ApexGRE
0If you are planning to apply to graduate schools, business schools, or even law schools, then you probably know by now that your GRE score is an essential part of your application. More likely than not, you have already begun studying for the GRE. In today’s article, the main focus will be on the GRE’s Quantitative (or Math) Section and what this section is all about.
The quantitative section in the GRE tends to measure your ability to solve problems and reason quantitatively. Besides that, it tests your basic mathematical skills and your capabilities to comprehend elementary mathematical concepts. All this can sound a little pressuring and frightening at first but when you get familiar with the section, you will feel much more confident. Remember, everything you need for the GRE quant section you already learned in high school.
The GRE Quantitative Section: The Layout
To start, the quantitative section consists of Data Interpretation, Quantitative Comparison, and Problem Solving questions. You are given 35 minutes to finish each of these sections. With 20 questions in each section, you will have between 1.5 to 2 minutes to solve each question.
The distribution of these sections is as follows:
1. Quantitative Comparison Questions
2. Problem – Solving Questions
3. Data Interpretation Questions
The GRE Quantitative Section: Quantitative Comparison Questions
When it comes to the quantitative comparison questions, you are given 2 quantities – A and B and are asked to pick out the connection between them. Connections like Quantity A is greater than Quantity B, Quantity B is smaller than Quantity A, or the two Quantities are equal.
You will most probably see around 8 of these questions in your quantitative sections.
The Quantitative Comparison section is there to measure your ability to link concepts and to find relationships between mathematical matters in general. Alongside that, it tests your skills to reason quantitatively.
Example:
y>4
Quantity A Quantity B
(3y+2) / 5 y
(A) Quantity A is greater
(B) Quantity B is greater
(C) The two quantities are equal
(D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given
Answer: B
The GRE Quantitative Section: Problem Solving Questions
Often Problem Solving Questions are asked in the form of multiple-choice questions. You are given 5 answers to choose from but only one of them is correct. The format of these questions can also vary – you should expect to be asked to enter answers in a blank box (Type Your Numeric Answer Questions).
You will face around 6 to 7 Problem-Solving Questions during your GRE exam.
These types of questions test your problem-solving skills as well as your knowledge of basic math. Your strategic mathematical calculations are also evaluated.
Example:
At Store T, the dollar amount of sales for 2007 was what percent of the dollar amount of sales for 2008?
Give your answer to the nearest 0.1 percent.
Answer: 108.7% (or equivalent)
The GRE Quantitative Section: Data Interpretation Questions
These types of questions are correlated to graphs and/or charts. Answers to these types of questions should be derived from these given graphs and charts. Analyzing and understanding them would be the most important factor to guarantee you points on the Data Interpretation Questions.
Your skills in comprehending elementary mathematical concepts are tested here.
Example:
|
Store |
Percent Change from 2006 to 2007 | Percent Change from 2007 to 2008 |
|
P |
10 |
-10 |
|
Q |
-20 |
9 |
|
R |
5 |
12 |
|
S |
-7 |
-15 |
| T | 17 |
-8 |
Annual Percent Change in Dollar Amount of Sales at Five Retail Stores from 2006 to 2008.
If the dollar amount of sales at Store P was $800,000 for 2006, what was the dollar amount of sales at that store for 2008?
(A) $727,200
(B) $792,000
(C) $800,000
(D) $880,000
(E) $968,000
Answer: B
Apex Tips to Ace Your GRE Quantitative (or Math) Section
1. Avoid doing the math
As ironic as that sounds, if you are doing complex, long calculations, you are likely to be doing something wrong. To ace the Math Section during your GRE, try to find methods that can help you solve the problem without drilling on calculations. This way, you will see things differently without using your calculator and wasting time.
2. Guess if you are unsure
You are gaining points upon every correct answer. Do not waste your time trying to find the answer to something you are unsure of. Plan to find the answer to a question within a minute and a half. If it is taking more than that, then guess the answer by elimination and move on to the next question.
3. Do not let your math anxiety get the best of you
If you feel like you are getting anxious during your prep journey or even during your exam, take a minute to breathe and gather yourself. Math is much easier if you don’t let it get the best of you.
With our help and your dedication and hard work, you have nothing to worry about. Book your free consultation session with one of our top-scoring GRE tutors here.
You are one step closer to acing your GRE Math Section!
Contributor: Lilas Al-Sammak