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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. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
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.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

2. What degree angle is a line?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
Probability A * Probability B
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.

3. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
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.
40%
25%
6

4. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
V=s³
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

5. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
S²
25%
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).

6. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
A line is a 180-degree angle.
3:4:5 5:12:13
Probability A * Probability B
1.4

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

8. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
180 degrees.
S*v2

9. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
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.
360 degrees
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. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
A radius
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.
A line is a 180-degree angle.

11. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
Probability A * Probability B
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.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
(x-y)²

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

13. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
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)+
1/1
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.
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.

14. On the GRE - should you ever assume that diagrams are truthful?
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

15. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
The average - mean - median - or mode.
360 degrees
x²-y²
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

16. How do you add or subtract fractions?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
2r

17. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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.
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.

18. Define the range of a set of numbers.
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.
(x-y)²
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.
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%.

19. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
1.4
S²
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

20. How many degrees does a circle contain?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
360 degrees
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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%.

21. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
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
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
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.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

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

23. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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.

24. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.
Between 0 and 1.

25. Area of a square?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
1.4
S²
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.

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

27. What are 'vertical angles'?
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.
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.
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.

28. HIGH: What is a 'Right isosceles' triangle?
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
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.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
2pr -or- pd
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.
x² + 2xy + y²
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

30. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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)
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

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

32. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
1
A radius
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
180 degrees.

33. HIGH: What is the mode?
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
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.
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.
The value that appears most often in a data set.

34. v4 =
2
40%
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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

35. Explain the special properties of zero.
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.
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
(0 -0)
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.

36. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
2r
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

37. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
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
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

38. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
A=pr²
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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.
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.

39. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
1
Between 0 and 1.
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.
360 degrees

40. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
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
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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.
40%

41. What is a 'Right' 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
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
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.

42. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
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.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
3:4:5 5:12:13
80%

43. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
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
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.
S*v2
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

44. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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
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
25%

45. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
x² + 2xy + y²
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
180 degrees.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

46. What do combination problems usually ask for?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
Groups - teams - or committees.

47. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
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.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

48. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
Bh
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
6
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%.

49. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
Probability A * Probability B
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

50. What is the formula to determine probability?
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
(a+b)(a-b)