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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. List all the prime numbers that are less than 30:
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.

2. Solve this: v6 * -v6 = ?
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- = 1/6 = 1/36
A triangle in which one of the three interior angles is 90 degrees.
6

3. An integer is divisible by 4 if...
The average - mean - median - or mode.
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.
Order does matter for a permutation - but does not matter for a combination.
A radius

4. Area of a parallelogram?
90 degrees each.
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.
(x-y)
Bh

5. HIGH: what is the side ratio for a Right Isosceles triangle?
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
The ratio of sides is x:x:xv2 - where xv2 is the hypotenuse.
1. Raising a fraction (between 0 and 1) to a power greater than 1 results in a SMALLER number. For example: (1/2) = 1/4. 2. A number raised to the 0 power is 1 - no matter what the number is. For example: 1 -287 = 1.

6. What do combination problems usually ask for?
A 90-degree angle.
Draw a circle. The top half holds the Total. The bottom left quadrant holds Number of Things. Bottom right holds Average.
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
Groups - teams - or committees.

7. What is the formula to determine probability?
S
360 degrees
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.

8. Define the mode of a set of numbers.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
80%
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.

9. HIGH: How do you multiply powers with the same base?
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7
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
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'.
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.

10. HIGH: Area of a triangle?
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=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
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.

11. HIGH: What is the formula for the diagonal of any square?
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
A radius
S*v2
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7

12. Define the median of a set of numbers - and how to find it for an odd and even number of values in a set.
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.
The total # of possible outcomes.
2
6

13. 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.
3:4:5 5:12:13
1/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36
4 angles are formed. Their sum is 360 degrees

14. What are the side ratios for a 30:60:90 triangle?
1
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.
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

15. An integer is divisible by 5 if...
An integer is divisible by 5 if its units digit is either 0 or 5.
Add the exponents - retain the base. for example - x + x5 = x+5 = x7
Vertical angles are the angles that are across from each other when 2 lines intersect. Vertical angles are always equal.
Subtract the exponents - retain the base For example - x? x4 = x?-4 = x5

16. What do permutation problems often ask for?
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
180 degrees.
ZONE-F numbers: Zero - One - Negatives - Extreme values - Fractions

17. Convert to a percentage: 3/5
40%
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)+
V=s
60%

18. HIGH: how do you calculate a diagonal inside a 3-dimensional rectangular box?
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
x + 2xy + y
The formula is a + b + c = d where a - b - c are the dimensions of the figure and d is the diagonal.
1/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36

19. An integer is divisible by 8 if...
Not necessarily. This is a trick question - because x could be either positive or negative.
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
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.
1. Raising a fraction (between 0 and 1) to a power greater than 1 results in a SMALLER number. For example: (1/2) = 1/4. 2. A number raised to the 0 power is 1 - no matter what the number is. For example: 1 -287 = 1.

20. HIGH: Define 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. 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.
Between 0 and 1.
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.
Probability A + Probability B

21. HIGH: What is the unfactored version of (x+y) ?
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
x + 2xy + y
Proportionate values are equivalent. Example: 1/2 and 4/8 are proportionate - but 1/2 and 2/3 are not.

22. What is the factored version of x -2xy + y ?
(x-y)
Probability A * Probability B
An integer is divisible by 8 if its last three digits form a number that'S divisible by 8. For example - 11 -640.
(a+b)(a-b)

23. How precise do you need to be - using p on the GRE?
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
2 -3 -5 -7 -11 -13 -17 -19 -23 -29. Note that 0 and 1 are not prime numbers.
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.

24. What'S one way to avoid mistakes on algebra questions in the GRE?
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.
A=pr
2
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.

25. Convert to a percentage: 4/5
Invert the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
80%
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
Ratio of sides is x : xv3 : 2x - where x is the base - xv3 is the height - and 2x is the hypotenuse.

