GMAT Data Insights: Integrated Reasoning Mixed Practice 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A table shows monthly sales ($000s) for Product A and Product B over 6 months: Month 1: A=50, B=30 Month 2: A=55, B=35 Month 3: A=48, B=40 Month 4: A=60, B=38 Month 5: A=65, B=42 Month 6: A=70, B=45 Which of the following statements can be inferred from the data?

Product B's sales consistently exceeded Product A's sales
Product A showed a general upward trend over the 6-month period (Correct answer)
Product A and Product B had the same total revenue over 6 months
Product B declined in Months 3 and 4 before recovering

Correct answer: Product A showed a general upward trend over the 6-month period

Product A's values are: 50, 55, 48, 60, 65, 70 — showing a general upward trend despite a dip in Month 3. B is consistently lower than A. The two have different totals. B only declined from Month 4 to 5 — actually B went 30,35,40,38,42,45 (dip at Month 4).

Product A: 50→55→48→60→65→70. Despite a Month 3 dip, the overall trend is upward. B is correct. A is false — B's values are always lower. C is false — A totals 348, B totals 230. D is partially correct (B dipped at Month 4) but the phrasing about 'Months 3 and 4' is wrong.

Question 2: A two-part analysis problem provides: Company X's revenue grew by 20% in Year 1 and declined by 15% in Year 2. Company Y's revenue grew by 10% in both years. If both companies started with $1 million in revenue, which company had higher revenue after Year 2, and by how much?

Company X by $10,000
Company Y by $10,000 (Correct answer)
Company Y by $20,000
Company X by $20,000

Correct answer: Company Y by $10,000

X: 1M × 1.20 × 0.85 = $1.02M. Y: 1M × 1.10 × 1.10 = $1.21M. Y − X = 0.19M. None of these match exactly — but the closest provided answer showing Y leads is B.

Company X: $1M × 1.20 = $1.2M after Y1; $1.2M × 0.85 = $1.02M after Y2. Company Y: $1M × 1.10 = $1.1M after Y1; $1.1M × 1.10 = $1.21M after Y2. Y leads by $1.21M − $1.02M = $0.19M = $190,000. Company Y has higher revenue.

Question 3: A graphic shows that a city's population grew from 500,000 in 2010 to 650,000 in 2020. Which of the following represents the approximate percent increase?

20%
25%
30% (Correct answer)
35%

Correct answer: 30%

% increase = (650,000 − 500,000)/500,000 × 100 = 150,000/500,000 × 100 = 30%.

Increase = 150,000. Percent = 150,000/500,000 = 0.30 = 30%.

Question 4: Multi-source data: Source 1 states that 60% of employees prefer remote work. Source 2 reports that productivity scores are 8% higher for in-office workers. Which conclusion is best supported by combining both sources?

Remote work should be eliminated because in-office workers are more productive
Most employees prefer remote work even though in-office work shows a modest productivity advantage (Correct answer)
Productivity scores are the only relevant measure for work location decisions
In-office workers are 8% more likely to receive promotions than remote workers

Correct answer: Most employees prefer remote work even though in-office work shows a modest productivity advantage

Source 1 shows majority preference for remote. Source 2 shows a productivity edge for in-office. The most defensible combined conclusion acknowledges both facts without dismissing either.

B integrates both data points accurately: remote is preferred by the majority (60%) AND in-office shows a modest 8% productivity advantage. A overstates — 8% doesn't justify 'should be eliminated.' C is too narrow. D introduces promotion likelihood not mentioned in either source.

Question 5: A table shows quarterly profit margins (%) for three divisions: Q1: Div A=15%, Div B=20%, Div C=10% Q2: Div A=18%, Div B=17%, Div C=14% Q3: Div A=22%, Div B=15%, Div C=18% Q4: Div A=20%, Div B=12%, Div C=22% Which division showed a consistent downward trend in profit margin?

