What Kind of Math Is on the GRE?

So far, our GRE math review has covered the fundamentals of Quant. Now, let’s answer a
slightly more challenging question: what kind of math is on the GRE?

Like the SAT and ACT, Quant deals with a breadth of mathematical concepts. Luckily, though,
all GRE math topics are those you studied in middle school and high school. Even better? Quant
doesn’t test any upper-level concepts like calculus and trigonometry. So go ahead and
breathe a sigh of relief — Quant isn’t ridiculously difficult!

But what math is on the GRE? There are four major areas of math tested on Quant: arithmetic,
algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Below, I introduce the definitions of these topics and
explain the specific concepts most likely to appear on the GRE.

Arithmetic

Arithmetic is the basis of pretty much all math and is defined as the manipulation of numbers.
On the test, arithmetic mostly deals with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as
well as:

 Integers, fractions, and decimals

 PEMDAS (order of operations)
 Exponents and square roots
 Absolute values
 Prime numbers
 Even and odd numbers
 Percents and percent changes
 Sequences
 Ratios, proportions, and cross multiplication

Algebra

Algebra is basically where numbers and letters (i.e., unknown numbers) come into play. GRE
concepts include:

 Expressions and equations

 Variables and constants
 Inequalities
 Functions
 Coordinate systems
 Coordinate geometry
 Lines and slopes
 Factorization

Geometry
 The bulk of geometry is the study of shapes and angles. More specifically, GRE geometry
encompasses:

 Lines, parallel lines, and perpendicular lines

 Relationships among angles
 Types of angles
 Polygons, including triangles, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, and parallelograms
 Special right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem
 Circles
 Arcs and sectors
 3-D objects, including rectangular solids and right circular cylinders
 Perimeter, area, circumference, volume, and surface area
 Similar shapes
 Inscribed shapes

Data Analysis

On the GRE, data analysis primarily focuses on your ability to interpret data by testing you on:

 Distribution of data and frequency

 Graphical representations of data, including bar graphs, pie charts, scatterplots, time plots, and
histograms
 Statistics, including mean (average), median, mode, and range
 Quartiles and percentiles
 Standard deviation
 Factorials, permutations, and combinations
 Probability
 Bell curve and normal distribution1

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Numeric Entry

The final Quant question type is Numeric Entry. According to our estimates, there are about two
Numeric Entry questions per Quant section.

Unlike the other question types, this is the only one that doesn’t supply you with answer choices.
Instead, you must come up with your own answer and write it in the blank. Numeric Entry
questions can ask for integers (i.e., whole numbers), decimals, or fractions (denoted by a
numerator and denominator blank).

Before filling in an answer, note any special characters by the blank, such as a dollar sign ($),
percent sign (%), etc. These symbols are helpful because they alert you to the type of solution
you’ll need to find.

Additionally, be sure to round your answer appropriately. For example, if a Numeric Entry
question asks for an integer and your answer is 67.89, write 68.

GRE Math: 110 Terms and Symbols You Must Know

The GRE expects all test takers to have a basic understanding of the math topics described above
— and this includes both terms and symbols. Here are some of the most commonly encountered
terms and symbols on Quant. (If you’d like to learn about GRE math formulas instead, check out
our guide.) All terms are arranged alphabetically.

Terms

absolute value: the actual distance a number is from 0 on a number line

acute angle: any angle less than 90 degrees. Example:

algebraic expression: a mathematical expression with one or more variables, written as either a
single term or a sum of terms. Example:

4x+8

angle: the shape formed by the convergence of two straight lines

arc: all of the points located between two points on the edge of a circle. In the following
example, AB is the arc:

area: the amount of space enclosed by a 2-D shape

axis: the horizontal (x-axis) or vertical (y-axis) lines in a coordinate system, or a straight line
joining the centers of the bases of a right circular cylinder. Example:

bar graph: a graph containing either horizontal or vertical bars with various heights
corresponding to certain frequencies. Example:
base: a number being brought to a certain power with an exponent. For example, 4 is the base
in 42.

bell curve: a graph displaying a normal distribution (and thus creating a bell shape). Example:

central angle: a vertex located in the center of a circle and created by the intersection of two
radii. See “arc” for diagram.

circle graph: a graph that represents data using the shape of a circle. Example:

circumference: the length around a circle (i.e., the perimeter of a circle)

coefficient: a number multiplied by a variable or variables. For example, 8 is the coefficient

in 8x.

combination: a way of selecting a certain number of things in which order is irrelevant

common denominator: a common multiple of two separate denominators. In the following

example, 24 is a common denominator:

congruent: the same in shape or size

constant: a term with no variable. For example, 6 is a constant in y=13x2+5x−6.

cross multiplication: a method for converting two equivalent fractions into products.
Performed by multiplying both terms’ numerators by the other term’s denominators. Example:
cube: a six-sided rectangular solid with the same length and width for all of its faces. Example:

denominator: the bottom number of a fraction. For example, 19 is the denominator in

diameter: the length of a line cutting a circle in half and passing through the center point.
Example:

dispersion: how far a set of data is spread out

divisor: the number you divide by in order to get a quotient. For example, 5 is the divisor in

equation: a mathematical statement depicting the equivalence of two different expressions.

