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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.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
x² + 2xy + y²
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

2. How do you solve a combination?

3. Area of a parallelogram?
6
Bh
Groups - teams - or committees.
60%

4. What are 'vertical angles'?
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.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

5. Explain the special properties of zero.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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 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.

6. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
(0 -0)
Probability A + Probability B
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.

7. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
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.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
2pr -or- pd

8. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
2
(x+y)²
25%

9. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
(x+y)²
Between 0 and 1.

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

11. Define 'proportionate' values
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.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
6

12. Probability Formula
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.
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.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

13. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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.

14. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
Groups - teams - or committees.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
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 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

15. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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.
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.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

16. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
180 degrees.
Probability A * Probability B
(0 -0)

17. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

18. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
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.
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.
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
x² + 2xy + y²

19. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
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%.
x²-y²
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.
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

20. HIGH: What is the median?
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 # falling in the center of an ordered 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.
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%.

21. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
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
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.

22. The three interior angles of a triangle add up 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.
180 degrees
V=s³

23. How do you add or subtract fractions?
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 a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

24. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
A radius
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

25. Simplify this: v32
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%.
A 90-degree angle.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
180 degrees

26. HIGH: Area of a circle
Example: 1 < x < 10
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
360 degrees
A=pr²

27. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
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%.
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
360 degrees
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.

28. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
x² + 2xy + y²
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.

29. 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.
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
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

30. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Probability A * Probability B
3:4:5 5:12:13
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

31. What degree angle is a line?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
A line is a 180-degree angle.
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.

32. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.
1/1

33. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
2pr -or- pd
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
(x+y)²

34. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
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 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
90 degrees each.

35. v4 =
2
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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
1.7

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

37. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
2
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.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

38. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.
2r
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.

39. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
1
6
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.
S²

40. When a pair of parallel lines is intersected by another line - two types of angles are formed. What are they?

41. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
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.
S²
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
(x+y)(x-y)

42. Explain the difference between handling a permutation versus a combination.
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.
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
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.

43. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
Bh
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

44. What is the sum of any 'big' angle and any 'Small' angle?
180 degrees.
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.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.

45. How do you multiply fractions?
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

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

47. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
2pr -or- pd
Probability A + Probability 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

48. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
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.
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
60%
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.

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

50. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
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.