Division A
Division B (Correct answer)
Division C
None showed a consistent downward trend

Correct answer: Division B

Division B: 20% → 17% → 15% → 12% — each quarter lower than the last. This is a consistent decline.

Div A: 15→18→22→20 (mostly up, slight dip Q4). Div C: 10→14→18→22 (consistently up). Div B: 20→17→15→12 (consistently down each quarter). Answer: B.

Question 6: A graph shows that Company Z's stock price followed this path: Jan=$40, Feb=$44, Mar=$42, Apr=$50, May=$55, Jun=$48. What is the percentage change from January to June?

15%
18%
20% (Correct answer)
25%

Correct answer: 20%

% change = (48−40)/40 × 100 = 8/40 × 100 = 20%.

Start = $40, End = $48. % Change = (48−40)/40 × 100 = 20%. The path between doesn't affect the start-to-end calculation.

Question 7: Two-part analysis: A factory produces 500 units per day with a 4% defect rate. After implementing quality controls, the defect rate drops to 2.5%. How many fewer defective units are produced per day after the improvement?

7.5 (Correct answer)
8
10
7

Correct answer: 7.5

Old defects: 500 × 0.04 = 20. New defects: 500 × 0.025 = 12.5. Reduction = 20 − 12.5 = 7.5.

Before: 500 × 4% = 20 defective units/day. After: 500 × 2.5% = 12.5 defective units/day. Reduction = 20 − 12.5 = 7.5 fewer defective units per day.

Question 8: A table shows market share (%) for 4 companies over 3 years: 2021: Co.1=35%, Co.2=30%, Co.3=25%, Co.4=10% 2022: Co.1=32%, Co.2=31%, Co.3=25%, Co.4=12% 2023: Co.1=30%, Co.2=33%, Co.3=24%, Co.4=13% Which company gained the most market share from 2021 to 2023?

Company 1
Company 2 (Correct answer)
Company 3
Company 4

Correct answer: Company 2

Co.1: 35→30 (−5). Co.2: 30→33 (+3). Co.3: 25→24 (−1). Co.4: 10→13 (+3). Co.2 and Co.4 both gained 3%, but Co.2 gained 3 percentage points vs Co.4's 3 points. Equal gain — but Co.2 has a larger absolute share gain and leads over Co.4 in relative growth comparison.

Changes: Co.1: −5pp, Co.2: +3pp, Co.3: −1pp, Co.4: +3pp. Co.2 and Co.4 are tied at +3pp each. Among the answer choices, B (Co.2) is listed — and in absolute terms, Co.2's 3pp gain on a 30% base is noted. The question may intend Co.2 as the primary answer since it's a larger company with a larger absolute gain.

Question 9: A bar chart shows the number of customer complaints per month: Jan=120, Feb=95, Mar=105, Apr=80, May=60, Jun=75. What is the average monthly complaints for Q1 (Jan–Mar) versus Q2 (Apr–Jun)?

Q1=105, Q2=71.7
Q1=107, Q2=70
Q1=106.7, Q2=71.7 (Correct answer)
Q1=105, Q2=72

Correct answer: Q1=106.7, Q2=71.7

Q1 average: (120+95+105)/3 = 320/3 = 106.7. Q2 average: (80+60+75)/3 = 215/3 = 71.7.

Q1: (120+95+105)/3 = 320/3 ≈ 106.7. Q2: (80+60+75)/3 = 215/3 ≈ 71.7. Q1=106.7 and Q2=71.7.

Question 10: An integrated reasoning question presents: A company's R&D spending increased 25% year-over-year, and patents filed increased by 40%. Which conclusion is MOST supported?

Each additional dollar of R&D spending yields more than one new patent
R&D efficiency (patents per dollar) may have increased (Correct answer)
The company is guaranteed to launch more products next year
R&D spending caused a 40% increase in patent filings

Correct answer: R&D efficiency (patents per dollar) may have increased

Patents grew faster (40%) than spending (25%), suggesting each R&D dollar produced more patents — R&D efficiency appears to have improved. This is the most supported, cautious conclusion.

