GRE High Frequency Math Terms

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. What is the name of a line that extends from the center of a circle to the edge of a circle?
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.
A radius
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)+
1.4


2. HIGH: What is the median?
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.


3. HIGH: List the two most common side ratios for right triangles
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Ratio of sides is x:xv3:2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
3:4:5 5:12:13
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.


4. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.


5. The three exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
(x+y)(x-y)
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
360 degrees
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.


6. HIGH: Area of a circle
180 degrees.
A=pr²
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


7. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
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
(x-y)²
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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.


8. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
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)+
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.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!


9. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
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)+
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.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4


10. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
Groups - teams - or committees.
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.
Bh


11. How do you multiply fractions?
(0 -0)
25%
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply


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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


13. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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.
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
(0 -0)


14. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
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.
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.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
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. Explain the special properties of zero.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
(0 -0)
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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.


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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


17. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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
180 degrees.
(a+b)(a-b)


18. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
Probability A + Probability B
1/1
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3


19. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
2pr -or- pd


20. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
Probability A + Probability B
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
x²-y²


21. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of x²-y² ?
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
(x+y)(x-y)
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
(x-y)²


22. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
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.
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
360 degrees
1/1


23. 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% |
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
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.
3:4:5 5:12:13


24. How do you add or subtract fractions?
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
1.4
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.
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.


25. What is the formula to determine probability?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
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'.
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3


26. Area of a parallelogram?
Bh
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
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.
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.


27. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
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.
40%
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.


28. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
2pr -or- pd
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
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.
x²-y²


29. Simplify this: v32
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 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.
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.


30. a² - b² is equal to
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
x² -2xy + y²
(a+b)(a-b)
6


31. In a coordinate system - what is the origin?
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
40%
(0 -0)


32. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
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
Bh
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.
25%


33. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
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.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.


34. What is the equation for a group problem?
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.
x² + 2xy + y²
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.
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


35. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
The average - mean - median - or mode.
180 degrees.
1.4
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7


36. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
(x+y)(x-y)
6
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
Between 0 and 1.


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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


38. How is a range expressed with inequalities?
Example: 1 < x < 10
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.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.


39. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
2r
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
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.
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36


40. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
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.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.


41. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
A circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 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.
1.7


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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


43. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Probability A * Probability B


44. Diameter of a circle?
V=s³
2r
S²
A radius


45. Does order matter for a permutation? How about for a combination?
360 degrees
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
A 90-degree angle.
60%


46. How do you solve a permutation?
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 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 # falling in the center of an ordered data set
The average - mean - median - or mode.


47. When 2 lines are perpendicular to each other - their intersection forms 4 angles. What degree are these 4 angles?
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
90 degrees each.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Probability A * Probability B


48. How do you calculate the percentage of change?
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.
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
6


49. If x² = 144 - does v144 = x?
60%
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
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.


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

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183