The (single) equation in the question involves three unknown values: I, n, and r. Therefore, if a statment provides us with values for two of these unknowns, we will be able to compute the value of the third.
Because statement one provides us with two values (I=210, and n=2), we can compute r, and so would be able to determine whether or not it is greater than 8. Statement 1 is sufficient.
Remember, in data sufficiency, we always want to refrain from actually doing the math whenever possible. One of the best tactics in data sufficiency involves simply counting the number of unknowns, and then counting the number of distinct linear equations. Say you have two unknowns; then you require two different equations to solve for the value of either of the two unknowns. There is, of course, a caveat to the tactic. If you need to solve for a relationship between n unknowns (x/y or x-y, etc), then you don't need n equations (typically, however, you will need n-1 equations). A special equation (x-y=5) that relates the two unknowns properly will be sufficient.
For statement 2:
(1 +r/100)^2 > 1.15
1+r/100 > sqrt1.15
1+ r/100 > sqrt 115/100
Because 10^2 =100 and b/c 11^2 = 121, sqrt 115 is approximately 10.7. (And our approximation should be 10.7, not 10.8 b/c we are squaring). Therefore:
1 + r/100 > 10.7/10
r/100 > 10.7/10 - 10/10
r/100 > 0.7/10
r/100 > 0.07
r > 7 (approximately, would actually be just a touch bigger than 7)
Knowing that r is greater than approximately 7 is insufficient information for the purpose of concluding whether r is greater than 8.
Statement 1 is sufficient; statement 2 is not sufficient. The answer should be A.
Note: 10^2 =100, and 11^2 = 121. On the number line, 115 is about three times as far away from 100 than it is from 121. So approximating sqrt 115 as 10.75 (the number that is three times as far away from 10 as it is from 11) would also have been a great strategy that would lead to a correct judgment about the second statement's sufficicency.
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