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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. Probability Formula
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
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.
90 degrees each.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

2. HIGH: Explain a method for quickly comparing fractions with different denominators - to determine which is larger.

3. What'S one way to avoid mistakes on algebra questions in the GRE?

4. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
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.
80%
90 degrees each.
180 degrees

5. What is the sum of any 'big' angle and any 'Small' angle?
(a+b)(a-b)
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.
180 degrees.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

6. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
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 triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

7. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
A line is a 180-degree angle.
Probability A + Probability B
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.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

8. Explain how to calculate an average (arithmetic mean)
3:4:5 5:12:13
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'.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide 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)+

9. Area of a square?
S²
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.
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.
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

10. What is a 'Right' angle?
x² + 2xy + y²
A 90-degree angle.
(x-y)²
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.

11. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
The value that appears most often in a data set.
360 degrees
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%.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.

12. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
180 degrees
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 ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.

13. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
25%
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.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
x² + 2xy + y²

14. List two odd behaviors of exponents
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.
(a+b)(a-b)
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.

15. What is the equation for a group problem?
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
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
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
90 degrees each.

16. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
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. 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.
Example: 1 < x < 10
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

17. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
V=s³
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.
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.

18. Explain the difference between handling a permutation versus a combination.
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.
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.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

19. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
6
(0 -0)
(x+y)²
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.

20. Convert to a percentage: 2/5
60%
40%
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Bh

21. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
90 degrees each.

22. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
60%

23. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
(x+y)(x-y)
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.

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

25. How many degrees does a circle contain?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
360 degrees
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

26. Explain the special properties of zero.
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.
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. 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
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.

27. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
6
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.
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.

28. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
2pr -or- pd
x²-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.

29. HIGH: What is a 'Right isosceles' triangle?
(0 -0)
S²
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.
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.

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

31. What do combination problems usually ask for?
Groups - teams - or committees.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
360 degrees

32. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

33. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
2
1.7
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

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

35. The probability of an event happening and the probability of an event NOT happening must add up to what number?
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
x² -2xy + y²
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.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

36. What is the formula to determine probability?
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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.

37. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
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 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
180 degrees
S²

38. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
2pr -or- pd

39. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
80%
6
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.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

40. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
S*v2
180 degrees.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

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

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

43. How do you solve a permutation?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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. 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
Probability A * Probability B

44. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
180 degrees.

45. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
25%
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
1.7
V=s³

46. How do you divide fractions?
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
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
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.

47. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
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.
6
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.
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.

48. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
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.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
(x+y)²
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

49. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
60%

50. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
x² -2xy + y²
2pr -or- pd
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.
(a+b)(a-b)