Data Sufficiency: Time and Work Sufficiency

Concept Explanation

Time-and-work DS problems test whether worker rates or total work can be determined from given statements.

Standard Answer Choices

• A — Statement I alone is sufficient; Statement II alone is not.
• B — Statement II alone is sufficient; Statement I alone is not.
• C — Both together are sufficient, neither alone.
• D — Either statement alone is sufficient.
• E — Neither alone nor together is sufficient.

Time/Work DS Focus

Work = Rate × Time. If A finishes in x days, daily rate = 1/x of the job.

DS Decision Flow

1. State exactly what must be determined (number, ratio, yes/no, or comparison).
2. Test Statement I alone—sufficient or insufficient?
3. Test Statement II alone—sufficient or insufficient?
4. If neither alone works, combine both statements.
5. Choose A–E based on sufficiency; never pick a value when data do not fix it uniquely.

Common Traps in Time/Work Problems

• Adding days instead of adding rates.
• Ignoring whether workers work simultaneously or alternately.
• Assuming equal efficiency without statement support.