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GRE High Frequency Math Terms

Subjects : gre, math

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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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. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

2. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
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.
25%
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.

3. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
180 degrees.
(a+b)(a-b)
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
2pr -or- pd

4. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
(x-y)²
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.

5. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
1/1
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

6. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
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.
360 degrees
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

7. v4 =
2
1.4
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
90 degrees each.

8. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
(x+y)²
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

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

10. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
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.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
x²-y²
Probability A * Probability B

11. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
40%
1
1/1
90 degrees each.

12. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
x² -2xy + y²
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.

13. What is the sum of any 'big' angle and any 'Small' angle?
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
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.
(a+b)(a-b)
180 degrees.

14. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
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.
x² + 2xy + y²
V=s³
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

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

16. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
x²-y²
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
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.

17. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
25%
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
A radius

18. HIGH: What is the mode?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
The value that appears most often in a data set.

19. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
A=pr²
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 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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

20. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
(0 -0)
x² -2xy + y²
25%
(x+y)(x-y)

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

22. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

23. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
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.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
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.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

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

25. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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
Between 0 and 1.
(x-y)²

26. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
The # falling in the center of an ordered 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'.
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.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.

27. HIGH: What is the equation of a line?

28. What is a 'Right' angle?
x² + 2xy + y²
A 90-degree angle.
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.
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.

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

30. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
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
The total # of possible outcomes.
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

31. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
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
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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.
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.

32. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
90 degrees each.
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.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

33. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
V=s³
(0 -0)
(a+b)(a-b)
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).

34. In a coordinate system - identify the quadrants and describe their location.
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.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Probability A + Probability B

35. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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.
3:4:5 5:12:13

36. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
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
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.
80%
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

37. How do you solve a combination?

38. a² - b² is equal to
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.
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.
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.
(a+b)(a-b)

39. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
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.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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.

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

41. How do you add or subtract fractions?
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.
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.
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'.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

42. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
180 degrees.
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.
A 90-degree angle.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

43. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
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.
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.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

44. What do combination problems usually ask for?
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.
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.
Groups - teams - or committees.
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.

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

46. An integer is divisible by 6 if...

47. 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.
180 degrees
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Between 0 and 1.

48. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
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.
180 degrees
1.4
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

49. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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
3:4:5 5:12:13
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.

50. How do you multiply fractions?
Probability A + Probability B
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3