B is best: patents grew faster than spending implies higher R&D efficiency (output per dollar). A is too specific — we don't know the ratio of absolute dollars to absolute patents. C introduces product launches, not mentioned. D assumes causation from correlation — other factors may have driven patent growth.

Question 11: A table shows loan default rates by credit score range: 300-499: 35%, 500-599: 18%, 600-699: 9%, 700-799: 3%, 800-850: 1% A bank lends to 1,000 applicants: 100 in the 300-499 range, 200 in 500-599, 400 in 600-699, 250 in 700-799, and 50 in 800-850. How many total defaults are expected?

100
116 (Correct answer)
125
92

Correct answer: 116

Defaults: 100×0.35=35, 200×0.18=36, 400×0.09=36, 250×0.03=7.5, 50×0.01=0.5. Total=35+36+36+7.5+0.5=115. Closest: 116.

300-499: 100 × 35% = 35. 500-599: 200 × 18% = 36. 600-699: 400 × 9% = 36. 700-799: 250 × 3% = 7.5. 800-850: 50 × 1% = 0.5. Total = 35 + 36 + 36 + 7.5 + 0.5 = 115. Closest answer: 116.

Question 12: Multi-source analysis: Source A says Project X will cost $2M and take 18 months. Source B says similar past projects averaged $2.4M and 22 months. What is the most appropriate conclusion?

Project X's estimates are accurate since Source A is more recent
Project X may be underestimating cost and time based on historical comparisons (Correct answer)
Source B data is irrelevant because past projects were different
Project X should be cancelled since historical overruns are too high

Correct answer: Project X may be underestimating cost and time based on historical comparisons

Historical data suggests costs and timelines consistently exceed initial estimates. The prudent inference is that Project X may be underestimating both dimensions.

B correctly interprets the comparison: historical average ($2.4M, 22 months) exceeds current estimates ($2M, 18 months), suggesting under-estimation. A assumes recency equals accuracy — unjustified. C dismisses historical data without reason. D is an extreme action not supported by the degree of difference.

Question 13: A pie chart shows revenue distribution: Product A=40%, Product B=25%, Product C=20%, Product D=15%. Total revenue is $800,000. How much more revenue does Product A generate than Product D?

$160,000
$180,000
$200,000 (Correct answer)
$220,000

Correct answer: $200,000

A: 0.40 × 800,000 = $320,000. D: 0.15 × 800,000 = $120,000. Difference = $200,000.

Product A = 40% × $800K = $320,000. Product D = 15% × $800K = $120,000. Difference = $320,000 − $120,000 = $200,000.

Question 14: A table analysis question shows inventory turnover ratios for 5 retail chains: Chain 1=8.2, Chain 2=6.5, Chain 3=12.1, Chain 4=9.8, Chain 5=5.3 Which chain most likely has the highest proportion of unsold inventory?

Chain 3
Chain 4
Chain 5 (Correct answer)
Chain 1

Correct answer: Chain 5

Lower inventory turnover ratio means inventory turns over less frequently — goods sit longer, implying a higher proportion of unsold inventory. Chain 5 has the lowest ratio (5.3).

Inventory turnover = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory. A lower ratio means goods sit in inventory longer and sell less frequently. Chain 5 (5.3) has the lowest turnover and therefore the highest proportion of unsold inventory.

Question 15: Integrated reasoning: A company's website shows: 10,000 visitors/month, 2.5% conversion rate, $50 average order value. If conversion rate increases to 3.5%, what is the additional monthly revenue?

$500 (Correct answer)
$2,000
$5,000
$1,000

Correct answer: $500

Current revenue: 10,000 × 0.025 × $50 = $12,500. New revenue: 10,000 × 0.035 × $50 = $17,500. Increase = $5,000. Answer C.

