How do you handle Multi-Source Reasoning when data conflicts between sources?

Question

I was practicing a GMAT Data Insights question where two tabs had slightly conflicting numbers for profit margins of a company. I got confused which one to use while answering. What’s the best way to deal with conflicting data points in Multi-Source Reasoning?

Ranjan J · Accepted Answer

When Multi-Source Reasoning shows conflicting data, don&rsquo;t assume one source is automatically more correct. GMAT designs these questions to test whether you&rsquo;re answering based on exactly what&rsquo;s being asked.
Always check where the question is pulling the data from. If the prompt says &ldquo;According to Source 1&rdquo; or &ldquo;Based on the financial report,&rdquo; only use data from that specific tab. GMAT often gives both sources to confuse you, but the question stem will tell you which one to follow.
If no source is specified, double-check the time period or definition. Sometimes one source might show profit margin for Q1 while another shows full-year data &mdash; both can be correct but for different scopes. Pay attention to those details before answering.

V Ritik · Answer

I ran into the same problem while practicing Data Insights. GMAT loves to put conflicting info in Multi-Source Reasoning, but it&rsquo;s rarely a true conflict if you read carefully.

First, check exactly what the question asks &mdash; most of the time, it tells you which source to use.
If both sources seem relevant, compare context: different time periods, product lines, or assumptions may explain the difference.
Watch for small units or currency changes. One source may show profit in thousands, the other in millions.
Never try to &ldquo;average&rdquo; conflicting numbers unless the question specifically asks you to combine data.
I found that slowing down and scanning each tab&rsquo;s headers carefully before answering helped avoid these traps.

For more details, you can read this blog on "GMAT Integrated Reasoning: Master IR Section"