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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.
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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. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
Groups - teams - or committees.
Probability A + Probability B
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
(0 -0)

2. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
x -2xy + y
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
2pr -or- pd
V=s

3. Explain how to divide fractions.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
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
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

4. How many degrees does a circle contain?
360 degrees
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
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'.
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

5. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
(x+y)(x-y)
That they often have not just one answer - but two. For example - solving x -10x + 24 = 0 factors to (x-4)(x-6)=0 - which means x could equal either 4 or 6. Just accept it.
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.
Between 0 and 1.

6. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
Probability A * Probability B
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
1/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.

7. What do permutation problems often ask for?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
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 numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

8. HIGH: Explain the process to solve '56 is what percent of 80?'
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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%.
1.4
Probability A * Probability B

9. What is the sum of any 'big' angle and any 'Small' angle?
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
180 degrees.
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

10. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?
For RIGHT triangles only: c = a + b 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
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 90-degree angle.
Probability A + Probability B

11. HIGH: What is 'absolute value' - and how is it represented?
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.
Probability A + Probability B
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.
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.

12. 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.
1.7
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.
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. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
For RIGHT triangles only: c = a + b 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
2pr -or- pd
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

14. HIGH: Explain a method for quickly comparing fractions with different denominators - to determine which is larger.
V=s
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
That they often have not just one answer - but two. For example - solving x -10x + 24 = 0 factors to (x-4)(x-6)=0 - which means x could equal either 4 or 6. Just accept it.
1/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36

15. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
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.
x-y
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.
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

16. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x-y ?
(0 -0)
(x+y)(x-y)
360 degrees
1.7

17. v4 =
80%
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)
2

18. HIGH: What is the factored version of x + 2xy + y ?
40%
(x+y)
360 degrees
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.

19. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? x4 = x?-4 = x5
6
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

20. What is a 'Right' angle?
S*v2
A 90-degree angle.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
360 degrees

21. 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.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
1.4
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

22. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
80%
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/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36

23. Explain the difference between a digit and a number.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7
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.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
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.

24. An integer is divisible by 4 if...
A 90-degree angle.
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.
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.
S

25. HIGH: What is the median?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
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.
V=prh (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

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

27. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
(x+y)(x-y)
The total # of possible outcomes.

28. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
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
1.7
90 degrees each.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

29. In a coordinate system - identify the quadrants and describe their location.
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.
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. 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.
360 degrees

30. HIGH: What is the equation of a line?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)
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)+
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'.
90 degrees each.

31. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
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
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)+
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
V=prh (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

32. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y) ?
x -2xy + y
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
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.
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)+

33. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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.

34. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
(x+y)
Groups - teams - or committees.
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.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

35. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
2pr -or- pd
60%
x + 2xy + y
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

36. What'S one way to avoid mistakes on algebra questions in the GRE?
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
(x-y)
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.

37. HIGH: How do you calculate the length of an arc?
S*v2
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
360 degrees
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

38. HIGH: What must be true before a quadratic equation can be solved?
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)
A=pr
1.7

39. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
40%
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.
x-y

40. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
A line is a 180-degree angle.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
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.

41. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
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.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
1/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36
V=prh (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

42. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
40%
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
V=s
Bh

43. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

44. Explain the difference between handling a permutation versus a combination.
360 degrees
180 degrees
Probability A + Probability B
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.

45. HIGH: Define the 'Third side' rule for triangles
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
(x+y)
60%
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.

46. HIGH: Area of a circle
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
A=pr
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.

47. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7
25%
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.

48. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
2r
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
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.
For RIGHT triangles only: c = a + b 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

49. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
The total # of possible outcomes.
1. Raising a fraction (between 0 and 1) to a power greater than 1 results in a SMALLER number. For example: (1/2) = 1/4. 2. A number raised to the 0 power is 1 - no matter what the number is. For example: 1 -287 = 1.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

50. Area of a parallelogram?
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
6
A=pr

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