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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?
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
S*v2
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. HIGH: Explain the process to solve '56 is what percent of 80?'

3. How do you divide fractions?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

4. HIGH: What is the median?
Bh
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 # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Between 0 and 1.

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

6. How do you solve a permutation?
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
S²
3:4:5 5:12:13
2

7. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
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 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.
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)+
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.

8. Area of a parallelogram?
Bh
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
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.
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 is a 'Right' angle?
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.
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.
A 90-degree angle.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

10. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
1/1
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
180 degrees.

11. HIGH: Explain a method for quickly comparing fractions with different denominators - to determine which is larger.

12. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
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.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
40%

13. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
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.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
180 degrees
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply

14. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
V=s³
Between 0 and 1.
360 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.

15. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Probability A + Probability B
60%
(x+y)²

16. Define the range of a set of numbers.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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.
(x+y)(x-y)
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.

17. What is the key to dealing with ratio questions?
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'.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

18. Simplify this: v32
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.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

19. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
Between 0 and 1.
25%
2pr -or- pd

20. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
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.
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.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100

21. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
A=pr²
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.

22. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
x² -2xy + y²
1
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'.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

23. How do you multiply fractions?
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.
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.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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.

24. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
Probability A + Probability B
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
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.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

25. What do permutation problems often ask for?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.

26. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
(x+y)(x-y)
(a+b)(a-b)
360 degrees
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

27. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
80%

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

29. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
360 degrees
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
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
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.

30. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
1.4
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Probability A * Probability B

31. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
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
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
2r

32. HIGH: How do you calculate the length of an arc?

33. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
(x+y)(x-y)
S*v2
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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

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

35. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
60%
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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

36. What is the sum of any 'big' angle and any 'Small' angle?
180 degrees
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
360 degrees
180 degrees.

37. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
80%
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

38. Area of a square?
360 degrees
2r
The value that appears most often in a data set.
S²

39. HIGH: To divide powers with the same 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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

40. HIGH: What is a 'Right isosceles' triangle?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
(x+y)²
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.
Bh

41. 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.
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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
40%

42. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

43. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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.
The total # of possible outcomes.

44. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

45. What degree angle is a line?
360 degrees
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 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
A line is a 180-degree angle.

46. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
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.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
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.

47. Define 'proportionate' values
360 degrees
25%
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.

48. Explain how to divide fractions.
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.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

49. What is a 'Right' triangle?
180 degrees
3:4:5 5:12:13
The total # of possible outcomes.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.

50. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
360 degrees
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3