Have you ever seen this formula? What about this one? These are combinatorial formulas, used to solve counting problems. If you’ve been preparing for the GRE, you might be familiar with them as the formulas for permutations and combinations, two of the most misunderstood and fun concepts tested in the Quantitative Reasoning section. Is There […]
The Hardest and Most Tested Math Topics on the GRE
The GRE Quantitative section tests four areas of pre-college math: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. Not all four are tested equally. Some of these concepts come up more often, and some tend to be more difficult. The frequency and difficulty of the “Big Four” on the GRE is probably similar to what’s seen in […]
The Foundations for Success on the GRE
When a builder wishes to construct a skyscraper, would they “wing it”? Not a chance! Likewise, when you’re preparing for the GRE, you should take a well-rounded, balanced approach. So, what are the foundations for success? We’ve put together 7 core components for mastering the GRE: Practice Tests Vocabulary Memorization and Use Math Fundamentals Test-Taking […]
Quantitative: Holiday Dilemmas
A bonus holiday present! A special GRE Math post from our senior curriculum developer and VP, Jon Denning. He’ll help you get into the test prep spirit with a little winter break math. We hope you have a wonderful holiday. Gift Wrapping Wringer Your dad loves sushi, so you bought him some 10-inch personalized chopsticks […]
Quantitative Tips: Thanksgiving Day Drills
Just because the holidays are rolling around does not mean you can skip your GRE prep! Use your time off this week to focus on the test while you’re not worrying about work or school. Here are a few Turkey Day math questions to kick start your day of family, football, and sweet, sweet gluttony. […]
Geometry: Inscribed Squares Hide Right Triangles
A square that fits snugly inside a circle is inscribed in the circle. The square’s corners will touch, but not intersect, the circle’s boundary, and the square’s diagonal will equal the circle’s diameter. Also, as is true of any square’s diagonal, it will equal the hypotenuse of a 45°-45°-90° triangle. GRE questions about squares inscribed […]
Improve on GRE Quantitative: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
The Best Way to Prepare for GRE Quant Ready to start studying for GRE Quant, but don’t know where to begin? As we’ve discussed in our GRE prep classes an in our Webinars, the GRE is not a “Math” test per se. Knowledge of core math principles and how and where to apply them is […]
Arithmetic: Translating Percentage Problems
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, […]