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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 cylinder?
360 degrees
x² + 2xy + y²
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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

2. What degree angle is a line?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

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

4. a² - b² is equal to
2pr -or- pd
(a+b)(a-b)
180 degrees.
(x+y)²

5. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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=pr²
x²-y²

6. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
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.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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 value that appears most often in a data set.

7. Define 'proportionate' values
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

8. Diameter of a circle?
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 formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
2pr -or- pd
2r

9. HIGH: What must be true before a quadratic equation can be solved?

10. How many degrees does a circle contain?
6
The total # of possible outcomes.
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.
360 degrees

11. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
1/1
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
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%.

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

13. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
The total # of possible outcomes.

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

15. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
90 degrees each.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

16. v4 =
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
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.
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.
2

17. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
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.
Probability A + Probability B
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
(x+y)²

18. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

19. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
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.
3:4:5 5:12:13
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
A=pr²

20. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
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.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
1.7

21. 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
1.4
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.

22. What do permutation problems often ask for?
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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.
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)+
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.

23. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
A=pr²
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
S*v2
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

24. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular 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.
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
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.

25. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
The average - mean - median - or mode.
1/1
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.

26. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
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.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

27. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
(0 -0)
(x+y)(x-y)
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

28. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
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.
90 degrees each.
Groups - teams - or committees.

29. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
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.
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)(x-y)
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

30. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
80%
1.4
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.
(0 -0)

31. Explain the difference between handling a permutation versus a combination.
(a+b)(a-b)
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'.
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 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.

32. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
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.
Probability A + Probability B
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

33. What is the equation for a group problem?
40%
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
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.

34. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.
S*v2
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.

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

36. Area of a square?
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
S²
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

37. What are 'vertical angles'?
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.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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
25%

38. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
V=s³
x² + 2xy + y²
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
180 degrees

39. 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.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
The average - mean - median - or mode.

40. Simplify this: v32
1.4
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

41. Explain the special properties of zero.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.

42. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
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
Bh
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
Example: 1 < x < 10

43. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
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.
1.7
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
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.

44. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
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
1.4
Groups - teams - or committees.

45. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

46. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
V=s³
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

47. How do you solve a permutation?
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 circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
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.

48. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
x² + 2xy + y²
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.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
A line is a 180-degree angle.

49. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
x²-y²
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
The total # of possible outcomes.
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

50. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
Example: 1 < x < 10
(a+b)(a-b)