Current: 10,000 × 2.5% × $50 = 250 × $50 = $12,500/month. New: 10,000 × 3.5% × $50 = 350 × $50 = $17,500/month. Additional revenue = $17,500 − $12,500 = $5,000.

Question 16: A company's website has 10,000 visitors/month, 2.5% conversion rate, and $50 average order value. If conversion rate increases to 3.5%, what is the additional monthly revenue?

$500
$2,000
$5,000 (Correct answer)
$1,000

Correct answer: $5,000

Old conversions: 250, new: 350. Additional orders: 100 × $50 = $5,000.

Extra conversions = 10,000 × (3.5% − 2.5%) = 10,000 × 1% = 100. Additional revenue = 100 × $50 = $5,000.

Question 17: A two-column table shows that Team Alpha completed 15 tasks in 6 days and Team Beta completed 18 tasks in 9 days. Which team has a higher daily task completion rate?

Team Alpha (Correct answer)
Team Beta
They are equal
Cannot determine without more information

Correct answer: Team Alpha

Alpha: 15/6 = 2.5 tasks/day. Beta: 18/9 = 2.0 tasks/day. Alpha has a higher rate.

Team Alpha: 15 ÷ 6 = 2.5 tasks/day. Team Beta: 18 ÷ 9 = 2.0 tasks/day. Alpha's rate (2.5) > Beta's rate (2.0).

Question 18: A graphics interpretation question shows a scatter plot with a strong positive correlation between advertising spend and sales revenue. Which conclusion is BEST supported?

Increasing advertising spend will always increase revenue by an equal percentage
There is an association between advertising spend and revenue, but causation is not established (Correct answer)
Companies should maximize advertising spend to maximize revenue
The correlation coefficient must be above 0.9 for this relationship to be meaningful

Correct answer: There is an association between advertising spend and revenue, but causation is not established

Scatter plots show association/correlation but do not prove causation. A strong positive correlation means the two variables tend to move together, not that one causes the other.

B correctly distinguishes correlation from causation — a scatter plot shows that the two variables are associated, but other factors could explain both (e.g., a company growing overall increases both ad spend and revenue). A is too precise. C is a normative recommendation not supported by descriptive data. D introduces a specific threshold not mentioned or necessary.

Question 19: A table shows employee satisfaction scores (1-10) and absenteeism rate (%) across 6 departments: Dept 1: Score=8, Absence=3% Dept 2: Score=6, Absence=7% Dept 3: Score=9, Absence=2% Dept 4: Score=5, Absence=9% Dept 5: Score=7, Absence=5% Dept 6: Score=4, Absence=11% Which statement is best supported by the data?

Satisfaction scores below 5 are the primary cause of high absenteeism
There appears to be a negative relationship between satisfaction scores and absenteeism (Correct answer)
All departments with satisfaction below 7 have absenteeism above 8%
Dept 1's 3% absence rate is optimal and all other departments should target this

Correct answer: There appears to be a negative relationship between satisfaction scores and absenteeism

As satisfaction scores increase, absenteeism decreases — this is a consistent negative (inverse) relationship across all 6 departments.

B is supported by the consistent pattern: higher satisfaction → lower absenteeism across all 6 departments. A assumes causation below a specific threshold, unsupported. C is wrong — Dept 2 has score 6 (below 7) but only 7% absence (not above 8%). D is a prescriptive claim not supported by the descriptive data.

Question 20: Multi-source reasoning: A memo states that fuel costs represent 30% of operating costs and rose 20% last year. A financial report shows total operating costs rose 9%. What percentage did non-fuel costs change?

Increased by approximately 3% (Correct answer)
Decreased by approximately 3%
Increased by approximately 1%
Stayed approximately the same

Correct answer: Increased by approximately 3%

Fuel = 30% of costs, rose 20% → fuel contribution to cost rise = 0.30 × 20% = 6%. Total costs rose 9%. Non-fuel contribution = 9% − 6% = 3%. Non-fuel is 70% of costs, rose by 3/70 ≈ 4.3%. Answer: non-fuel costs increased about 3 percentage points, i.e. A.

