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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 kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
(x-y)²
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7

2. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
(x+y)²
1.4
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.

3. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
25%
Example: 1 < x < 10
A=pr²
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

4. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
1. Figure out how many slots you have (i.e. you'Re supposed to bring home 3 different types of ice cream) 2. Write down the number of possible options for each slot (i.e. 5 flavors of ice cream at the store - 5 options for the 1st slot - 4 options fo
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
25%
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

5. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
2pr -or- pd
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
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.

6. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
1.7
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.

7. a² - b² is equal to
Absolute value is a number'S distance away from zero on the number line. It is always positive - regardless of whether the number is positive or negative. It is represented with | |. For example - |-5| = 5 - and |5| = 5.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
(a+b)(a-b)
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.

8. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
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.
A=pr²
A radius
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

9. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
6
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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)+

10. What do combination problems usually ask for?
(x-y)²
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.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
Groups - teams - or committees.

11. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
A=pr²
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

12. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
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
180 degrees.
3:4:5 5:12:13
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

13. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
Probability A * Probability B
(x+y)(x-y)
40%
6

14. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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
(x-y)²

15. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
PEMDAS (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally): P = Parentheses. Solve anything inside of parentheses first. E = Exponents. Solve these second. MD = Multiplication - Division. From left to right - do all multiplication and division during one step through

16. What do permutation problems often ask for?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
25%
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.

17. How do you divide fractions?
3:4:5 5:12:13
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
The total # of possible outcomes.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

18. HIGH: What must be true before a quadratic equation can be solved?

19. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
Between 0 and 1.
360 degrees
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
The value that appears most often in a data set.

20. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
180 degrees
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

21. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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
The total # of possible outcomes.

22. What is a 'Right' triangle?
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
2
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.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.

23. Explain the difference between a digit and a number.

24. What is the 'distributive law'?
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
A(b+c) = ab + ac a(b-c) = ab - ac - For example - 12(66) + 12(24) is the same as 12(66+24) - or 12(90) = 1 -080.

25. What is a 'Right' angle?
A 90-degree angle.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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.

26. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
A 90-degree angle.
Bh
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
The value that appears most often in a data set.

27. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
PEMDAS (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally): P = Parentheses. Solve anything inside of parentheses first. E = Exponents. Solve these second. MD = Multiplication - Division. From left to right - do all multiplication and division during one step through
60%
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

28. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
Between 0 and 1.

29. Explain how to divide fractions.
Between 0 and 1.
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.
A(b+c) = ab + ac a(b-c) = ab - ac - For example - 12(66) + 12(24) is the same as 12(66+24) - or 12(90) = 1 -080.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

30. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
This triangle is a square divided along its diagonal. Interior angles are 90:45:45 degrees. The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
360 degrees
2pr -or- pd

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

32. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
Between 0 and 1.
1/1
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
A 90-degree angle.

33. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
40%

34. Define the range of a set of numbers.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
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.
A=pr²
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

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

36. Probability Formula
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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
(x-y)²
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

37. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
1.4
x²-y²
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

38. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
(x+y)²
25%
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.

39. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
A(b+c) = ab + ac a(b-c) = ab - ac - For example - 12(66) + 12(24) is the same as 12(66+24) - or 12(90) = 1 -080.
A median is the middle value of a set of numbers. For an odd number of values - it'S simply the middle number. For an even number of values - take the average of the center two values.

40. An integer is divisible by 8 if...

41. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
The average - mean - median - or mode.
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.

42. Area of a square?
A median is the middle value of a set of numbers. For an odd number of values - it'S simply the middle number. For an even number of values - take the average of the center two values.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
By Plugging In an actual value for the variable(s). This will be quicker - more accurate - you'll avoid built-in traps - and you can use the calculator. When Plugging In - use simple numbers but avoid 1 and 0.
S²

43. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

44. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

45. When a pair of parallel lines is intersected by another line - two types of angles are formed. What are they?

46. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Groups - teams - or committees.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
1/1

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

48. What is the formula to determine probability?
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
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)+

49. How do you multiply fractions?
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

50. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
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.
(0 -0)
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36