Data Comparison questions provide two quantities (Column A and Column B) and ask you to determine the relationship between them. The challenge isn’t just finding the value—it’s knowing when the data is insufficient.
These questions are “time-savers.” If you master the logic, you can solve them in under 30 seconds without picking up a pen. This leaves you more time for heavy Data Interpretation (DI) sets.
G Strategy for DC Preparation Tips:
- Visualize the Constraints: Use the “Datamap” technique to code clues quickly.
- Avoid Over-calculation: Compare the expressions, don’t always solve for the final number.
- Watch the CETKING Strategy Videos: Focus on the “G-Strategy” for eliminating options.
CET 2026: Data Comparison
DIRECTIONS for questions 1 to 10: In each question, two quantities are mentioned at Column A and Column B.
Compare the two quantities and mark:
1: If the quantity in Column A is greater than B.
2: If the quantity in Column B is greater than A.
3: If the two quantities are equal.
4: If the relationship cannot be determined.
5: If None of these.
1: If the quantity in Column A is greater than B.
2: If the quantity in Column B is greater than A.
3: If the two quantities are equal.
4: If the relationship cannot be determined.
5: If None of these.
Ques 1: \(x^{2} = 9\)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(x\) | 3 |
Correct Option: 4
Explanation: If \(x^{2} = 9\), then \(x\) can be \(3\) or \(-3\).
– If \(x = 3\), then A = B.
– If \(x = -3\), then B > A.
Since two different relationships are possible, the relationship cannot be determined.
Explanation: If \(x^{2} = 9\), then \(x\) can be \(3\) or \(-3\).
– If \(x = 3\), then A = B.
– If \(x = -3\), then B > A.
Since two different relationships are possible, the relationship cannot be determined.
Ques 2: \(0 < n < 1\)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(n^{2}\) | \(n^{3}\) |
Correct Option: 1
Explanation: For positive fractions between 0 and 1, raising the number to a higher power makes it smaller.
Example: If \(n = 0.5\), then \(n^{2} = 0.25\) and \(n^{3} = 0.125\). Thus, \(n^{2} > n^{3}\).
Explanation: For positive fractions between 0 and 1, raising the number to a higher power makes it smaller.
Example: If \(n = 0.5\), then \(n^{2} = 0.25\) and \(n^{3} = 0.125\). Thus, \(n^{2} > n^{3}\).
Ques 3: \(a + b = 10\)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(ab\) | 25 |
Correct Option: 4
Explanation: The maximum product of two numbers with a fixed sum occurs when they are equal (\(5 \times 5 = 25\)). If \(a=6, b=4\), then \(ab=24\). Since the variables are not defined as equal, A can be \(\le\) B.
Explanation: The maximum product of two numbers with a fixed sum occurs when they are equal (\(5 \times 5 = 25\)). If \(a=6, b=4\), then \(ab=24\). Since the variables are not defined as equal, A can be \(\le\) B.
Ques 4: \(y\) is an integer and \(y \neq 0\)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(y^{2}\) | \(y^{3}\) |
Correct Option: 4
Explanation:
– If \(y = 1\), A = B.
– If \(y = 2\), B > A (\(8 > 4\)).
– If \(y = -2\), A > B (\(4 > -8\)).
The relationship varies based on the sign and value of \(y\).
Explanation:
– If \(y = 1\), A = B.
– If \(y = 2\), B > A (\(8 > 4\)).
– If \(y = -2\), A > B (\(4 > -8\)).
The relationship varies based on the sign and value of \(y\).
Ques 5: \(x > y\) and \(z \neq 0\)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(xz\) | \(yz\) |
Correct Option: 4
Explanation: If \(z\) is positive, the inequality remains \(xz > yz\). If \(z\) is negative, the inequality flips to \(yz > xz\). Without knowing the sign of \(z\), we cannot determine the result.
Explanation: If \(z\) is positive, the inequality remains \(xz > yz\). If \(z\) is negative, the inequality flips to \(yz > xz\). Without knowing the sign of \(z\), we cannot determine the result.
Ques 6: The area of a rectangle is 36
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| The perimeter of the rectangle | 24 |
Correct Option: 4
Explanation: A square (special rectangle) with area 36 has sides of 6, making the perimeter 24 (A=B). However, a \(9 \times 4\) rectangle has perimeter 26 (A>B). Perimeter is \(\ge 24\).
Explanation: A square (special rectangle) with area 36 has sides of 6, making the perimeter 24 (A=B). However, a \(9 \times 4\) rectangle has perimeter 26 (A>B). Perimeter is \(\ge 24\).
Ques 7: \(k\) is a prime number
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| The number of factors of \(k^{2}\) | 3 |
Correct Option: 3
Explanation: For any prime \(p\), the factors of \(p^{2}\) are exactly \(\{1, p, p^{2}\}\). Total count is always 3.
Explanation: For any prime \(p\), the factors of \(p^{2}\) are exactly \(\{1, p, p^{2}\}\). Total count is always 3.
Ques 8: \(m\) and \(n\) are consecutive even integers
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \((n – m)^{2}\) | 4 |
Correct Option: 3
Explanation: The difference between consecutive even integers is always \(2\) or \(-2\). Squaring either gives \(4\).
Explanation: The difference between consecutive even integers is always \(2\) or \(-2\). Squaring either gives \(4\).
Ques 9: \(x\) is a negative number
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(|x + 1|\) | \(|x| + 1\) |
Correct Option: 2
Explanation: If \(x\) is negative, \(|x|+1\) will always be larger because it sums the magnitude of \(x\) and \(1\) separately. In \(|x+1|\), the negative value of \(x\) and positive \(1\) offset each other before the absolute value is taken.
Explanation: If \(x\) is negative, \(|x|+1\) will always be larger because it sums the magnitude of \(x\) and \(1\) separately. In \(|x+1|\), the negative value of \(x\) and positive \(1\) offset each other before the absolute value is taken.
Ques 10: \(x + y > 0\) and \(xy < 0\)
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| \(x\) | \(y\) |
Correct Option: 4
Explanation: \(xy < 0\) means one is positive and one is negative. \(x+y > 0\) means the positive number has a larger magnitude. However, we don’t know if \(x\) is the positive one or \(y\) is the positive one.
Explanation: \(xy < 0\) means one is positive and one is negative. \(x+y > 0\) means the positive number has a larger magnitude. However, we don’t know if \(x\) is the positive one or \(y\) is the positive one.