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You’ve been studying for months preparing to ace the GRE exam, yet you can’t help but feel like you’re not ready. You’re worried that you’ll bomb the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section. Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Thousands of people take the GRE every year, and most of them feel the same way you do. The key to doing well in the GRE math section is to be familiar with the most commonly tested concepts and formulas. And that’s where we come in. We’re going to review the most important math concepts and formulas for GRE.

In this blog:

GRE Math Concepts: Arithmetic

Arithmetic is the foundation of mathematical reasoning, and it forms a significant portion of the GRE Math section. Understanding the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is essential. Moreover, be familiar with the concepts of fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. Some formulas that frequently appear in the arithmetic section include:

  1. Percent Change – Percent Change = (New Value – Old Value)/Old Value * 100%
  2. Average – Average = Sum of Values / Number of Values
  3. Ratio – Ratio = Value 1 / Value 2

Also read: Everything about the New Shorter GRE

GRE Math Concepts: Algebra

Algebra plays a crucial role in the GRE Math section. It involves the manipulation of variables and solving equations. Important concepts include linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions. Here are a few formulas that are frequently used in algebraic questions:

  1. Quadratic Formula – x = (-b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / (2a)
  2. The slope of a Line – Slope = (Change in y-coordinates) / (Change in x-coordinates)
  3. Distance Formula – Distance = √((x2 – x1)² + (y2 – y1)²)

Also read: Role of GRE in graduate school admissions

GRE Math Concepts: Geometry

Geometry questions assess the test taker’s understanding of shapes, angles, and spatial reasoning. Familiarize yourself with the properties of triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. Important formulas to remember include:

  1. Area of a Triangle – Area = 1/2 * base * height
  2. Circumference of a Circle – Circumference = 2πr (where r is the radius)
  3. Volume of a Cylinder – Volume = πr²h (where r is the radius and h is the height)

GRE Math Concepts: Data Analysis

Data Analysis questions in the GRE Math section involve interpreting and analyzing data presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Be comfortable with reading and interpreting different types of graphs, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. Some key concepts to remember include mean, median, mode, standard deviation, probability and statistics.

GRE Math Concepts: Number Properties

Number properties questions assess the test taker’s knowledge of integers, primes, factors, multiples, and divisibility rules. Here are a few important concepts and formulas to remember:

  1. Prime Numbers – Prime numbers are numbers greater than 1 that are divisible only by 1 and themselves.
  2. LCM (Least Common Multiple) – LCM(a, b) = (a * b) / GCD(a, b) (where GCD represents the Greatest Common Divisor)
  3. Remainder – When dividing a number a by b, the remainder is the integer left over after the division.

GRE Math Concepts: Word Problems

Word problems appear in various sections of the GRE Math section and require the test taker to apply mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios. It is essential to practice solving different types of word problems, such as rate problems, distance problems, work problems, and mixture problems. The key to solving word problems is identifying the relevant information, setting up equations, and solving them step by step.

Suggested Reads: Free GRE Quantitative Reasoning practice questions

Tips for Solving GRE Math Questions

In addition to the specific concepts and formulas mentioned above, there are a few general strategies and tips that can help you excel in the GRE Mathematics:

  1. Regular practice is crucial to build your mathematical skills and familiarize yourself with the types of questions that appear on the GRE. Solve a variety of practice questions, sample tests, and official GRE Math sections to gain confidence and improve your speed and accuracy.
  2. Before jumping into solving a problem, take the time to carefully read and understand the question. Identify what is being asked and the information provided. This will help you avoid errors and select the appropriate approach to solve the problem.
  3. Estimation can be a valuable tool in the GRE Math section, allowing you to quickly eliminate unrealistic answer choices and narrow down your options. Estimating can also help you verify the reasonableness of your calculated answers.
  4. Time management is essential during the GRE Math section. Since the section is timed, practice solving questions within the time constraints. If you encounter a challenging question, consider skipping it temporarily and coming back to it later. Allocate your time strategically to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions.
  5. While preparing for the GRE Math section, it’s important to review fundamental mathematical concepts and formulas. This includes basic arithmetic operations, algebraic rules, geometry properties, and number properties. Having a strong foundation will enable you to tackle complex problems with ease.
  6. If you are unsure about the correct answer to a question, use the process of elimination. Cross out answer choices that you know are incorrect based on your calculations or reasoning. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer even if you are unsure.

Checkout: 10 New GRE Verbal Practice Questions

Remember, the key to success in the GRE Math section is a combination of knowledge, practice, and strategic thinking. By mastering the essential concepts and formulas, practicing diligently, and adopting effective test-taking strategies, you can boost your performance and achieve your desired score. Checkout Jamboree’s free GRE prep resources curated carefully over the last 30 years.

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