GRE - Quantitative Aptitude

Introduction

The quantitative section of the GRE contains 28 multiple choice-questions in a 45-minute period. The questions include two formats:

The math topics include arithmetic, basic algebra and geometry (no proofs). Trigonometry and calculus are NOT included. The test writers carefully choose questions to eliminate biases toward candidates with specific majors: all test takers will be on a level playing field. The section is designed to test your ability to solve problems, rather than your mathematical knowledge. Questions lean heavily toward word problems and applying mathematical formulas in typical real-world applications, such as:

• Calculating interest on a loan
• Calculating the percentage drop of a stock price
• Determining a salary increase
• Determining travel times and speeds
• Determining work schedules

While test writers vary their question types from year to year, topics tend to appear with similar frequency. Recent exam questions fell into the following categories:

Nearly every test question has a simple solution and can be solved with a minimum of calculations. In fact, quantitative comparison questions often require NO calculating, asking you to simply determine whether the quantity in Column A or Column B is greater. The trick is to correctly assess each question and apply the correct formulas to get the right answer. For standard multiple-choice questions, you have the advantage of the correct answer being right in front of you. You KNOW it is one of the five listed choices.

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