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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. Explain the difference between a digit and a number.

2. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
1.4
180 degrees
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)+

3. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
180 degrees.
The average - mean - median - or mode.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.

4. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
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 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.
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'.
(x-y)²

5. HIGH: What is the factored version of x² + 2xy + y² ?
(x+y)²
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
180 degrees
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

6. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
A=pr²
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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 radius

7. How do you divide fractions?
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
S²
60%

8. v4 =
x² -2xy + y²
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
2
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

9. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
6
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
(x-y)²
180 degrees

10. HIGH: What is the side ratio for a 30:60:90 triangle?
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
1.4
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
(x+y)(x-y)

11. HIGH: What is the median?
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
A radius
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

12. What is the 'distributive law'?
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
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.
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
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

13. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
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.
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.
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)+
80%

14. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
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.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.

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

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

17. a² - b² is equal to
(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
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
1.7

18. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
1
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
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.
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.

19. HIGH: What is the mode?
The value that appears most often in a data set.
Example: 1 < x < 10
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.

20. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.
The total # of possible outcomes.

21. 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.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.
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.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

22. HIGH: Area of a circle
2r
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
(x-y)²
A=pr²

23. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x-y)² ?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
x² -2xy + y²
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
(x-y)²

24. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
1.7
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
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

25. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
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.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
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.
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)+

26. 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.
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.
360 degrees
Probability A + Probability B

27. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

28. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
Example: 1 < x < 10
360 degrees
A radius
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.

29. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
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.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
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.

30. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
6
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

31. 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.
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
90 degrees each.
1.4

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

33. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
25%
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

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

35. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
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%.
x² -2xy + y²
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
1.4

36. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
The total # of possible outcomes.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

37. How do you multiply fractions?
180 degrees.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100

38. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
2r
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

39. Explain how to divide fractions.
(x+y)²
1/1
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

40. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
Groups - teams - or committees.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5

41. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
(0 -0)
x² -2xy + y²
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

42. Define the range of a set of numbers.
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
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.
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.

43. What is the key to dealing with ratio questions?
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.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.

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

45. Define 'proportionate' values
x² + 2xy + y²
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.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

46. Probability Formula
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
Between 0 and 1.

47. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
90 degrees each.
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.

48. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.

49. How do you solve a combination?

50. What is the formula to determine probability?
1/1
90 degrees each.
1
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)