Identify the constraint. Pick a Column 1 value. Solve for Column 2. Check if that value exists. If not, try the next Column 1. There is always exactly one valid pair.
Two-Part Analysis (TPA) presents a problem and a two-column table with 5 rows of options. You select one answer for each column such that both selections together satisfy a given condition. This is the most algebraically demanding DI question type.
| Option | Person A ($) | Person B ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Row 1 | ○ 40 | ○ 40 |
| Row 2 | ○ 50 | ○ 50 |
| Row 3 ✓ | ● 60 | ● 60 |
| Row 4 | ○ 70 | ○ 70 |
| Row 5 | ○ 80 | ○ 80 |
Two numbers that together satisfy an equation or inequality. E.g., two values whose sum = 100, or whose product = given target.
Two statements that together support a conclusion, or two facts that together explain an observed phenomenon.
Identify one item that "strengthens" and one that "weakens" — or one cause and one effect — from the same set of options.
You can select Column 1 from Row 2 and Column 2 from Row 4. Rows don't constrain your choices.
TPA questions are designed to have exactly one correct Column 1 + Column 2 combination. Keep trying if the first doesn't work.
"Sum equals 100" vs. "sum is at least 100" are different. One wrong word changes the algebra entirely.
In logical TPA, you need to find selections that TOGETHER satisfy the condition. One alone is insufficient.
Column 1 might ask for the strengthener and Column 2 for the weakener. Swapping them scores zero.
The same numerical value might appear in multiple rows. Carefully read which row you're selecting from.
The correct Column 2 value might be a fraction or decimal that's listed — check all 5 rows carefully.
Testing all 5×5 = 25 combinations is too slow. Always start with the most constrained variable (Column 1).
Re-read the problem statement. Additional conditions (positive only, integer only, etc.) often hide in the stem.
Some TPA prompts ask: "Select the value of X and the value of Y." Confusing X and Y gives a wrong answer even if you solved correctly.
Two numbers x and y satisfy: x + y = 80, and x must be twice y. The options are: 10, 20, 30, 40, 53⅓.
Select the value of x and the value of y.
A store sells pens for $3 and notebooks for $5. A customer buys a total of 10 items and spends exactly $38. Column 1: number of pens. Column 2: number of notebooks. Options: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
In a TPA question, two factors that together explain why a company's revenue declined despite increasing unit sales must be selected. Column 1 (demand factor) and Column 2 (price factor). Which pair best explains the paradox?
A project must take between 10 and 15 weeks total. Phase 1 takes x weeks. Phase 2 takes y weeks. Options for each: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Select x (Phase 1) and y (Phase 2) such that 10 ≤ x+y ≤ 15 AND x > y.
A TPA problem asks you to select "one statement that supports the argument" and "one statement that undermines the argument." The argument is: "Online courses are more effective than in-person courses." Options include:
A: Online learners retain 25-60% more material
B: In-person students score higher on standardized tests
C: Online courses cost 40% less
D: Students prefer in-person interaction
E: Online completion rates are 45% lower
Select the support and the undermine statements.
A car rental company charges $x/day plus $y/mile. A customer drove 100 miles over 3 days and paid $170. Another customer drove 200 miles over 2 days and paid $180. Options: x = 20, 25, 30, 35, 40. y = 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50.
Select the correct daily rate and per-mile rate.
Which of the following correctly describes the Two-Part Analysis answer format?
A TPA problem: "Select a value for the rate of Plan A and a value for the rate of Plan B such that Plan A's total cost for 12 units equals Plan B's total cost for 8 units." Options (both columns): $4, $5, $6, $7, $8. Which pair satisfies the condition?
In a verbal TPA, you must select "the correct assumption" and "the correct conclusion" from a set of statements about an experiment. The key difference between an assumption and a conclusion is:
A manufacturer produces Product X costing $c per unit and Product Y costing $d per unit. An order of 5X and 8Y costs $94. An order of 3X and 4Y costs $50. Select values of c and d. Options: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
Column 1 and Column 2 picks are fully independent. You can take from any row.
Treat Column 1 as the input. For each possible input, compute what Column 2 must be and check if it's listed.
Keep iterating. There is exactly one combination that satisfies the constraint.
In logical TPA, the pair must jointly satisfy the condition — not each one individually.