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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. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
(x-y)²
80%
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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

2. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
1.4
Example: 1 < x < 10
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
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'.

3. HIGH: What is the mode?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
A 90-degree angle.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
(a+b)(a-b)

4. List two odd behaviors of exponents
90 degrees each.
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.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
(a+b)(a-b)

5. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

6. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
A=pr²
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.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

7. How do you solve a combination?

8. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
(0 -0)
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
A 90-degree angle.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

9. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
Example: 1 < x < 10
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
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.
Between 0 and 1.

10. 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.
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.
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=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

11. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
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.
x²-y²
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.

12. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
3:4:5 5:12:13
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.
(0 -0)
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.

13. HIGH: Area of a circle
3:4:5 5:12:13
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
A=pr²
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.

14. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
40%
3:4:5 5:12:13
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+y)²

15. Explain how to divide fractions.
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'.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).

16. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
A radius
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
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.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.

17. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
V=s³
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 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.
360 degrees

18. Define the median of a set of numbers - and how to find it for an odd and even number of values in a set.

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

20. What is the key to dealing with ratio questions?
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
Between 0 and 1.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
x² + 2xy + y²

21. Define the range of a set of 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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
A radius
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.

22. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
40%
2pr -or- pd
Probability A * Probability B
Not reading the problems carefully enough!

23. Area of a parallelogram?
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.
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.
Bh
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

24. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
(x+y)²
(a+b)(a-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
40%

25. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
2pr -or- pd
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
x² + 2xy + y²
90 degrees each.

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

27. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
2r
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
x² -2xy + y²

28. Explain the special properties of zero.
A line is a 180-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.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
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.

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

30. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
(x-y)²
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

31. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
3:4:5 5:12:13
60%
180 degrees

32. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
1.7
360 degrees
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.
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. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
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
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
The total # of possible outcomes.
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.

34. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
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
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.
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.
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.

35. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
1
(0 -0)
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
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'.

36. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
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.
Groups - teams - or committees.
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
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

37. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
25%
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.

38. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
(0 -0)
25%
The value that appears most often in a data set.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.

39. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
(x-y)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
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.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7

40. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
360 degrees
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.
1/1
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

41. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
Between 0 and 1.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
180 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.

42. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
1.4
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.
180 degrees.
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.

43. Probability Formula
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
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.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
1/1

44. What is a 'Right' triangle?
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
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
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.
x² + 2xy + y²

45. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
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'.
1/1
40%
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

46. 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
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)

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

48. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
Probability A + Probability B

49. Define 'proportionate' values
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
2
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.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

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