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GRE High Frequency Math Terms

Subjects : gre, math

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
Match each statement with the correct term.
Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.

1. What are 'vertical angles'?
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
x²-y²
1.7
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

2. What'S one way to avoid mistakes on algebra questions in the GRE?

3. What is a 'Right' triangle?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
1. Raising a fraction (between 0 and 1) to a power greater than 1 results in a SMALLER number. For example: (1/2)² = 1/4. 2. A number raised to the 0 power is 1 - no matter what the number is. For example: 1 -287° = 1.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
2

4. Define 'proportionate' values
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Probability A * Probability B
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

5. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
25%
The range is the difference between the biggest and smallest numbers in the set. Example: for the set {2 -6 -13 -3 -15 -4 -9} the smallest number is 2 - largest is 15 - so the range is 15-2=13.
y = mx + b -- where: x -y are the coordinates of any point on the line (allows you to locate) m is the slope of the line b is the intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis) Sometimes on the GRE - 'a' is substituted for 'm' - as in 'y = ax + b'.
Bh

6. Define the median of a set of numbers - and how to find it for an odd and even number of values in a set.

7. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
Probability A + Probability B
Calculate and add the areas of all of 6 its sides. Example: for a rectangle with dimensions 2 x 3 x 4 - there will be 2 sides each - for each combination of these dimensions. That is - 2 each of 2x3 - 2 each of 3x4 - and 2 each of 4x2.
180 degrees
Multiply all elements of both sides of the equation by 2 (the denominator of the fraction). This will produce 10x + 3 = 14x. Solve from there: 3 = 4x - x = 3/4.

8. How many degrees does a circle contain?
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
360 degrees
Multiply all elements of both sides of the equation by 2 (the denominator of the fraction). This will produce 10x + 3 = 14x. Solve from there: 3 = 4x - x = 3/4.

9. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
x² -2xy + y²
2
(0 -0)
The mode is the number in a set that occurs most frequently. Example: for the set {3 -6 -3 -8 -9 -3 -11} the number 3 appears most frequently so it is the mode.

10. a² - b² is equal to
(a+b)(a-b)
S²
40%
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

11. What degree angle is a line?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
2
Between 0 and 1.

12. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
This is similar to an Average Pie - and can be used for some story problems. Draw a circle. Top half holds the Distance or other Amount. Bottom left holds Time. Bottom right holds Rate. Rate * Time = Amount
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

13. Diameter of a circle?
2r
1.4
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Always read the answer choices first. Try to eliminate choices by ballparking or estimating. But watch out for 'Trap' answers that look temptingly correct at first glance.

14. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
Length of an Arc = (n/360)(2pr) - where 'n' equals the central angle (the angle formed by the two edge radii of the arc). For example: if n=60 - then n/360 = 1/6 - which means the arc formed by the 60-degree central angle will be 1/6 of the circle'S
Multiply all elements of both sides of the equation by 2 (the denominator of the fraction). This will produce 10x + 3 = 14x. Solve from there: 3 = 4x - x = 3/4.
An integer is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. For example - adding the digits of the number 2 -145 (2+1+4+5) = 12 - which is divisible by 3.
Use the FOIL method: First - Outer - Inner - Last. This simply means to multiply every term in the first parentheses by every term in the second parentheses. Example: (x+4)(x+3) = First: (xx) + Outer: (x3) + Inner: (4x) + Last: (43) = (xx)+(x3)+(x4)+

15. Define the range of a set of numbers.
1.7
The equation must be set equal to zero. If during the test one appears that'S not - before you can solve it you must first manipulate it so it is equal to zero.
90 degrees each.
The range is the difference between the biggest and smallest numbers in the set. Example: for the set {2 -6 -13 -3 -15 -4 -9} the smallest number is 2 - largest is 15 - so the range is 15-2=13.

16. How do you multiply fractions?
V75 = v253 = 5v3 - and v27 = v93 = 3v3. So we have 5v3/3v3. The v3 in the top and bottom of the fraction cancel - leaving 5/3.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
An isoceles right angle. Remember that interior angles are 90:45:45 degrees. The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply

17. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
x² -2xy + y²
2
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

18. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
T = G1 + G2 - B + N Where T = Total G1 = first Group G2 = second Group B = members who are in Both groups N = members who are in Neither group
80%
1. Factored: x² - y² Unfactored: (x+y)(x-y) 2. Factored: (x+y)² Unfactored: x² + 2xy + y² 3. Factored: (x-y)² Unfactored: x² - 2xy + y²

19. HIGH: How do you calculate the length of an arc?

20. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
Always read the answer choices first. Try to eliminate choices by ballparking or estimating. But watch out for 'Trap' answers that look temptingly correct at first glance.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
1. Factored: x² - y² Unfactored: (x+y)(x-y) 2. Factored: (x+y)² Unfactored: x² + 2xy + y² 3. Factored: (x-y)² Unfactored: x² - 2xy + y²
A line is a 180-degree angle.

21. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
A 90-degree angle.
If order matters - then you have a permutation -- do NOT divide. If order does NOT matter - then you have a combination -- divide by the factorial of the number of available slots.
First - translate into clear math: 56 = x/100(80) ('56 is x one-hundredths of 80') = 56 = 80x/100 = 56 = 4x/5 Divide both sides by 4/5 (multiply by 5/4) 70 = x - so 70%.
1.4

22. What is the formula to determine probability?
(x+y)²
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
If order matters - then you have a permutation -- do NOT divide. If order does NOT matter - then you have a combination -- divide by the factorial of the number of available slots.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

23. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
180 degrees.
40%

24. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
The length of any one side of a triangle must be less than the sum of the other two sides. It must also be greater than the difference between the other two sides. So - 'A' will always be < B+C - and > B-C or C-B.
S*v2
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.

25. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
1.7
1. Figure out how many slots you have (i.e. there are 3 winning positions in a race - 1st - 2nd - and 3rd) 2. Write down the number of possible options for each slot (i.e. 5 runners in the race - so 5 options for the 1st slot - 4 options for the 2nd
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

26. What'S a handy rough estimate for a circle'S perimeter - if you know it'S diameter?

27. How precise do you need to be - using p on the GRE?

28. Area of a square?
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
Multiply each numerator by the other fraction'S denominator. Example: 3/7 and 7/12. Multiply 312 = 36 - and 77 = 49. If you completed the full calculation - you'd also cross-multiply the denominators - but you don'T have to in order to compare values
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
S²

29. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
(a+b)(a-b)
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
A=pr²
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

30. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
y = mx + b -- where: x -y are the coordinates of any point on the line (allows you to locate) m is the slope of the line b is the intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis) Sometimes on the GRE - 'a' is substituted for 'm' - as in 'y = ax + b'.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
A=pr²
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

31. What do combination problems usually ask for?
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
The length of any one side of a triangle must be less than the sum of the other two sides - and greater than the difference between the other two sides.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Groups - teams - or committees.

32. HIGH: What is the mode?
Probability A + Probability B
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
The value that appears most often in a data set.
(x+y)²

33. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

34. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
6
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
90 degrees each.

35. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
Probability A * Probability B
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
Between 0 and 1.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

36. HIGH: Area of a circle
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
(a+b)(a-b)
2pr -or- pd
A=pr²

37. How do you divide fractions?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
The equation must be set equal to zero. If during the test one appears that'S not - before you can solve it you must first manipulate it so it is equal to zero.
A digit is a number that makes up other numbers. There are ten digits: 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9. Every 'number' is made up of one or more digits. For example - the number 528 is made up of three digits - a 5 - a 2 - and an 8.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

38. On the GRE - should you ever assume that diagrams are truthful?
The average - mean - median - or mode.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

39. Area of a parallelogram?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Bh
180 degrees
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

40. In a coordinate system - identify the quadrants and describe their location.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
1.7
An integer is divisible by 4 if its last two digits form a number that'S divisible by 4. For example - 712 is divisible by 4 because its last two digits (12) is divisible by 4.

41. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
(x+y)(x-y)
y = mx + b -- where: x -y are the coordinates of any point on the line (allows you to locate) m is the slope of the line b is the intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis) Sometimes on the GRE - 'a' is substituted for 'm' - as in 'y = ax + b'.

42. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.

43. How do you add or subtract fractions?
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Use the FOIL method: First - Outer - Inner - Last. This simply means to multiply every term in the first parentheses by every term in the second parentheses. Example: (x+4)(x+3) = First: (xx) + Outer: (x3) + Inner: (4x) + Last: (43) = (xx)+(x3)+(x4)+
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

44. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
1. Factored: x² - y² Unfactored: (x+y)(x-y) 2. Factored: (x+y)² Unfactored: x² + 2xy + y² 3. Factored: (x-y)² Unfactored: x² - 2xy + y²
S*v2
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

45. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
An isoceles right angle. Remember that interior angles are 90:45:45 degrees. The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
S*v2
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Zero is even. It is an integer. It is neither positive nor negative. Zero multiplied by any other number = zero. You cannot divide by zero.

46. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
y = mx + b -- where: x -y are the coordinates of any point on the line (allows you to locate) m is the slope of the line b is the intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis) Sometimes on the GRE - 'a' is substituted for 'm' - as in 'y = ax + b'.
If order matters - then you have a permutation -- do NOT divide. If order does NOT matter - then you have a combination -- divide by the factorial of the number of available slots.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

47. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
Use the FOIL method: First - Outer - Inner - Last. This simply means to multiply every term in the first parentheses by every term in the second parentheses. Example: (x+4)(x+3) = First: (xx) + Outer: (x3) + Inner: (4x) + Last: (43) = (xx)+(x3)+(x4)+
2r
60%
Length of an Arc = (n/360)(2pr) - where 'n' equals the central angle (the angle formed by the two edge radii of the arc). For example: if n=60 - then n/360 = 1/6 - which means the arc formed by the 60-degree central angle will be 1/6 of the circle'S

48. HIGH: Explain a method for quickly comparing fractions with different denominators - to determine which is larger.

49. Explain the special properties of zero.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
(x+y)(x-y)
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Zero is even. It is an integer. It is neither positive nor negative. Zero multiplied by any other number = zero. You cannot divide by zero.

50. HIGH: Define the 'Third side' rule for triangles