $25; Store B sold 1,000 units at an average price of $28. Source 2 — Returns: Store A had a 5 percent return rate; Store B had a 2 percent return rate. Source 3 — Policy: Revenue is recognized only for units not returned. How many more units were retained by customers at Store A than at Store B?
Answer all questions to submit.
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Move forward only after this module is stable.
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