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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. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

2. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
Probability A * Probability B
S²
(0 -0)
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.

3. Define 'proportionate' values
1.7
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.
(0 -0)
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

4. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
360 degrees
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.
3:4:5 5:12:13

5. An integer is divisible by 3 if...
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.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

6. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
Bh
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
90 degrees each.
60%

7. What degree angle is a line?
360 degrees
180 degrees.
A line is a 180-degree angle.
(x+y)(x-y)

8. 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.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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

9. Explain how to divide fractions.
(0 -0)
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
1.7
1/1

10. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
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.
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
2r

11. What is the 'distributive law'?
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
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.
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.
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.

12. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36

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

14. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
x²-y²
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
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.

15. Area of a square?
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.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
S²
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.

16. What are 'vertical angles'?
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
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

17. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
Probability A * Probability B
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.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
(0 -0)

18. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
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
(0 -0)
360 degrees
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

19. An integer is divisible by 8 if...

20. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
80%
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.
x² -2xy + y²

21. HIGH: Area of a circle
Probability A + Probability B
(a+b)(a-b)
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
A=pr²

22. 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.
60%
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
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

23. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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.
A radius
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')

24. What'S the most important thing to remember about charts you'll see on the GRE?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
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.

25. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
Probability A * Probability B
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.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
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.

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

27. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
2pr -or- pd
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

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

29. How do you divide fractions?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
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 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

30. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
6
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
25%

31. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
90 degrees each.
Probability A + Probability B
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.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

32. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
(x+y)²
Bh
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.

33. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
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 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.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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

34. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
90 degrees each.
Example: 1 < x < 10
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.

35. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
x² + 2xy + y²
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

36. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
1
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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.

37. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
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.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
1.4

38. What do combination problems usually ask for?
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.
(x-y)²
A 90-degree angle.
Groups - teams - or committees.

39. What is a 'Right' angle?
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
A 90-degree angle.
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
Probability A + Probability B

40. Diameter of a circle?
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.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
2r
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

41. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
1.4
x²-y²
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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'.

42. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
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.
(x-y)²
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.

43. How do you multiply fractions?
(x+y)(x-y)
(0 -0)
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

44. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
(a+b)(a-b)
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.

45. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 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.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

46. Simplify this: v32
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
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.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.

47. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
The total # of possible outcomes.
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.
1/1
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.

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

49. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
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 ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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.

50. What is the equation for a group problem?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
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
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