Example:

y=12x+2

equilateral triangle: a triangle with three sides of the same length and three 45-degree angles.
Example:

even integer: any whole number divisible by 2

exponent: a superscript number used to denote how many times a base is being multiplied by
itself. For example, 6 is the exponent in 36=729.

factor: a number multiplied to get a product. For example, 3 and 4 are both factors of 12
because 3*4=12.

factorial: the product of all integers (until 1) less than and equal to a number. Example:

3!=3*2*1=6

fraction: a quantity that is not a whole number (written using a numerator and a denominator).
Example:

frequency: the number of times a particular piece of data occurs

function: a mathematical relation between a set of possible inputs to a set of possible outputs

histogram: a type of graph depicting intervals and their frequencies. Example:

inequality: an expression signifying a relationship wherein two or more expressions

are not equal to one another. Equal sign is replaced with >, <, or ≠. Example:

x+y<8

integer: any whole number (negative, positive, or 0)

irrational number: any number that cannot be represented as a ratio between two integers, or
any number containing a never-ending, pattern-less decimal. Example:

√2=1.41421356 …

isosceles triangle: a triangle with two sides of the same length and two equal angles. Example:
least common multiple: the smallest number that is a multiple for two different values. For
example, 6 is the least common multiple of 2 and 6 because 2*3=6 and 1*6=6.

linear equation: an equation that creates a straight line in a coordinate system. Example:

y=5x+2

mean: the average value of a data set (the sum of n numbers divided by n)

median: the middle value of a data set

mixed number: the combination of an integer and a fraction. Example:

mode: the most common value of a data set

multiple: a possible product of an integer. For example, multiples of 4 include 4, 8, 12, 16, 20,
etc.

normal distribution: a type of data distribution with a curved shape. See “bell curve” for
diagram.

numerator: the top number of a fraction. For example, 3 is the numerator in

obtuse angle: any angle more than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. Example:

odd integer: any whole number not divisible by 2

origin: the center point of a coordinate system, or (0, 0). See “axis” for diagram.

outlier: a value in a data set that is distinctly separate (either extremely high or low) from the
rest of the data

parabola: a curve in a coordinate system shaped like an arch. Example:

parallel lines: lines with the same slope and never intersecting. Example:

percent: parts per 100

perimeter: the length around a polygon (i.e., the sum of all sides)

permutation: a way of arranging a certain number of values in which order matters

perpendicular lines: lines that intersect to create only right angles. Example:

pi (π): a mathematical constant describing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.
Can be rounded to 3.14.

pie chart: see “circle graph”

polygon: a 2-D object made using straight lines. Examples:

prime number: any integer greater than 1 that can only be divided by 1 and itself. Examples
include 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, etc. Note that 2 is the only even integer that is also a prime
number.

probability: the likelihood of an event occurring

proportion: two equivalent terms displayed as a ratio

quadrilateral: any four-sided polygon, such as a square, rectangle, trapezoid, or parallelogram

quartile: one of four parts of a data set

radius: the length of a line extending from the center point of a circle to any point on the edge.
Example:

range: the difference between the highest and lowest values of a data set

ratio: a relationship between two numbers highlighting their relative values to each other.

rational number: any number that can be represented as a ratio of two integers. Example:

real number: all rational and irrational numbers

reciprocal: any integer or fraction with its numerator and denominator switched (for reciprocals
of integers, the numerator is 1). For example,

rectangular solid: any six-sided 3-D object. Example:

remainder: the leftover amount of a value after performing a computation (usually division)

right angle: 90 degrees. Example:

right circular cylinder: a 3-D object with two identical circular bases and an axis perpendicular
to the bases’ center points. Example:
right triangle: a triangle with one 90-degree angle. The two shorter sides are the “legs” and the
longest side (opposite the right angle) is the “hypotenuse.” Example:

scatterplot: a type of graph depicting the relationship and trends of two separate variables.
Example:

sector: the (shaded) region of a circle enclosed by an arc and two radii. See “arc” for diagram.

