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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: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
3:4:5 5:12:13
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.
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
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

2. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
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
x² + 2xy + y²

3. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
180 degrees
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
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

4. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
(x+y)(x-y)
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.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.

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

6. Define 'proportionate' values
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
A=pr²
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
180 degrees

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

8. HIGH: Area of a circle
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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
A=pr²
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

9. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
(0 -0)
V=s³

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

11. How do you solve a permutation?
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 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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
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

12. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
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.
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
1.4
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

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

14. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x 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%.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

15. What is a 'Right' triangle?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
The average - mean - median - or mode.

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

17. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
(x+y)²
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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

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

19. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
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.
2pr -or- pd
Probability A + Probability B
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

20. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
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)+
The average - mean - median - or mode.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
40%

21. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

22. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
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.
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
180 degrees.

23. HIGH: What is the mode?
(a+b)(a-b)
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply

24. What degree angle is a line?
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
1/1
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.
A line is a 180-degree angle.

25. a² - b² is equal to
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.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
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.
(a+b)(a-b)

26. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
25%
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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

27. HIGH: What is a 'Right isosceles' triangle?
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
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.

28. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
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.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply

29. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
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.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
80%
(x+y)(x-y)

30. What do combination problems usually ask for?
(x+y)(x-y)
(x+y)²
Groups - teams - or committees.
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.

31. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

32. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
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
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 the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
180 degrees.

33. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
1
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.
(x-y)²
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7

34. 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.
2r
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

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

36. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Between 0 and 1.
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.

37. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

38. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
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.

39. How do you solve a combination?

40. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
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
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
1/1
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

41. An integer is divisible by 8 if...

42. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
Bh
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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.

43. List two odd behaviors of exponents
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.
V=s³
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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

44. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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
The total # of possible outcomes.

45. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
The total # of possible outcomes.
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.
1/1
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.

46. How many degrees does a circle contain?
180 degrees
360 degrees
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
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.

47. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
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.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

48. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
(x-y)²
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

49. What are 'vertical angles'?
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.
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)+
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.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

50. Area of a square?
S*v2
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.
x² -2xy + y²
S²