The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section has been designed to test the candidate's mathematical skills in four major topics - arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Some of the quantitative reasoning questions are also based on real-life situations. Almost all of them are word problems that need to be translated and modelled mathematically.
The content in the four areas is generally based on high school mathematics and the statistics portion is no higher than second-course algebra. GRE quant questions are not based on calculus, trigonometry and other high-level mathematics. The mathematical terminologies, symbols and conventions used in GRE Quant are of high school standard. Though the concepts in the GRE Quant syllabus are basic, the GRE quantitative questions are not extremely easy to crack.
Success in GRE Quant depends on the understanding of the GRE Quant questions. Relying only on basic knowledge will not always help. Therefore, students should invest a sufficient amount of time in official GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions. Let us now take you through the GRE Quant pattern, syllabus, topics, preparation tips, practice test, questions and sample.
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GRE Quantitative Reasoning Pattern
The test structure of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section is simple. The paper under this section contains a total of 27 questions which need to be completed in 47 minutes. Each of the sections is composed of at least eight quantitative comparisons, nine problem-solving questions, and three data interpretation questions.
The GRE quant test calculates the score based on test sections, adjusting the difficulty of the second Quantitative Reasoning section. It also depends on the student's performance in their first section. Candidates who have performed excellently in their first section will "level up" their test, to get more difficult questions in their second section.
However, the GRE quant section is somewhat different from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which aims to test the difficulty level after every question. The main lookout of this difference to candidates is that while taking the GRE quant questions they can review their answers, and can even mark difficult questions to make it easier further after completing the rest of the section.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus and Topics
As earlier mentioned, the question types in the quantitative reasoning section are based on mathematical topics. The skills, abilities and concepts are judged based on some specific areas. Students or candidates who are sitting for the Quantitative Reasoning section are required to pay full attention to the GRE quant syllabus and different types of GRE quant questions to remain mentally fueled so that they know how to answer such questions efficiently.
The tests also contain algebra, geometry, arithmetic and data analysis. These are at a level i.e not higher than the second course in algebra and do not include any higher level of mathematics like trigonometry or calculus.
Arithmetic
The topics under Arithmetic in GRE Quant include properties and types of integers, such as remainders divisibility, factorisation, prime numbers, and odd and even integers; concepts such as estimation, absolute value, per cent, ratio, rate, decimal representation, the number line, and sequences of numbers; and arithmetic operations, exponents and roots.
Algebra
The GRE quant syllabus under the algebra portion include operations with exponents, factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions, relations, functions, equations and inequalities, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, solving simultaneous equations and inequalities, setting up equations to solve word problems, and coordinate geometry, including graphs of functions, equations and inequalities, intercepts and slopes of lines, etc.
Geometry
In the geometry GRE quant syllabus, there are a few topics that get covered - parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, triangles — including isosceles, equilateral and 30°-60°-90° triangles — quadrilaterals, other polygons, congruent and similar figures. Other than those, three-dimensional figures, area, perimeter, volume, the Pythagorean theorem and angle measurement in degrees are also included in the syllabus.
Data Analysis
In data analysis, there are various topics that are in the GRE Quant syllabus- basic descriptive statistics, like mean, median, and mode. The syllabus also includes range, standard deviation, interquartile range, quartiles and percentiles. Interpretation of data in tables and graphs - line graphs, bar graphs, circle graphs, box plots, scatter plots and frequency distributions. Elementary probability - probabilities of compound events and independent events, conditional probability, random variables and probability distributions, etc.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Question Types
Basically, the GRE Quantitative Reasoning has four types of questions - quantitative comparison, MCQ (one answer), MCQ (multiple answers) and numeric entry questions. Let us learn more about them.
Quantitative Comparison
The quantitative comparison can be based on real-life settings or purely mathematical or might be written as word problems which the students must be able to solve and interpret mathematically. The GRE quant topics assess a combination of basic math skills that includes understanding basic math concepts, elementary maths, problem-solving skills, ability to reason quantitatively, etc.
This GRE quant section has four possible answers: Quantity A is greater, quantity B is greater, both the quantities are equal or their relationship cannot be determined. The questions are critical enough so it is highly suggested to practise sample problems as much as possible.
Multiple Choice
Multiple-choice questions have five options out of which the student is required to pick one correct answer. Another MCQ with multiple answers requires more than two correct answers as per the question. These GRE quant questions may not specify sometimes on how many answers to select.
Numeric Entry
This type of GRE quant question asks for answers as integers or decimals in a single or two boxes for a fraction (one for numerator and the other for denominator). This is a computer-based test and hence the students are required to use only a mouse and keyboard.
Benefits of GRE Quantitative Practice Test, Sample Papers
GRE Quantitative practice tests and sample papers can be the best resource when preparing for the exam. Let us find out why you should attempt GRE Quant practice tests and sample papers:
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Practice tests can improve your chances of getting a high Quant score, which is extremely significant for admission to various Master's programmes including MBA.
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Practising from previous year's GRE Quant papers can help you get an idea of the actual exam and the types of questions asked in the exam over the years.
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Quant also demands good time management skills, which can be honed by practising a number of practise tests or sample papers.
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The content, question types and format of GRE Quant practise tests mimic the real test. So, they can be the best way to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
Writing Tips for GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section
To prepare for this important section, follow accordingly by reading these tips to master the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section:
Begin Doing Practice Problems
Based on your review of GRE math concepts and your way of learning strategies, begin doing practise problems from GRE quant practice papers. Do keep in mind to stick to your time limits and always remember that you can learn from both your correct and incorrect answers. Try to practise different question formats. Study the best books for GRE quant.
Redo Questions You Get Incorrect
Make a habit to resolve questions from GRE quant mock test that are getting wrong so that during the final exam you can avoid making the error.
Get Used to On-Screen Calculator
Since the GRE gives you an on-screen calculator instead of a physical calculator, become familiar with the functions of the GRE calculator and how and when to use it.
Pace Yourself
Try to remain focused and act quickly in a way that you do not run out of time. Learn the GRE quant formulas by heart. Approximately, you will have one minute and 45 seconds per question.
Skip Difficult Sections for a While
Doing this will keep you on pace. Focus on other strategies as well if possible when returning to more difficult questions.
After reviewing the GRE quant questions you are served with, try to cover the basic math concepts, and use the strategies to solve the practice problems. Do not get anxious, take a deep breath as you are on your way to achieving your target GRE score.
Problem-Solving Strategies for GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section
Check out these fourteen strategies to help solve GRE Quantitative Reasoning problems:
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Translate words to arithmetic or algebraic representation
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Translate words to a figure or diagram
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Translate algebra to a graphical representation
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Translate from a figure to an arithmetic or algebraic representation
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Simplify arithmetic or algebraic representation
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Add information to a geometric figure
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Find a pattern
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Search for a mathematical relationship
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Estimate
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Trial and error
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Divide into cases
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Try to adapt solutions to related problems
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Be determined whether a conclusion follows from the information provided
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Stay determined on what additional information is sufficient to solve a question or problem
Always remember that sitting for a practice test or working with a tutor or instructor may help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and keep in mind what preparation materials would be most useful for you.
If you want more help on the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section, feel free to write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com for the best expert advice.
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