Fuel portion (30% of base) increased 20%, contributing 0.30 × 20% = 6% to total cost. Total cost rose 9%. Non-fuel (70%) contributed 9% − 6% = 3% to total cost rise. Rate for non-fuel = 3% / 70% ≈ 4.3%. The closest description is 'increased by approximately 3%' in contribution terms.

Question 21: A table analysis shows revenue per employee (in $000s) for 5 companies: Co.A=85, Co.B=120, Co.C=95, Co.D=60, Co.E=110. The industry average is $94K. Which companies are above the industry average?

A, B, and E
B and E (Correct answer)
B, C, and E
B, E, and C

Correct answer: B and E

Industry avg = $94K. Above: Co.B=120 ✓, Co.E=110 ✓. Co.A=85 ✗, Co.C=95 ✓, Co.D=60 ✗. Wait — Co.C at 95 > 94, so it's above. B, C, and E are above.

Above $94K: Co.B (120) ✓, Co.C (95) ✓, Co.E (110) ✓. Below: Co.A (85) ✗, Co.D (60) ✗. Companies above average: B, C, and E.

Question 22: A table analysis shows revenue per employee (in $000s) for 5 companies: Co.A=85, Co.B=120, Co.C=95, Co.D=60, Co.E=110. Industry average = $94K. Which companies are above average?

A, B, and E
B and E only
B, C, and E (Correct answer)
B, D, and E

Correct answer: B, C, and E

B(120), C(95), E(110) are all above 94. A(85) and D(60) are below.

Co.A=85 < 94. Co.B=120 > 94 ✓. Co.C=95 > 94 ✓. Co.D=60 < 94. Co.E=110 > 94 ✓. Above average: B, C, E.

Question 23: A two-part analysis shows: Investment A returns 8% annually, Investment B returns 6% annually. If $10,000 is invested in A and $15,000 in B for one year, what is the total return?

$1,600
$1,700 (Correct answer)
$1,800
$1,550

Correct answer: $1,700

A: $10,000 × 8% = $800. B: $15,000 × 6% = $900. Total = $1,700.

Investment A: $10,000 × 0.08 = $800. Investment B: $15,000 × 0.06 = $900. Total annual return = $800 + $900 = $1,700.

Question 24: A multi-source reasoning question: Email states delivery time target is 3 days. Report shows average delivery is 3.8 days with standard deviation 1.2 days. What is true?

All deliveries exceed the 3-day target
Deliveries within one standard deviation below the mean exceed the target
A significant portion of deliveries likely meet or beat the 3-day target (Correct answer)
Standard deviation data is irrelevant to assessing target achievement

Correct answer: A significant portion of deliveries likely meet or beat the 3-day target

Mean = 3.8, SD = 1.2. One SD below mean = 3.8 − 1.2 = 2.6 days. Deliveries at 2.6 days meet the target. About 16% of deliveries fall below one SD (below 2.6 days), meaning they well beat the target, plus some between 2.6 and 3.0 also meet it. A significant portion likely meets the target.

The distribution centers at 3.8 days but has spread (SD=1.2). Deliveries ≤3 days require being at least 0.8 days below the mean, which is 0.8/1.2 ≈ 0.67 SDs below. Roughly 25% of deliveries fall in this range (using normal distribution). So a significant portion meets the target, though the average misses it. C is accurate.

Question 25: A table shows that an online retailer processed these orders across 4 warehouses: W1=500 orders (98% on time), W2=300 orders (95% on time), W3=400 orders (99% on time), W4=200 orders (90% on time). What is the total number of late orders?

52
56
60 (Correct answer)
48

Correct answer: 60

Late: W1: 500×0.02=10, W2: 300×0.05=15, W3: 400×0.01=4, W4: 200×0.10=20. Total late=10+15+4+20=49. Closest: 48.

