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BANKERS TUTORIAL · SBI · NEWS-READING GUIDE

Reading the news: Data sufficiency without over-solving

Decide whether statements determine a unique answer, test each statement independently and together and distinguish having enough information from calculating the answer in the shortest possible way.

01 / 03Learn with a clear direction

2 min read Original learning material · Prepared 14 Oct 2026

This guide explains a topic and a method for reading related news. It does not report a newly announced event. Check the issuing authority for current facts.

01 / UNDERSTANDING

Reading the news

Preparation discussions often equate more information with better information. A sufficiency lens asks which facts actually determine the target and which merely add background without resolving ambiguity.

02 / UNDERSTANDING

The concept in context

A counterexample can prove insufficiency: produce two allowed cases with different target answers. A unique target can sometimes be determined even when every underlying variable is not known. State assumptions such as positivity only when given or mathematically justified, because invented restrictions can turn insufficient information into a misleadingly unique result.

03 / UNDERSTANDING

A worked learning case

Original educational case. The target is the value of x + y. Statement one gives x − y = 2, which allows many sums. Statement two gives x + y = 10, directly fixing the target. The second statement is sufficient alone even though x and y need not be solved separately for this question’s purpose.

ORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE

Try it before you check.

Original practice: Target: x + y. Statement I: x = 4. Statement II: y = 7. Which information is sufficient?

Show the answer and reasoning

Both statements together; neither alone.

With only x = 4, y remains unrestricted and the sum can vary. With only y = 7, x remains unrestricted and the sum can also vary. Together they give the unique sum 11. The test concerns the target value, so each statement must be judged without borrowing the other statement’s missing fact.

Two traps to watch for.

  • Using both statements while judging one alone.
  • Assuming positive integers when no such restriction is given.

YOUR TOPIC-SPECIFIC LEARNING MAP

Evidence to check

  1. Underline the exact target quantity.

  2. Test statements separately with counterexamples.

  3. Use the specified sufficiency answer key carefully.

Explain the idea, apply it to a new situation, then check what changed in your reasoning.

BANKERS TUTORIAL · SOURCE NOTES

Keep the source alongside your notes.

Official links provide subject context and authoritative reference material. This guide’s explanation, scenario and question are original Bankers Tutorial learning content.

  1. sbi.bank.in https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
  2. sbi.bank.in https://sbi.bank.in/webfiles/uploads/files_2627/09/SBI_JA-Customer_Support_Sales-IH_Pre-2026-27_Eng.pdf

For SBI preparation, check the current official notice before relying on changing dates, rules or examination requirements.

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