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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: Volume of a cube?
360 degrees
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
3:4:5 5:12:13
V=s³

2. What is the formula to determine probability?
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
(a+b)(a-b)

3. What are the side ratios 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.
1
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

4. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
360 degrees
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
1.7
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.

5. Area of a square?
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
S²
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

6. What is the 'distributive law'?
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(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.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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.

7. v4 =
2
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
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.

8. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
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
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

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

10. 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.
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
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.

11. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
360 degrees
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
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
The average - mean - median - or mode.

12. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
(x+y)(x-y)
80%
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.

13. Simplify this: v32
90 degrees each.
(x+y)²
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
A radius

14. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 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.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
The average - mean - median - or mode.

15. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

16. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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.
180 degrees
2r

17. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
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.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
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.

18. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 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

19. What do combination problems usually ask for?
2pr -or- pd
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.
Groups - teams - or committees.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.

20. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
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
1
180 degrees
(x-y)²

21. How do you solve a combination?

22. Define the median of a set of numbers - and how to find it for an odd and even number of values in a set.

23. What do permutation problems often ask for?
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
The average - mean - median - or mode.
Probability A * Probability B
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.

24. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
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.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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.

25. What is a 'Right' angle?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
A 90-degree angle.
180 degrees
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.

26. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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.
1

27. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
x² -2xy + y²
Between 0 and 1.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
90 degrees each.

28. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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.
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'.
(0 -0)

29. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
80%
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.
Between 0 and 1.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

30. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
x²-y²
A line is a 180-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.

31. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
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.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

32. a² - b² is equal to
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.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
(a+b)(a-b)

33. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
The total # of possible outcomes.
Between 0 and 1.
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.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7

34. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
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.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Example: 1 < x < 10

35. How do you solve a permutation?
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
x²-y²
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. 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

36. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
Probability A * Probability B
90 degrees each.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

37. HIGH: What is the mode?
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.
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
The value that appears most often in a data set.
180 degrees.

38. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Example: 1 < x < 10
S*v2
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.

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

40. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
80%
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.

41. An integer is divisible by 4 if...

42. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
Bh
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.
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
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

43. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
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.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Example: 1 < x < 10
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

44. HIGH: What is the equation of a line?

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

46. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
x² -2xy + y²
(x-y)²
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 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.

47. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
The total # of possible outcomes.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
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

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

49. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
The average - mean - median - or mode.
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.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
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.

50. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
1.4
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.