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GRE High Frequency Math Terms

Subjects : gre, math

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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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. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
1.7
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
25%
2r

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

3. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y) ?
This equals 7 - or 7/1 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
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.
x + 2xy + y
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

4. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
(a+b)(a-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
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
Probability A * Probability B

5. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
2r
360 degrees
1.4
The total # of possible outcomes.

6. Simplify this: v32
2pr -or- pd
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

7. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
360 degrees
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.
Between 0 and 1.
80%

8. Diameter of a circle?
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
2r
25%
2

9. Explain how to divide fractions.
2
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7
Example: 1 < x < 10
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

10. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
Probability A * Probability B
40%
3:4:5 5:12:13
360 degrees

11. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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

12. What is an 'equilateral' triangle?
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
1/1
A radius
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

13. An integer is divisible by 4 if...
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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
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.

14. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
This equals 7 - or 7/1 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
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.
x-y
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

15. How many degrees does a circle contain?
(x+y)(x-y)
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.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

16. 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 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.
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
1. Factored: x - y Unfactored: (x+y)(x-y) 2. Factored: (x+y) Unfactored: x + 2xy + y 3. Factored: (x-y) Unfactored: x - 2xy + y

17. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
80%
Probability A * Probability B
For RIGHT triangles only: c = a + b 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

18. An integer is divisible by 8 if...
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
V=prh (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
Probability A + Probability B
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.

19. HIGH: What is the factored version of x + 2xy + y ?
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.
V=prh (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
(x+y)
1/1

20. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
V=s
A radius
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
180 degrees.

21. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
V=prh (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
2
A 90-degree angle.

22. Define the median of a set of numbers - and how to find it for an odd and even number of values in a set.
(x-y)
360 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.
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.

23. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
(x+y)
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
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.

24. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
(0 -0)
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7
Example: 1 < x < 10
S*v2

25. HIGH: Area of a circle
A=pr
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
1
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

26. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
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.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
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
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

27. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
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
360 degrees
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

28. HIGH: Explain a method for quickly comparing fractions with different denominators - to determine which is larger.
3:4:5 5:12:13
Example: 1 < x < 10
1
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

29. If x = 144 - does v144 = x?
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
(x-y)
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
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.

30. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

31. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
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
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.
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.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

32. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 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.
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.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
90 degrees each.

33. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
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.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

34. What is the formula to determine probability?
1.7
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
A=pr
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)

35. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? x4 = x?-4 = x5
A 90-degree angle.
x -2xy + y
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

36. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
80%
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.

37. v4 =
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.
Bh
Groups - teams - or committees.

38. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
180 degrees
60%
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

39. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
3:4:5 5:12:13
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
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%.

40. What do combination problems usually ask for?
(0 -0)
1. Factored: x - y Unfactored: (x+y)(x-y) 2. Factored: (x+y) Unfactored: x + 2xy + y 3. Factored: (x-y) Unfactored: x - 2xy + y
Probability A + Probability B
Groups - teams - or committees.

41. What'S a handy rough estimate for a circle'S perimeter - if you know it'S diameter?
40%
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
(a+b)(a-b)
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).

42. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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.
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 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. What degree angle is a line?
Probability A * Probability B
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.

44. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
1
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
60%

45. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
Between 0 and 1.
1/1
3:4:5 5:12:13
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.

46. Explain the difference between a digit and a number.
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.
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 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=pr

47. What should you do BEFORE you start to solve a GRE math problem?
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.
A=pr
1. Raising a fraction (between 0 and 1) to a power greater than 1 results in a SMALLER number. For example: (1/2) = 1/4. 2. A number raised to the 0 power is 1 - no matter what the number is. For example: 1 -287 = 1.
S

48. Area of a parallelogram?
Probability A + Probability B
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
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Bh

49. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y) ?
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
2pr -or- pd
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
x -2xy + y

50. What are 'vertical angles'?
A radius
A 90-degree angle.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.

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