The graph shows, for each of 12 randomly selected dates, the number of cats housed in a facility that cares...
GMAT Graphics Interpretation : (GI) Questions
The graph shows, for each of 12 randomly selected dates, the number of cats housed in a facility that cares for lost and abandoned cats. Throughout the time shown, the facility had a guideline that the combined floor space of areas in which cats were kept should equal or exceed 1 square meter per cat. Until March 2016, the facility kept all cats together in a room whose dimensions were 3 meters by 5 meters. From March 2016 on, the cats were distributed equally between this and a second room of the same size.
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 | Literal Content | Simple Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Dataset Description | The graph shows, for each of 12 randomly selected dates, the number of cats housed in a facility | Shows the number of cats in a shelter on 12 specific dates |
| Facility Purpose | Facility that cares for lost and abandoned cats | Cat shelter serves stray and abandoned cats |
| Space Guideline | The combined floor space of areas in which cats were kept should equal or exceed 1 square meter per cat | At least 1 square meter required per cat |
| Initial Room Setup | Until March 2016, the facility kept all cats together in a room whose dimensions were 3 meters by 5 meters | Originally: One room, \(15\mathrm{m}^2\) total, so up to 15 cats can be accommodated by the guideline |
| Post-March 2016 Room Setup | From March 2016 on, the cats were distributed equally between this and a second room of the same size | After March 2016: Two rooms, total \(30\mathrm{m}^2\), so up to 30 cats can be accommodated by the guideline |
Table 2: Chart Analysis
| Chart Element | Observed Feature | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Chart Type | Vertical bar chart, 12 bars | Each bar shows cat population on one chosen date |
| Date Spread | Dates cover March 2015 - November 2016 | Roughly equal numbers of dates from 2015 and 2016 |
| Y-Axis Range | Axis goes from 0 to 40 cats | Some dates approach or exceed capacity limits |
| Cat Counts | Bars range from 5 to 35 cats | Population fluctuates, generally increases in 2016 |
| Capacity Markers | Before March 2016: 15 cats; After: 30 cats | Used to evaluate guideline compliance |
| Maximum Bar | July 2016 shows 35 cats | Exceeds even the expanded capacity |
| Pattern | Several pre-March 2016 bars above 15 cats; post-expansion bar above 30 cats | Indicates non-compliance before and once after expansion |
Key Insights
The dataset tracks how the cat population at a shelter often pressed against or exceeded space guidelines. Notably, several dates before March 2016 show the facility housing more cats than permitted by its original room size, indicating repeated non-compliance. After doubling its space in March 2016, compliance improved, but at least one date in July 2016 shows a population of 35 cats, surpassing even the expanded capacity. This pattern reveals both increasing demand on the shelter and the ongoing challenge of adhering to space requirements during population surges.
Step-by-Step Solution
Question 1: 2015 Non-Compliance Dates
Complete Statement:
Based on the information provided in the graph and in the accompanying text, on exactly [BLANK 1] of the 2015 dates shown, the facility was NOT in compliance with the stated guideline for floor space per cat.
Breaking Down the Statement
- Statement Breakdown 1:
- Key Phrase: 2015 dates shown
Meaning: We only consider the data points from the year 2015.
Relation to Chart: We must extract the cat counts for each 2015 date shown in the chart.
Important Implications: Only the 2015 data is relevant for this blank.
- Key Phrase: 2015 dates shown
- Statement Breakdown 2:
- Key Phrase: NOT in compliance with... floor space per cat
Meaning: The facility did not meet the requirement of at least 1 square meter per cat.
Relation to Chart: Compare the number of cats to the available space for each date.
Important Implications: Any date where the number of cats exceeded the available meters squared is non-compliant.
- Key Phrase: NOT in compliance with... floor space per cat
What is needed: The number of 2015 dates where the number of cats exceeded the available floor space (\(15\mathrm{m}^2\): one room).
Solution:
- Condensed Solution Implementation:
Check each 2015 date on the graph; on each, compare the number of cats to the available space (\(15\mathrm{m}^2\) before March 2016). - Necessary Data points:
Cat counts for 2015: March 16 (5), May 1 (14), June 13 (13), August 4 (10), October 31 (18), December 31 (8). Available floor space: \(15\mathrm{m}^2\).- Calculations Estimations:
18 cats on October 31, 2015 exceeded \(15\mathrm{m}^2\) (1 per cat). All other 2015 dates have 15 or fewer cats. - Comparison to Answer Choices:
Only one 2015 date is non-compliant. If answer choices include 0, 1, 2, etc., then the correct choice is 1.
- Calculations Estimations:
FINAL ANSWER Blank 1: 1
Question 2: 2016 Non-Compliance Dates
Complete Statement:
Based on the information provided in the graph and in the accompanying text, on exactly [BLANK 2] of the 2016 dates shown, the facility was NOT in compliance with the stated guideline for floor space per cat.
Breaking Down the Statement
- Statement Breakdown 1:
- Key Phrase: 2016 dates shown
Meaning: We only consider the data points from the year 2016.
Relation to Chart: We must extract the cat counts for each 2016 date shown in the chart.
- Key Phrase: 2016 dates shown
- Statement Breakdown 2:
- Key Phrase: facility was NOT in compliance with the stated guideline
Meaning: The facility did not provide at least 1 square meter per cat.
Relation to Chart: Compare number of cats to available floor space: \(15\mathrm{m}^2\) for Feb 2016; \(30\mathrm{m}^2\) (two rooms) from March 2016 on.
- Key Phrase: facility was NOT in compliance with the stated guideline
What is needed: The number of 2016 dates where the number of cats exceeded the available floor space (Feb 2016: \(15\mathrm{m}^2\); from Mar 2016: \(30\mathrm{m}^2\)).
Solution:
- Condensed Solution Implementation:
Check each 2016 date on the graph. For February 17, compare to \(15\mathrm{m}^2\); for all later dates, compare to \(30\mathrm{m}^2\). - Necessary Data points:
Cat counts for 2016: February 17 (18), April 8 (26), June 5 (28), July 16 (35), October 2 (23), November 12 (25).- Calculations Estimations:
February 17: \(18 \gt 15\) (non-compliant). July 16: \(35 \gt 30\) (non-compliant). All other 2016 dates have cat counts within their corresponding limits. - Comparison to Answer Choices:
Two 2016 dates are non-compliant. If answer choices include 0, 1, 2, etc., then the correct choice is 2.
- Calculations Estimations:
FINAL ANSWER Blank 2: 2
Summary
To solve: For each year, use the appropriate maximum number of cats per the available space, check the graph, and count how many dates exceeded that limit. Result: 1 non-compliant date in 2015, 2 in 2016.
Question Independence Analysis
The blanks are independent. Each examines a different year, with its own data and floor space constraint. Finding one answer does not depend on the other.