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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?
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
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.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

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

3. HIGH: What is the mode?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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'.

4. a² - b² is equal to
(a+b)(a-b)
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
1/1
Groups - teams - or committees.

5. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
x² -2xy + y²
6
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

6. How do you add or subtract fractions?
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
(0 -0)
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

7. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Bh
Groups - teams - or committees.
V=s³

8. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
V=s³
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
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

9. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
(0 -0)
180 degrees
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
Groups - teams - or committees.

10. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
A 90-degree angle.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.

11. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
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.
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.
3:4:5 5:12:13
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

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

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

14. What is the equation for a group problem?
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
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
x²-y²
(a+b)(a-b)

15. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
90 degrees each.
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
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

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

17. How do you multiply fractions?
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
1/1
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
360 degrees

18. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
1
3:4:5 5:12:13
The average - mean - median - or mode.

19. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
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
Probability A * Probability B
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.

20. HIGH: Area of a circle
6
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
A=pr²
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.

21. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
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.

22. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
40%
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.
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.

23. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
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.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
A 90-degree angle.

24. What are 'vertical angles'?
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.
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
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')

25. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
x²-y²
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.
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)²

26. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
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
180 degrees
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

27. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
2pr -or- pd
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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.

28. 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.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
S²
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.

29. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

30. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
6
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.
Groups - teams - or committees.

31. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
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.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
(0 -0)

32. Probability Formula
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 total # of possible outcomes.
1
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

33. What is a 'Right' triangle?
1/1
360 degrees
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 triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.

34. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
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.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.

35. Define 'proportionate' values
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Probability A + Probability B
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.

36. Diameter of a circle?
2r
S*v2
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).

37. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
The total # of possible outcomes.
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.

38. How do you solve a combination?

39. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
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.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
360 degrees
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

40. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
90 degrees each.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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.
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

41. What degree angle is a line?
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
A line is a 180-degree angle.
A=pr²

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

43. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
90 degrees each.
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.
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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

44. What is the 'distributive law'?
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.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
Groups - teams - or committees.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

45. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
2r
x² + 2xy + y²
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.

46. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
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.
2pr -or- pd
The total # of possible outcomes.

47. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
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
1.4
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

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

49. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
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.
80%
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
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?
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
(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.