Frequently asked GRE math questions you should know!

GRE questions all have the same structure, so you’ll know how to solve them as quickly as possible after two or three attempts at them.

During their GRE preparation, many test-takers avoid tackling tough math problems. They believe it is a waste of time or that they are incapable of meeting the task. The more you prepare, the more comfortable you’ll get with the questions, allowing you to make better decisions on the GRE.

Let’s get straight to it!

There are four types of questions in the quantitative reasoning segment of the GRE General Test-

• Quantitative Comparison Questions
• Multiple-choice Questions Select One Answer Choice
• Multiple-choice Questions Select One or More Answer Choices
• Numeric Entry Questions

Quantitative Comparison – Frequently asked GRE Math questions

You have to compare Quantity A to Quantity B in quantitative comparison questions.

The task is to compare the two figures and determine which of the following statements best represents the relationship-

• Quantity A is greater than Quantity B
• Quantity B is greater than Quantity A
• Both amounts are the same
• The correlation cannot be identified based on the data provided

Question 1  

• The average (arithmetic mean) high temperature for x days is 70 degrees. The addition of one day with a high temperature of 75 degrees increases the average to 71 degrees.  

Quantity A	Quantity B
x	5

Answer- Quantity B is greater

If the average high temperature for x days is 70 degrees, then the sum of those x high temperatures is 70x. 

Hence, the sum of the high temperatures will be 70x + 75 (including the additional day with a temperature of 75 degrees).

Next, find the value of x using the formula for average–

Average = Total / Number of Items In this formula, 71 is the average, 70x + 75 is the total, and there are x + 1 days. Substituting this information into the formula gives: 71= 70x + 75 / x + 1 To solve, cross-multiply to get 71x + 71 = 70x + 75. Next, simplify to find that x = 4. Therefore, Quantity B is greater.

Question 2

a and b are integers

a 2 = b 3

Quantity A	Quantity B
a	b

• Quantity A is greater than Quantity B
• Quantity B is greater than Quantity A
• Both amounts are the same
• The correlation cannot be identified based on the data provided

Answer- (D) The correlation cannot be identified based on the data provided.

Explanation–

Change a and b to different integers that meet the equation a 2 = b 3, such as a = 8 and b = 3.

These numbers satisfy the equation as 8 2 = 4 3 = 64. In this case, Quantity A is greater. 

Choices (B) and (C) can be removed since Quantity B is not always greater and the two amounts are not always equal.

After that, experiment with other numbers. Try something less typical when picking the second set of integers, such as making a = b = 1.

These values, once again, satisfy the problem’s equation. However, in this example, the amounts are equal.

Choice (A) can now be removed since Quantity A is not always larger.

The correct answer- (D)

Multiple choice – Frequently asked GRE Math Questions

Select one answer from the list of five answer choices.

• A certain florist shop sells only roses and lilies. In March, the store sold twice as many roses as lilies. In April, the store sold twice the number of roses that it sold in March, and three times the number of lilies that it sold in March. 

If the total number of flowers the store sold in March and April combined was 500, how many roses did the store sell in March?

(A) 80

(B) 100

(C) 120

(D) 160

(E) 180

Answer- (B) 100

Explanation–

Start with the middle option and plug in the answers.

If 120 roses and 60 lilies were sold in the month of March.  In April, 240 roses were sold, along with 180 lilies.  The total number of roses and lilies sold during those two months is 600, which is too large, so eliminate (C), (D), and (E). Try (B) If there were 100 roses sold in March, then 50 lilies were sold; in April, 200 roses were sold along with 150 lilies.  The correct answer is (B) because 100 + 50 + 200 + 150 = 500

Numeric Entry – Frequently asked GRE Math questions

Question 1

• Each month, Rahul earns a commission of 10.5% of his total sales for the month, plus a salary of $2,500. If Rahul earns $3,025 in a certain month, what were his total sales?

Answer: 5,000

If Rahul earned $3,025, then his earnings from the commission on his sales are $3,025 – $2,500 = $525. So, $525 is 10.5% of his sales. Set up an equation to find the total sales:

Answer:  x = 5,000

Question 2

• There were five finalists at a recent dog show. One of the contenders received “Best in Show,” while another received “Honorable Mention.”

How many different methods are there for the two prizes to be presented?

Answer: 20

Order is important in this situation. “Best in Show” might go to any of the five finalists. Because a different dog must be picked, there are only four options for “Honorable Mention.” As a result, the total number of options is 5 x 4, or 20.

Takeaway

• The secret to solving GRE math issues is to figure out why you answered questions wrong in the first place. Do you struggle to understand data interpretation content? Or do you have a problem with numeric entry? 
• This process might be aggravating at first. However, remember that pushing yourself to work out the solution rather than going directly to check an explanation for a particular question during GRE math practice can help you comprehend the problem more deeply and reduce your chances of missing a similar problem in the future. 
• GRE math practice questions might assist you in achieving your goals. This is the best (and, in many cases, the only) way to increase your GRE score.

We hope you found this blog informative. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts! You can also get in touch with us if you have any doubts. 

Liked this blog? Read: GRE to GMAT Conversion – What you need to know

FAQs

1. Is GRE math difficult?

Answer- GRE is typically regarded as more difficult than the ACT and the SAT. While math in GRE is at a lower level than the math on the SAT and ACT, GRE has more challenging vocabulary and reading passages. Moreover, the math problems have trickier wording or require higher-level thinking.

2. How many math questions are there in GRE?

Answer- The GRE Mathematics Test consists of around 66 multiple-choice questions derived from undergraduate mathematics courses.

3. On the GRE math subject test, can you use a calculator?

Answer- You are not permitted to use a calculator in the GRE Math test. You’ll have to figure out the answers to these questions on your own.