26. HIGH: Explain a method for quickly comparing fractions with different denominators - to determine which is larger.
x-y
(x+y)(x-y)
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
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

27. HIGH: What is the median?
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
The # falling in the center of an ordered data set
1
x-y

28. HIGH: How do you get rid of the fraction in this equation: 5x + 3/2 = 7x
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
1
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.
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.

29. HIGH: Simplify this: v75/v27
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
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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.
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

30. An integer is divisible by 2 if...
x -2xy + y
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.
2pr -or- pd

31. HIGH: What is the factored version of (x+y)(x-y) ?
A=pr
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
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

32. HIGH: Area of a circle
Interior angles are equal: 60:60:60 degrees each. All sides are equal length.
A=pr
25%
90 degrees each.

33. HIGH: Explain the process to solve '56 is what percent of 80?'
For RIGHT triangles only: c = a + b 'c' is the length of the hypotenuse; 'a' and 'b' are the other two sides ('legs')
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%.
The formula is a + b + c = d 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

34. An integer is divisible by 6 if...
Example: 1 < x < 10
An integer is divisible by 6 if it'S divisible by BOTH 2 and 3.
Arrangements - orders - schedules - or lists.
1.4

35. Explain how to use a 'Rate Pie'
The value that appears most often in a data set.
V=s
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
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.

36. Define a factorial of a number - and how it is written.
180 degrees.
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.
(# of possible outcomes that satisfy the condition) (total # of possible outcomes)

37. Diameter of a circle?
2r
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.
1/x^n For example - 6- = 1/6 = 1/36
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

38. List two odd behaviors of exponents
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
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.
Probability A + Probability B
1. Raising a fraction (between 0 and 1) to a power greater than 1 results in a SMALLER number. For example: (1/2) = 1/4. 2. A number raised to the 0 power is 1 - no matter what the number is. For example: 1 -287 = 1.

39. HIGH: What is a '30:60:90' triangle?
A radius
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
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

40. If something is certain to happen - how is the probability of this event expressed mathematically?
'Big' angles and 'Small' angles.
A=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
1/1
1. Given event A: A + notA = 1.

41. HIGH: How do you multiply and divide square roots?
It will be a great advantage on test day to have your times table memorized from 1 through 15.
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 value that appears most often in a data set.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

42. 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 x -10x + 24 = 0 factors to (x-4)(x-6)=0 - which means x could equal either 4 or 6. Just accept it.
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.
(0 -0)
Slope = rise/run. Find the change in y-coordinates (rise) and the change in x-coordinates (run) to calculate.

43. What is the 'Third side' rule for triangles?
A radius
Multiply numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator.
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.
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.

44. Explain how to solve for 7/
60%
No. Never believe what you see - only what you read. GRE diagrams are often deliberately designed to be misleading or confusing.
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
This equals 7 - or 7/1 1/4 = 7/1 * 4/1 = 28/1 = 28

45. What degree angle is a line?
180 degrees
A line is a 180-degree angle.
S
Using a simple '3' is usually close enough. Just remember that p is slightly more than 3 - if a comparison is called for.

46. What number goes on the bottom of a probability fraction?
The total # of possible outcomes.
1.7
(a+b)(a-b)
Favorable Outcomes/Total Possible Outcomes

47. a - b is equal to
(a+b)(a-b)
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.
360 degrees
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

48. What'S a handy rough estimate for a circle'S perimeter - if you know it'S diameter?
A line is a 180-degree angle.
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 circle'S perimeter is roughly 3x its diameter (the formula is pd).
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2

49. HIGH: How do you calculate the circumference of a circle?
2pr -or- pd
Like any other number. For example - v3*v12 = v36 = 6 For example - v(16/4) = v16/v4 = 4/2 = 2
2
Quadrant 1 is top right. Q 2 is top left. Q 3 is bottom left. Q 4 is bottom right.

50. What is the 'distributive law'?
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(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=1/2bh. The height of the triangle must be measured by a line perpendicular to the base.
2r

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