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

2. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
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
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Probability A + Probability B
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.

3. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
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
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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 formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

4. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
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.
A 90-degree angle.
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.
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.

5. Area of a parallelogram?
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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.
Bh
The total # of possible outcomes.

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

7. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
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
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.

8. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
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.
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
25%
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

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

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

11. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
Probability A * Probability B
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
2r
1.4

12. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
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.
x² -2xy + y²
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

13. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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.
80%

14. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
A=pr²
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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.
V=s³

15. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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
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.

16. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
1/1
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.
(x+y)²

17. Diameter of a circle?
Bh
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
2r
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'.

18. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
3:4:5 5:12:13
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.

19. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
x² + 2xy + y²
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
40%
The average - mean - median - or mode.

20. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
S*v2
90 degrees each.

21. v4 =
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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
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.

22. Define 'proportionate' values
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
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
3:4:5 5:12:13
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

23. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
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
Probability A + Probability B
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

24. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
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.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.

25. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
The average - mean - median - or mode.
180 degrees.
80%
1

26. 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% |
2pr -or- pd
A line is a 180-degree angle.
Groups - teams - or committees.

27. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
(x+y)(x-y)
Probability A + Probability B
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

28. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
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.
S²
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.

29. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
Groups - teams - or committees.
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.
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
1

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

31. Explain how to divide fractions.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
A=pr²
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

32. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
x²-y²
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.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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%.

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

34. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
1.7
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%.
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.

35. What is the 'distributive law'?
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.
(x-y)²
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.
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.

36. Area of a square?
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
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
S²
(x+y)(x-y)

37. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
S²
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.

38. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
(0 -0)
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.

39. What is a 'Right' triangle?
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.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

40. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

41. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
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.
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.
6
S*v2

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

43. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
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.
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
180 degrees.
40%

44. Define the range of a set of numbers.
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 formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
The total # of possible outcomes.

45. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
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
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
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Between 0 and 1.

46. HIGH: What is 'absolute value' - and how is it represented?

47. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
Example: 1 < x < 10
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.
2r
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

48. How do you solve a combination?

49. 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
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
25%
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

50. What degree angle is a line?
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.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
80%