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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. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
1.4
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
80%

2. HIGH: Area of a circle
A=pr²
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
2
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

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

4. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
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.
A radius
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Probability A * Probability B

5. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.
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
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

6. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
1.7
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.

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

8. HIGH: What is the median?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
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.

9. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
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 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.

10. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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).
(x+y)(x-y)

11. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
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.
180 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.
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.

12. How many degrees does a circle contain?
360 degrees
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
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

13. HIGH: What is the mode?
90 degrees each.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
The value that appears most often in a data set.

14. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
360 degrees

15. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
V=s³
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
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.

16. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
90 degrees each.
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 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.

17. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
x²-y²
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.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

18. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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.
360 degrees

19. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
2pr -or- pd
Between 0 and 1.
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.
90 degrees each.

20. List two odd behaviors of exponents
A radius
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.
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.

21. What degree angle is a line?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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.

22. Define 'proportionate' values
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.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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 circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).

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

24. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
1
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
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

25. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
V=s³
Between 0 and 1.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

26. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

27. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
A radius
80%
3:4:5 5:12:13
360 degrees

28. What is the 'distributive law'?
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.
60%
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.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

29. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
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'.
40%
1.4
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.

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

31. How do you add or subtract fractions?
A radius
1.4
V=s³
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

32. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
The total # of possible outcomes.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.

33. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Example: 1 < x < 10

34. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
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.
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.
25%
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

35. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
3:4:5 5:12:13
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

36. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
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.
Bh
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.
40%

37. What is the formula to determine probability?
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
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.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

38. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
1.7
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.
90 degrees each.

39. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
360 degrees
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.
V=s³

40. What is a 'Right' triangle?
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Example: 1 < x < 10
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
(a+b)(a-b)

41. Probability Formula
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%.
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)+
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

42. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
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.
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.
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.

43. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
(x+y)(x-y)
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'.
1.4
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

44. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
(x+y)²
1/1
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.
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

45. What is a 'Right' angle?
A 90-degree angle.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
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.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

46. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
360 degrees
x² -2xy + y²
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.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

47. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
x²-y²
2r
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.

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

49. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
(x+y)(x-y)
3:4:5 5:12:13
(x-y)²

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