Over the last three years, a certain commodity was regularly sold in Regions A, B, and C. For each of...
GMAT Graphics Interpretation : (GI) Questions
Over the last three years, a certain commodity was regularly sold in Regions A, B, and C. For each of the three regions, the graph shows the trend within each year of the monthly average price per unit of the commodity.
Based on the information provided, select from each drop-down menu the option that creates the most accurate statement.
Owning the Dataset
Table 1: Text Analysis
| Text Component | Content | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Time period | Over the last three years | 3-year data window |
| Commodity | a certain commodity | Specific product not named |
| Regions | regularly sold in Regions A, B, and C | Prices tracked separately for three regions |
| Trend description | the graph shows the trend within each year | Emphasis on annual seasonal patterns |
| Measurement | monthly average price per unit | Monthly prices reflect market trends for the commodity |
Table 2: Chart Analysis
| Chart Element | Details | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Chart type | Multi-series line chart (6 lines total) | Compares seasonal price trends among regions |
| X-axis | Months Jan-Dec | Shows variation and peaks during the year |
| Y-axis | Price per unit ($15 to $25+) | Allows price comparison between regions and over time |
| Region A lines | 2 colored lines, lower range ($17-$19) | Region A has consistently lower prices |
| Region B lines | 2 colored lines, mid range ($19-$23) | Region B prices are intermediate |
| Region C lines | 2 colored lines, peaking above $25 in Oct-Nov | Region C reaches highest prices, especially late in year |
| Seasonal pattern | All regions trend upward toward Oct-Nov | Price peaks are seasonal, largest differences in late year |
Key Insights
Region C achieves the highest prices for the commodity, particularly in October and November when values exceed $25 per unit—these are the best times and places to sell. There is a clear seasonal pattern: prices in all regions rise through the year, peaking in Oct-Nov, and then drop in December. Throughout the year, Region C's prices remain above those of Regions B and A, which follow in descending order.
Step-by-Step Solution
Question 1: Determining the Region with the Highest Commodity Price
Complete Statement:
On the assumption that the trends in the graph would continue, someone seeking to sell this commodity at the highest possible price would likely try to sell the commodity in Region [BLANK 1]
Breaking Down the Statement
- Statement Breakdown 1:
- Key Phrase: seeking to sell this commodity at the highest possible price
- Meaning: The question is asking for the region that provides the highest prices for sellers.
- Relation to Chart: We need to compare price levels across Regions A, B, and C, as shown in the chart.
- Important Implications: We should identify the region whose price line is consistently above the others throughout the year and over the three years.
- Statement Breakdown 2:
- Key Phrase: the trends in the graph would continue
- Meaning: Assuming that patterns seen in historical data will persist going forward.
- Relation to Chart: The time patterns and peaks from the past can reliably be used to make decisions.
- Important Implications: It is valid to use the past highs/lows in each region as an indicator for future decisions.
- What is needed: The region (A, B, or C) with the highest observed and consistent price levels according to the data.
Solution:
- Condensed Solution Implementation:
Scan the chart and identify which region consistently shows the highest price, especially during peak months. - Necessary Data points:
Region A: prices around $17-$19; Region B: $19-$23; Region C: often above $25, especially in the late fall. - Calculations Estimations:
Region C's lines (likely the dark/black) are consistently at or above $25, surpassing both A and B in all years, particularly in peak months. - Comparison to Answer Choices:
Region C always appears at the top of the chart, making it the clear choice for the highest price.
FINAL ANSWER Blank 1: C
Question 2: Determining the Optimal Selling Time in Region C
Complete Statement:
someone seeking to sell this commodity at the highest possible price would likely try to sell the commodity in Region C, in either [BLANK 2]
Breaking Down the Statement
- Statement Breakdown 1:
- Key Phrase: in either [BLANK 2]
- Meaning: This refers to the specific time of year when prices reach their highest in Region C.
- Relation to Chart: By looking at the highest points of Region C's line, we can see when those occur each year.
- Statement Breakdown 2:
- Key Phrase:
- Meaning:
- Relation to Chart:
- What is needed: The months when Region C's prices peak according to the chart.
Solution:
- Condensed Solution Implementation:
Look for the annual price peaks along Region C's line. - Necessary Data points:
Region C's price typically peaks above $25 in October and November each year. - Calculations Estimations:
Visual check of the peaks on Region C's line show maximum values reached in the months of October and November. - Comparison to Answer Choices:
"October or November" aligns with the observed timing of the highest prices in the chart for Region C.
FINAL ANSWER Blank 2: October or November
Summary
The highest prices for selling this commodity are consistently found in Region C, especially during the months of October or November. The decision is based on observing three years of data where Region C outperforms the other regions and shows clear seasonal peaks in the late fall.
Question Independence Analysis
These two blanks are dependent. Identifying the region with the highest price (Region C) directly leads to finding the best time to sell within that region (October or November). The timing only matters once the region is established.