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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. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
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.
180 degrees
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.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

2. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
A radius
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.
Probability A + Probability B
V=s³

3. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

4. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
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.
Probability A + Probability B
The value that appears most often in a data set.
A=pr²

5. Diameter of a circle?
1.4
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
The total # of possible outcomes.
2r

6. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Probability A * Probability B
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
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.

7. How many degrees does a circle contain?
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
360 degrees

8. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
(0 -0)
Example: 1 < x < 10

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

10. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Favorable Outcomes/Total 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.
The total # of possible outcomes.

11. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
(x-y)²
40%

12. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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.
2r
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.

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

14. HIGH: Describe and define three expressions of quadratic equations - in both factored and unfactored forms. Know these cold.
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.
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
Probability A * Probability B

15. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
Example: 1 < x < 10
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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.

16. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
x² -2xy + y²
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.

17. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
360 degrees
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
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)+
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.

18. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
Probability A + Probability B
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
(a+b)(a-b)
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.

19. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
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.
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.
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.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

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

21. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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.
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

22. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
(a+b)(a-b)
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
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

23. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
180 degrees
80%
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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.

24. In a coordinate system - identify the quadrants and describe their location.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
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.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.

25. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
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
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.
60%
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.

26. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
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 value that appears most often in a data set.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

27. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
6
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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

28. What do permutation problems often ask for?
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
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

29. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
(x-y)²
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
1.4

30. Define the range of a set of numbers.
60%
3:4:5 5:12:13
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.
6

31. On the GRE - should you ever assume that diagrams are truthful?
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.
360 degrees
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

32. Area of a square?
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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 necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
S²

33. v4 =
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.
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
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

34. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

35. How do you divide fractions?
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
Example: 1 < x < 10
S²
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply

36. What degree angle is a line?
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 line is a 180-degree angle.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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.

37. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

38. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
180 degrees.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

39. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
2pr -or- pd
Probability A * Probability 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.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

40. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
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
x²-y²
The total # of possible outcomes.

41. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
x² -2xy + y²
3:4:5 5:12:13
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.

42. What is the 'distributive law'?
The average - mean - median - or mode.
90 degrees each.
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.
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.

43. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
Between 0 and 1.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

44. What are 'vertical angles'?
360 degrees
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Probability A * Probability B
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.

45. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
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.
(x+y)(x-y)
Between 0 and 1.
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.

46. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
2
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
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.
25%

47. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
The average - mean - median - or mode.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

48. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
1
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
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.
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

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

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