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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. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
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.
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.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

2. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
(x-y)²
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.
360 degrees
S*v2

3. HIGH: Explain the process to solve '56 is what percent of 80?'

4. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
x² + 2xy + y²
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 circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
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)+

5. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
(x-y)²
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
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/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

6. How many degrees does a circle contain?
360 degrees
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.
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.
x² -2xy + y²

7. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
Example: 1 < x < 10
The total # of possible outcomes.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
(x+y)²

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

9. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
Example: 1 < x < 10
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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

10. How do you add or subtract fractions?
x² -2xy + y²
1
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
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.

11. Define the range of a set of numbers.
A radius
360 degrees
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.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.

12. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
(x+y)(x-y)
x² -2xy + y²
3:4:5 5:12:13

13. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
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 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
2pr -or- pd
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

14. What is the equation for a group problem?
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
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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%.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

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

16. What is a 'Right' triangle?
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

17. Define 'proportionate' values
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'.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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.
(a+b)(a-b)

18. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
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.

19. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.

20. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
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)+
40%
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
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.

21. What is a 'Right' angle?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.
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 90-degree angle.

22. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
Example: 1 < x < 10
6
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.
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.

23. How do you multiply fractions?
Between 0 and 1.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

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

25. HIGH: What is a 'Right isosceles' triangle?
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.
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 reading the problems carefully enough!
90 degrees each.

26. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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
(x+y)²
x²-y²

27. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

28. What is the 'distributive law'?
2pr -or- pd
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.
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
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

29. HIGH: What is the mode?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
3:4:5 5:12:13
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'.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

30. What do permutation problems often ask for?
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.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
The average - mean - median - or mode.
360 degrees

31. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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

32. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
Groups - teams - or committees.
90 degrees each.
Probability A * Probability B
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

33. HIGH: What is the median?
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%.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
S*v2
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

34. What degree angle is a line?
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
180 degrees.
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.
A line is a 180-degree angle.

35. What do combination problems usually ask for?
A radius
(a+b)(a-b)
Groups - teams - or committees.
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

36. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

37. How do you solve a combination?

38. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
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.
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.
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
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

39. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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
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.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

40. HIGH: What is 'absolute value' - and how is it represented?

41. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
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. 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

42. Probability Formula
A line is a 180-degree angle.
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.
(a+b)(a-b)
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

43. What is the formula to determine probability?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
180 degrees.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

44. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
The average - mean - median - or mode.
(x-y)²
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
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

45. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
The total # of possible outcomes.
6

46. Area of a parallelogram?
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
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Bh
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

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

48. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
A=pr²
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.
Groups - teams - or committees.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100

49. HIGH: x^-n 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.
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.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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: 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.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
A radius
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.