In the coordinate plane above, what is the area of rectangular region MNRS ?

[BTGModeratorVI]

In the coordinate plane above, what is the area of rectangular region MNRS ?

(1) M has coordinates (2, 1).
(2) N has coordinates (2, 5).

Answer: E
Source: Official Guide

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

In the coordinate plane above, what is the area of rectangular region MNRS ?

(1) M has coordinates (2, 1).
(2) N has coordinates (2, 5).

Answer: E
Source: Official Guide

IMPORTANT: For geometry Data Sufficiency questions, we are typically checking to see whether the statements "lock" a particular angle, length, or shape into having just one possible measurement.

This technique can save a lot of time.

Target question: What is the area of rectangular region MNRS?

Let's jump straight to . . .

Statements 1 and 2 combined
The COMBINED statements tell us that the rectangle's height = 4

Notice that neither statement locks in the location of points R and S. This means that the rectangle can have ANY width.

As such we cannot determine the area of rectangular region MNRS

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent