Percentage questions on the GRE often use words and phrases in place of mathematical operators and expressions. To find the answers, just translate the relevant English into the required math. Call this solution strategy translation.
How to Approach the a Quantitative Problem Using Backplugging
Try Out the Answers! Attempt the question; then read the explanation below. Textbook Approach or Solution Strategies? There are at least two possible approaches to every GRE Quant problem: It is always possible to attempt a direct “textbook” solution. This is the more conventional approach, the way you might wish to solve a problem […]
Quanitative: Sequences and Series
Repeated Question Patterns Whether straightforward or difficult, almost every problem on GRE Quantitative Reasoning follows established templates, variations on time-tested scenarios. In this post, we will define sequences and series, explain how they work, and then attempt an example problem. Key to success on the GRE is the ability to deal with problems in multiple ways, […]
Quantitative Reasoning: First Steps for Success
Study Smart There’s an aphorism attributed to Laozi, father of Taoism: “A journey of a thousand miles starts under one’s feet.” While it might seem trite, this cliché is applicable to preparation for the GRE. Once you’ve made the commitment to apply to business school, grad school, or law school and are ready to prepare […]
Complete Answer Explanations for First Quantitative Section of PowerPrep Plus 1
More Material, More Explanations, Just the Beginning As we covered in depth last fall, ETS has unveiled two new official GRE practice tests. Naturally you want to work with the latest and greatest new problems and get answers to your questions. We are pleased to announce complete answer explanations for the first Quant section of […]
Know, Don’t Solve! Data Sufficiency in Disguise
Attempt the question; then read the explanation below. GMAT Students, Look Familiar? Many GRE students preparing to apply to business school have also considered taking the GMAT. There is significant conceptual and structural overlap between the two tests, but one area in which the two tests differ is in Quantitative question types. While both […]
Number Lines and Number Properties
Number Lines and Number Properties Attempt the question; then read the explanation below. Good Scratch Work is Essential Start by Recording What You Know™, drawing a picture, and getting your answer choices set up. This step is absolutely essential with many GRE problems, especially the more difficult ones. You need a chance to get your […]
Mega Data Interpretation Challenge
Ready for a Challenge? According to many recent student reports, some of the most challenging GRE Quant problems have involved Data Interpretation. Essentially, now that the GRE permits use of an on-screen calculation, ETS is designing some questions to require effective, fast calculator use to determine the correct answers in the time allotted. Much existing […]
Quantitative Challenge: Circle Inscribed in a Right Triangle
Where’s the Radius? Occasionally on GRE Quant, we might encounter a geometry problem that confounds easy analysis. Our usual techniques of drawing our own image and labeling values might not seem to produce any useful information, and we end up feeling “stuck.” As we’ve discussed previously, one key to success on GRE Quant is to […]
Quantitative: Mind-Melting Arithmetic
Calculator Malfunction! The GRE lets you use a calculator. Hooray! But wait, there’s a catch. You can’t bring your own calculator. No, you’re stuck with the equivalent of a 1987 Windows 2.0 on-screen calculator. Worse still, ETS sometimes seems to go out of its way to make sure that you can’t solve the problems using […]