When do you know which type to use?
OR
Do both methods result in the same answer?

Hi Shoa,

"Overlapping sets" is a kind of problem that can be solved using

(a) the Venn diagram method, which involves pictures of overlapping circles (you may have been referring to this method in your e-mail)

or

(b) the double-set matrix method

At ManhattanGMAT we strongly recommend using the double-set matrix method for most problems involving overlapping sets, because the double-set matrix method is easier to use. The only exception is for rare, difficult problems that involve three overlapping classifications of a group of individuals. (Most overlapping sets problems just involve two classifications rather than three.)

For more information on this topic, please see Chapter 7 of the ManhattanGMAT "Word Translations" study guide.

-Jad

Thanks, that surely helps.

Just to clarify-if you only have two sets of information then you can use either and get the same answer? (I agree that the double matrix is easier to follow but I just want to make sure if I understnd this correctly)

Shoa

Typically, we use the double-set matrix for two overlapping sets and the Venn diagram for 3 overlapping sets. Venn diagrams can sometimes be used for double-set problems, but not always - which is why we recommend using the double-set matrix as default for those.