Introduction
In Coded Relation Based Data Sufficiency problems, relationships between people or objects are represented through coded symbols like +, -, ×, ÷, @, # etc.
Your task is to determine whether the given coded information is sufficient to find the exact relationship or comparison between entities.
This pattern is important because it combines logical reasoning with data sufficiency, a frequent mix in high-level reasoning sections of banking and aptitude exams.
Pattern: Coded Relation Based Data Sufficiency
Pattern
Each statement gives a part of a coded relationship. You must decide whether statement (I), (II), or both together provide enough information to determine the required relationship.
The key idea: decode the symbols → identify the relations → check if the target relationship can be determined unambiguously.
Step-by-Step Example
Question
What does the symbol “#” represent in the given coded relation?
(I) A # B means A is the sister of B.
(II) B # C means B and C are of opposite gender.
Options:
A. Only (I) is sufficient
B. Only (II) is sufficient
C. Each statement alone is sufficient
D. Both statements together are necessary
Solution
-
Step 1: Analyze (I)
(I) defines the meaning of “#” directly - “A is the sister of B.” Hence, it fully explains the symbol → sufficient. -
Step 2: Analyze (II)
(II) says B and C are of opposite gender. This gives partial information (gender difference) but doesn’t explain the relationship’s nature → insufficient. -
Final Answer:
Only (I) is sufficient → Option A -
Quick Check:
(I) alone explains “#” completely; (II) alone does not ✅
Quick Variations
1. Relationship-based (father, sister, friend, etc.)
2. Direction-based coded arrangements (e.g., “A @ B” means A is east of B)
3. Hierarchy-based (e.g., “A * B” means A is senior to B)
4. Multi-symbol chains (e.g., “P + Q - R × S”) requiring multiple decoding steps
Trick to Always Use
- Step 1: Decode each symbol separately from given statements.
- Step 2: Identify what exact question is being asked (gender, relation, position, etc.).
- Step 3: Check if one or both statements are needed to fix the symbol’s meaning.
- Step 4: Choose sufficiency, not truth - don’t overinterpret beyond what’s given.
Summary
Summary
- Each statement may define one or more coded relations.
- Check if the target relationship or comparison can be determined unambiguously.
- Do not combine statements unless necessary for logical completeness.
- Always look for direct symbol meaning vs. implied relational meaning.
Example to remember:
If (I) defines symbol meaning directly and (II) only gives a partial clue, (I) alone is sufficient.
Hint: If one statement alone defines the coded symbol, it’s sufficient.
Common Mistakes: Assuming multiple contradictory meanings can coexist.