Last Updated: March 11, 2021
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Preparation
The GRE General Test has three sections in all which are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Out of these three sections, only the Quantitative section is not related to language and deals with Mathematics in general.
ETS generally assesses a person’s basic mathematical skills, their understanding of mathematical concepts that have been taught in school, and the ability to analyze problems quantitative problems and solve them with similar methods.
These problems are placed in real-life settings or purely mathematical settings to understand the extent to which the student can solve problems accordingly.
Content Areas in GRE Quantitative Test
- ARITHMETIC- includes integers, prime numbers, arithmetic operations, percent, ratio, decimal representation, divisibility, etc.
- ALGEBRA- includes relations, functions, linear and quadratic equations, word problems, coordinate geometry, simplifying algebraic equations, etc.
- GEOMETRY- includes circles, triangles, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons,3-D figures, volume, angle measurement, etc.
- DATA ANALYSIS- includes statistics like mean, median, standard deviation, graphs, probability, permutations, and combinations, etc.
Types of Questions in GRE Quantitative Reasoning
- Comparison Questions: These questions include the comparison between 2 values out of which one has to be chosen based on the instructions provided.
- Multiple Choice - One Answer Questions: Candidates will have to choose one answer from the 5 options provided.
- Multiple Choice - Multiple Answer Questions: Candidates will have to choose all the correct answers provided within the options. They will receive marks only if all the right answers have been chosen. Choosing only a few will be equal to not choosing anything at all.
- Numeric Entry Questions: Candidates will be required to enter the answers to these questions. There will not be any answers provided to choose from.
Candidates can use a basic calculator for this section which will be provided on the screen for the computer-based test.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Preparation Tips
Preparing for the quantitative section, like preparing for any other test, depends on the level of knowledge students have about the section. This includes understanding the test format, learning about the question types, the syllabus, and other relevant information regarding the section before even trying to learn the concepts related to the section.
- Figure out the base score by doing a practice test and calculate a goal score.
- Create a study plan that can help the candidate achieve their goal score.
- Learn content that is unfamiliar and brush up on content that is familiar.
- Solve through Shortcuts wherever possible.
- Place the options into the question to find which answer fits the most. Do this when other forms of calculation are yielding no results.
- Take extra care in copying answers from the calculator. Students are prone to copying wrong numbers or missing digits which can make them lose marks.
- Convert final answers into the right format. The format that is mentioned in the question is the format that is expected in the answer.
Common Strategies Used to Crack GRE Quantitative
- Summarize Word Problems into Arithmetic/ Algebraic Form -Word Problems can often be simplified from the complicated information provided into a mathematical form that can help the candidate make better sense of the question and not lose any relevant information out of carelessness. Try to initially simplify the question into arithmetic or algebraic form.
- Draw Figures and Diagrams when possible- When arithmetic and algebraic forms of representing the question are not immediately possible, try to connect the different parts of the question through diagrams and other figures deduced from the content of the text.
- Create Graphical Representations of Algebraic Problems-Graphical representations of Algebraic problems can even include drawing Venn diagrams that can explain the question with the data that has been provided.
- Simplify Arithmetic and Algebraic Representations -Algebraic and arithmetic representations that have been provided in the question can be simplified by solving the basics before moving on to the other parts of the question.
- Find Repeating Patterns in Questions- Questions will often have recurring patterns that provide insights into solving the problem easily. Before solving the question at hand, find the pattern present to understand what is actually being asked.
- Use a Trial-and-Error Method-Some questions may not have immediate methods to solve the problem. Here, using the trial-and-error method to reach the final answer will be helpful.
- Divide Questions into Different Sections-Questions with multiple layers can often seem confusing. In such cases, divide the question into sections and solve each of them individually so as to not miss any question by overlooking it.
- Find What Additional Information is Required to Solve the Problem-Problems may have the information required for which immediate data is not available. This data can be calculated through the other information given in the question. Check for what additional data is required to solve the problem in question and find that date before moving forward.
- Check if Answer is Adequate for Questions Asked- Always cross-check the questions to ensure that no questions have been skipped. Questions may have different parts to them or sub-questions that also need solutions. Answer them all to receive proper grades.
Pointers to Note
- One Billion = 1,000,000,000 or 10 9
- 0 is not prime number.
- 1 is not prime number.
- 2 is prime number.
- If |a| < 2, then -2 < a < 2; if |a| > 2, then a > 2 or x < -2.
- Total degrees in a polygon=180(n-2), n is number of sides.
- Probability = (Result you are looking)/(Total results).
- n! (n factorial)=n*(n-1)*(n-2)*...1
- Permutations is arrangement of things in definite order. While in Combination order doesn't matter.
- Median is the middle value in a set of numbers above and below it.
Example 1: Consider G= {2,4,7,8,9,12,14}
In this case 8 is median because there lie three other numbers before and after 8.
Example 2: Consider G= {2,4,7,8,9,12}
In this case median will be average of 7 and 8 i. e. 7.5
- Mode is the number or range of numbers in a set that occurs the most frequently.
For example, consider G={1,2,4,8,17,2,4,5,6,7,8,2}
In the above set 2 occurs thrice so this is mode.
- Range is defined as difference between maximum and minimum numbers in a set.
For above set Range is 17-1 i.e. 16.
- Standard Deviation of a set is measure of the set's variation from its mean.
Example Consider two sets G1={3,4,3,4} and G2={10,15,14,16}
Then It can be seen G1 has lower S.D. as compared to G2.
- You need to know basic coordinate geometry (graphs, slopes, parabola etc)
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