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GRE High Frequency Math Terms

Subjects : gre, math

Instructions:

Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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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 exterior angles of a triangle add up to...
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
360 degrees

2. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
Probability A + Probability B
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
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.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

3. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
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
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
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
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.

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

5. v4 =
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.
S²
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
2

6. Define 'proportionate' values
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
Between 0 and 1.
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

7. How do you multiply fractions?
1.4
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
(a+b)(a-b)
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.

8. What degree angle is a line?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

9. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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
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.

10. How many degrees does a circle contain?
360 degrees
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.
(0 -0)
Groups - teams - or committees.

11. An integer is divisible by 9 if...
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.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
S*v2
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

12. Probability Formula
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

13. HIGH: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4
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.
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%.
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.

14. HIGH: To divide powers with the same base...
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
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.

15. What is the key to dealing with ratio questions?
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
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.
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.
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

16. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.
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.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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.

17. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
Groups - teams - or committees.
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

18. HIGH: What is the order of math operations - and the mnemonic to remember it?
Groups - teams - or committees.
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3
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
Percentage Change = Difference/Original * 100

19. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
Probability A * Probability B

20. Explain the special properties of zero.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 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.
Groups - teams - or committees.
S*v2

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

22. HIGH: Define the formula for calculating slope.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.
360 degrees
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

23. 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.
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.
(x+y)(x-y)
A=pr²

24. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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
Between 0 and 1.
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.

25. HIGH: Rough est. of v1 =
Example: 1 < x < 10
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
1

26. What is a 'Right' triangle?
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
6
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

27. Diameter of a circle?
3:4:5 5:12:13
2r
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.
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.

28. HIGH: Describe how to deal with 2 sets of parentheses.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
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)+
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.

29. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

30. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
6
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=pr²

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

32. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
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.
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
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 triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.

33. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
25%
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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.
2pr -or- pd

34. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
A 90-degree angle.
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
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.
Between 0 and 1.

35. What is a 'Right' angle?
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)+
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
A 90-degree angle.
V=s³

36. HIGH: What is a 'Right isosceles' triangle?
Bh
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.
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.
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.

37. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
S*v2
360 degrees
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.

38. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
1/1
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

39. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
3:4:5 5:12:13
A=pr²
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.

40. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
x² + 2xy + y²

41. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
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.
2pr -or- pd
360 degrees

42. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
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'.
x²-y²
(x-y)²
Total of the elements divided by the number of elements. Example: (4 -6 -7) -- add 4+6+7 = 17 and divide by 3

43. HIGH: What numbers does ETS hope you'll forget to consider - for quant comp questions?
Probability A + Probability B
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
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

44. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
S*v2
x² -2xy + y²
For RIGHT triangles only: c² = a² + b² 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

45. HIGH: Area of a circle
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.
A=pr²
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.

46. What are 'vertical angles'?
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
180 degrees.
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(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.

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

48. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
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.
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
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%.
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.

49. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
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.

50. HIGH: How much of your times table should you know - for the GRE?
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
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.
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.