GRE Quantitative Reasoning Preparation

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Quantitative Reasoning section is designed to assess a test taker's ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as to solve problems using mathematical concepts and techniques. This section primarily evaluates an individual's fundamental mathematical abilities, comprehension of mathematical concepts learned in school, and capacity to analyze quantitative problems and resolve them using comparable techniques.

This section consists of two sub-sections: Section 1 includes 12 questions to be answered within 21 minutes, while Section 2 contains 15 questions to be completed in 26 minutes.

Content Areas in GRE Quantitative Test

• Arithmetic- includes integers, prime numbers, arithmetic operations, exponents, roots, absolute values, rate, percent, ratio, decimal representation, divisibility, sequences of numbers, etc.
• Algebra- operations with components, factoring, including relations, functions, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, word problems, coordinate geometry, simplifying algebraic equations, etc.
• Geometry- includes circles, triangles, parallel and perpendicular lines, quadrilaterals, congruent and similar figures, polygons, 3-D figures, volume, angle measurement, area, perimeters, Pythagorean theorem, etc.
• Data Analysis- includes statistics like mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interpretation of data in tables and graphs, elementary probability, and conditional probability. variables and probability distributions, counting methods, 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 any other test, depends on the test-taker's knowledge of 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.

• The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section is timed, so develop effective time management skills.
• Figure out the base score by taking a practice test and calculating a goal score. test-takers should break down each question to identify the specific concepts or skills they struggle with.
• Create a study plan that can help the candidate achieve their goal score. Aiming for consistent, daily study sessions rather than cramming.
• Learn unfamiliar content and brush up on familiar content.
• Solve through shortcuts wherever possible.
• Place the options into the question to find the best answer. Do this when other forms of calculation are yielding no results.
• For multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down the options.
• Take extra care in copying answers from the calculator. test-takers are prone to copying wrong numbers or missing digits, making them lose points.
• Convert final answers into the right format. The format that is mentioned in the question is the format that is expected in the answer.
• Understand how to use the calculator provided during the test, as it can help with complex calculations.
• Rather than just memorizing formulas, test-takers should ensure that they understand the underlying concepts, which will help them tackle various problems.
• Not all problems require a calculator; mental math or estimation is sometimes quicker.

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 simplify the question into arithmetic or algebraic form initially.
• 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, find the pattern present to understand what is being asked.
• Use a Trial-and-Error Method- Some questions may not have immediate methods to solve the problem. 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 individually so as not to 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 using 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 the 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 a prime number.
• 1 is not a prime number.
• 2 is the 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 one is looking)/(Total results).
• n! (n factorial)=n*(n-1)*(n-2)*...1
• Permutations is an arrangement of things in a definite order. In Combination, the order doesn't matter.
• Mean refers to a measure of central tendency, which is a way to summarize a set of numbers by identifying the central point within that set.
• 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 the median because three other numbers lie before and after 8.
  
  Example 2: Consider G= {2,4,7,8,9,12}
  In this case, the median will be an 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 the mode.
• Range is defined as the difference between maximum and minimum numbers in a set.
  For the above set, the Range is 17-1, i.e. 16.
• Factoring refers to the process of breaking down an expression into its constituent parts, or factors, that, when multiplied together, yield the original expression.
• Standard Deviation of a set is a 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.
• Counting methods include combinations, permutations and Venn diagrams etc.
• Root refers to a value that, when substituted into an equation, yields zero.
• Test-takers must know basic coordinate geometry (graphs, slopes, parabolas, etc.)

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