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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. Area of a square?
This is an equilateral triangle that has been divided along its height. Interior angles are 30:60:90 degrees. Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse. This allows you to deduce any side - given
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.
S²

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

3. Simplify this: v32
A line is a 180-degree angle.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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.
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)+

4. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
This is an equilateral triangle that has been divided along its height. Interior angles are 30:60:90 degrees. Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse. This allows you to deduce any side - given
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.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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'.

5. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
The factorial of a number is that number times every positive whole number smaller than that number - down to 1. Example: 6! means the factorial of 6 - which = 65432*1 = 720.
A radius
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

6. What is the formula to determine probability?
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

7. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
1
1.4

8. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
1/1
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.
3:4:5 5:12:13

9. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
(x+y)(x-y)
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
The factorial of a number is that number times every positive whole number smaller than that number - down to 1. Example: 6! means the factorial of 6 - which = 65432*1 = 720.

10. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
180 degrees.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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.

11. How do you add or subtract fractions?
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
40%
x²-y²
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

12. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
2r
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
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.
6

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

14. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
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
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'.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
x²-y²

15. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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

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

17. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
V=s³
2

18. How many degrees does a circle contain?
360 degrees
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.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
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.

19. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
Probability A * Probability B
90 degrees each.
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
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

20. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
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.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
(a+b)(a-b)

21. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
S*v2
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

22. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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

23. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
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
S²
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Probability A * Probability B

24. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
1.4
x² -2xy + y²
V=s³
The total # of possible outcomes.

25. What is the equation for a group problem?
80%
6
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

26. HIGH: Area of a circle
(x-y)²
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
A=pr²

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

28. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
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
Between 0 and 1.

29. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
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
80%
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

30. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
Between 0 and 1.
That - unlike a normal chart - they are constructed to HIDE information or make it HARDER to understand. Be sure to scroll down - read everything - and look carefully for hidden information - asterisks - footnotes - small print - and funny units.
360 degrees
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

31. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
90 degrees each.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100

32. HIGH: Explain the process to solve '56 is what percent of 80?'

33. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
6
(x+y)(x-y)
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

34. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
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.
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.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
The factorial of a number is that number times every positive whole number smaller than that number - down to 1. Example: 6! means the factorial of 6 - which = 65432*1 = 720.

35. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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
V=s³
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

36. On the GRE - should you ever assume that diagrams are truthful?
60%
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

37. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
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
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.
6

38. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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
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
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.

39. An integer is divisible by 4 if...

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

41. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
1
80%
180 degrees.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

42. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
1.7
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

43. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
60%
2
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

44. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
180 degrees.
This is an equilateral triangle that has been divided along its height. Interior angles are 30:60:90 degrees. Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse. This allows you to deduce any side - given
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

45. Explain the special properties of zero.
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.
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.
The average - mean - median - or mode.
A=pr²

46. What should you do BEFORE you start to solve a GRE math problem?

47. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
That they often have not just one answer - but two. For example - solving x² -10x + 24 = 0 factors to (x-4)(x-6)=0 - which means x could equal either 4 or 6. Just accept it.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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.

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

49. Explain how to divide fractions.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
(x+y)(x-y)
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

50. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
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.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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)+
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)