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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: how do you calculate the surface area of a rectangular box?
(x+y)²
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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
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.

2. What is the factored version of x² -2xy + y² ?
Find the total - or whole - first - and then set up a Ratio Box.
(x-y)²
360 degrees
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.

3. Explain the difference between handling a permutation versus a combination.
Between 0 and 1.
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.
360 degrees
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.

4. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
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.
S*v2
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? ÷ x4 = x?-4 = x5
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

5. How many angles are formed when 2 lines intersect? and what is the sum of these angles?
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
25%

6. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.
S*v2
Between 0 and 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.

7. If something is possible but not certain - what is the numeric range of probability of it happening?
An integer is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
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.
180 degrees
Between 0 and 1.

8. What kind of triangle is this: has two sides of equal length - and a 90 degree angle?
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.
360 degrees
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.
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.

9. HIGH: Volume of a cube?
V=s³
(x-y)²
S*v2
(a+b)(a-b)

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

11. HIGH: Rough est. of v2 =
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
60%
(x+y)(x-y)
1.4

12. HIGH: Volume of a cylinder?
The formula is a² + b² + c² = d² where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |

13. Explain how to divide fractions.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
2pr -or- pd
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Turn the second fraction upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 * 5/4

14. HIGH: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

15. HIGH: Rough est. of v3 =
The value that appears most often in a data set.
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=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
1.7

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

17. What is one misleading characteristic of quadratic equations that will be exploited on the GRE?
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
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.
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
An integer is divisible by 2 if its units digit is divisible by 2.

18. When a pair of parallel lines is intersected by another line - two types of angles are formed. What are they?

19. What is the formula to determine probability?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
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.
V=pr²h (This is just the area multiplied by the height)
3:4:5 5:12:13

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

21. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - 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
(x-y)²
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.

22. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
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
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.
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.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set

23. Diameter of a circle?
80%
90 degrees each.
3:4:5 5:12:13
2r

24. How do you add or subtract fractions?
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.
A radius
40%
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.

25. How do you calculate the probability of two events in a row? (Probability of A and B)
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
Probability A * Probability B
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%.
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.

26. HIGH: x^-n is equal to
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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
1/x^n For example - 6-² = 1/6² = 1/36
2r

27. What degree angle is a line?
A radius
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
A line is a 180-degree angle.
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.

28. Explain how to use an 'Average Pie'
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Example: 1 < x < 10
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.

29. On the GRE - should you ever assume that diagrams are truthful?
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
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.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
S²

30. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 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.
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%.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

31. Convert to a percentage: 1/4
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)
25%

32. The three interior angles of a triangle add up to...
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x² + x5 = x²+5 = x7
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.
180 degrees.
180 degrees

33. What is the equation for a group problem?
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
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.
x² -2xy + y²
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

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

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

36. What causes 80% of errors on the math section of the GRE?
1.4
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.
Not reading the problems carefully enough!
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

37. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y)² ?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
x² + 2xy + y²
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.
180 degrees.

38. How do you calculate the probability of EITHER one event OR another event happening? (Probability of A or B)
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28
Probability A + Probability B
2r
Find a common denominator and make equivalent fractions. Then add or subtract.

39. Simplify this: v32
(0 -0)
Probability A * Probability B
60%
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.

40. Probability Formula
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
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
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes
25%

41. Explain how to solve for 7/¼
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.
2pr -or- pd
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
This equals 7 ÷¼ - or 7/1 ÷ 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

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

43. How do you multiply fractions?
The total # of possible outcomes.
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.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.

44. What is the sum of any 'big' angle and any 'Small' angle?
25%
The average - mean - median - or mode.
180 degrees.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.

45. v4 =
x² -2xy + y²
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.
V32 = v16*2. We can take the square root of 16 and move it outside the square root symbol - = 4v2.
2

46. What are 'vertical angles'?
1/1
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
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
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.

47. What is a 'Right' triangle?
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
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.
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

48. HIGH: What are the percentages for standard deviation?
Bh
2 - 14 - and 34. So - a Bell - standard deviation - or normal distribution curve would be segmented: | 2% | 14% | 34% |average score| 34% | 14% | 2% |
90 degrees each.
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.

49. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
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.
40%
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) ÷ (total # of possible outcomes)

50. For a bell curve - what three terms might be used to describe the number in the middle?
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
Bh
The average - mean - median - or mode.
40%