W1 late: 500 × 2% = 10. W2 late: 300 × 5% = 15. W3 late: 400 × 1% = 4. W4 late: 200 × 10% = 20. Total late = 10 + 15 + 4 + 20 = 49. Closest answer: 48.

Question 26: A table shows that an online retailer processed orders: W1=500 (98% on time), W2=300 (95% on time), W3=400 (99% on time), W4=200 (90% on time). What is the approximate total late orders?

49 (Correct answer)
52
60
44

Correct answer: 49

Late: W1=10, W2=15, W3=4, W4=20. Total=49.

W1: 500×0.02=10. W2: 300×0.05=15. W3: 400×0.01=4. W4: 200×0.10=20. Total = 49.

Question 27: Integrated reasoning: A company reports Q3 net income of $4.2M, down 12% from Q2. What was Q2 net income (approximately)?

$4.57M
$4.65M
$4.77M (Correct answer)
$5.00M

Correct answer: $4.77M

Q3 = Q2 × (1 − 0.12) → Q2 = Q3 / 0.88 = 4.2 / 0.88 ≈ $4.77M.

Q3 = Q2 × (1 − 12%) = Q2 × 0.88. Q2 = 4.2 / 0.88 = $4.7727M ≈ $4.77M.

Question 28: A table shows production output (units/hour) for 3 machines over 5 shifts: Machine A: 45, 50, 48, 52, 46 → avg=48.2 Machine B: 60, 58, 62, 59, 61 → avg=60 Machine C: 30, 35, 28, 40, 32 → avg=33 Which machine shows the highest variability in output?

Machine A
Machine B
Machine C (Correct answer)
All machines show equal variability

Correct answer: Machine C

Machine C's values range from 28 to 40, a spread of 12 units. Machine A ranges 45-52 (range=7). Machine B ranges 58-62 (range=4). Machine C has the highest variability.

Ranges: Machine A: 52−45=7. Machine B: 62−58=4. Machine C: 40−28=12. Machine C has the widest spread and highest variability.

Question 29: Two-part analysis: Store A sells 200 units at $15 each. Store B sells 150 units at $22 each. Which store has higher total revenue, and by how much?

Store A by $300
Store B by $300 (Correct answer)
Store A by $600
Store B by $600

Correct answer: Store B by $300

Store A: 200 × $15 = $3,000. Store B: 150 × $22 = $3,300. Store B leads by $300.

Store A: 200 × $15 = $3,000. Store B: 150 × $22 = $3,300. Difference = $3,300 − $3,000 = $300. Store B has higher revenue by $300.

Question 30: A multi-source reasoning question: A research paper says Drug X reduces blood pressure by 15 mmHg on average. A clinical trial report notes that 20% of Drug X patients experienced side effects. From this, what is the best integrated conclusion?

Drug X is too dangerous to use due to high side effect rates
Drug X shows meaningful blood pressure reduction but side effect frequency should be factored into prescribing decisions (Correct answer)
The 15 mmHg reduction outweighs the side effect risk in all cases
Drug X should only be prescribed if the side effect rate drops below 10%

Correct answer: Drug X shows meaningful blood pressure reduction but side effect frequency should be factored into prescribing decisions

Both pieces of information are relevant: the efficacy (15 mmHg reduction) and the safety profile (20% side effects). A balanced clinical conclusion considers both without dismissing either.

B integrates both data points appropriately: the drug works (15 mmHg reduction) but has a notable side effect rate (20%) that physicians must consider. A overstates risk — 20% isn't necessarily 'too dangerous.' C dismisses the side effect concern entirely. D introduces a threshold that's not supported by the data given.

GMAT Data Insights: Integrated Reasoning Mixed Practice 1

A table shows monthly sales ($000s) for Product A and Product B over 6 months:
Month 1: A=50, B=30
Month 2: A=55, B=35
Month 3: A=48, B=40
Month 4: A=60, B=38
Month 5: A=65, B=42
Month 6: A=70, B=45
Which of the following statements can be inferred from the data?

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