similar: the same in shape but not size. Example:

slope: the steepness of a line (in a coordinate system), represented by m in the equation y=mx+b.
Lines with positive slopes increase from left to right, whereas lines with negative
slopes decrease from left to right. Example:
solution: any value that solves an equation or inequality

square root: the number that produces a specific number when multiplied by itself. For
example, 5 is the square root of 25, or √25=5.

standard deviation: a measure for how spread out a certain data set is

surface area: the total exterior area of a 3-D object

system of equations: a set of two or more equations with the same variables. Example:

y=x+3

x=5−y

tangent: intersecting at precisely one point (on a shape). In the following example, curve C is
tangent to line L at point P:

variable: an unknown quantity, usually represented by the letter x. For example, a is the variable
in 5a−10=20

vertex: the intersection of two straight lines, creating an angle

volume: the amount of space occupied by a 3-D object

x-axis: the horizontal reference line in a coordinate system. See “axis” for diagram.

x-coordinate: how far a point is horizontally from the origin of a coordinate system
x-intercept: where a line or shape passes through the x-axis

y-axis: the vertical reference line in a coordinate system. See “axis” for diagram.

y-coordinate: how far a point is vertically from the origin of a coordinate system

y-intercept: where a line or shape passes through the y-axis

Symbols

Symbol Meaning Example

< less than 1<5

> greater than 6>4

≤ less than or equal to x ≤ 10

≥ greater than or equal to x≥3

≠ does not equal 2

≠ 0.75

≈ approximately equal to π ≈ 3.14

 ∥ parallel to A∥B

⊥ perpendicular to C⊥D

∠ angle ∠E

° degree (of an angle) 73°

|a| absolute value (of a number) |−4|=4

√a square root (of a number) √100=10

$ dollar sign $50.49

% percent 26%

π pi; can be rounded to 3.14 C=2πr

a! factorial; the product of all integers from 1 to a 4!=4*3*2*1=24

GRE Math: 4 Helpful Tips for Studying

Unfortunately, skimming this GRE math review alone is likely not enough of a refresher for you
to score highly on the GRE. Luckily, there are some strategies you can use while studying to
ultimately help raise your GRE math score. Here are our top tips for acing Quant.
#1: Know the Fundamentals

You can’t expect to score highly on Quant if you’re completely unfamiliar with basic math
concepts or if you haven’t practiced algebra and geometry in several years. This is why it’s
important to know the fundamentals of all topics tested — that is, the basic rules, formulas, and
concepts associated with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

In the section above, I gave you a lengthy list of terms and symbols you’re bound to come across
on the GRE. Memorizing these is key to understanding GRE math questions.

But the terms and symbols above are just a brief overview of the basics. Try to acquaint yourself
even more with GRE math by using additional resources, such as our extensive guide for high-
quality math practice.

#2: Memorize Formulas

In addition to reviewing fundamental math concepts, you should also memorize the most
common GRE formulas. Formulas are often the one and only key to solving a particular Quant
question. Unlike the SAT, you won’t get a handy list of formulas to start with! So memorize the
formulas most likely to appear, such as the Pythagorean theorem and the circumference formula.

It’s also important you know in what situations you’re most likely to apply certain formulas.
For example, if you’re dealing with a circle, you’ll probably need to use an area or circumference
formula, not the Pythagorean theorem.
#3: Make Flashcards

Want a go-to study method? Look no further. Flashcards are an excellent way to drill specific
concepts, especially GRE math topics.

For Quant, you can use flashcards to study math terms and symbols (such as those listed above),
formulas, laws, shapes, and so on. I recommend you make your own set of flashcards, either with
paper note cards or digital cards, so you can customize your study sessions by prioritizing
concepts you’re less familiar with.

For tips on how to use the waterfall method with your flashcards, check out our article on GRE
vocab. This guide specifically focuses on drilling vocab for GRE Verbal, but you can apply
its overarching strategies to Quant prep, too.

#4: Drill Realistic Practice Questions

Memorizing concepts and formulas isn’t enough if you’re not actively testing what you know, so
be sure to spend ample time drilling GRE-style questions. You’ll grow more accustomed to the
types of questions you’ll face on Quant and can anticipate how certain concepts might be worded
or presented to you.

Ideally, you’ll use official practice questions, as these are the ones most similar to what you’ll
see on test day. High-quality GRE prep books, such as those created by Manhattan Prep or
Princeton Review, also offer many realistic practice questions.

Be sure you’re testing yourself on a variety of math topics in the beginning so you can gauge
what kinds of questions and concepts are most difficult for you. Then, shift your focus to
drilling more challenging questions. Once you’re done drilling, test out what you’ve learned
using full-length practice tests. As with practice questions, always prioritize official GRE
practice tests over unofficial ones.