GRE Test: The quantative reasoning section

Posted on May 11, 2010 by GRE Tutor

The 45-minute quantitative reasoning section in GRE test consist of 28 questions designed to measure the following skills:

• Your proficiency in arithmetical operations
• Your proficiency at solving algebraic equations and applying simple functions
• Your ability to convert verbal information into mathematical terms
• Your ability to visualize geometric shapes and numerical relationships
• Your ability to devise intuitive and unconventional solutions or conventional mathematical problems

You will need to perform simple calculations to answer many of the questions. But you won’t need to do a lot of number crunching, that’s not what you’re being tested on.

Here’s a breakdown of the specific areas on the quantitative reasoning section. The number of questions indicated for each area is approximate.

Properties of Numbers and Arithmetical Operations

• Linear ordering (positive and negative numbers, absolute value)
• Properties of integers (factors, multiples, prime numbers)
• Arithmetical operations
• Laws of arithmetic
• fractions, decimals, and percentages
• ratio and proportion
• exponents (powers) and roots
• descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation)
• basic probability, permutations, and combination

Algebraic Equations and Inequalities

• simplifying linear and quadratic algebraic expressions
• solving linear equations in one and two variables
• applying simple algebraic functions
• solving factorial quadratic equations
• solving inequalities

Algebraic Equations and Inequalities

• Simplifying linear and quadratic algebraic expressions
• Solving linear equations in one and two variables
• applying simple algebraic functions
• solving factorial quadratic equations
• solving inequalities

Geometry, Including Coordinate Geometry

• Intersecting lines and angles
• Perpendicular and parallel lines
• triangles
• quadrilaterals
• circles
• rectangular solids
• cylinders
• coordinate geometry

Interpretation of Statistical data presented in graphical form

• Pie charts
• tables
• bar graphs
• line charts
• other types of graphical displays

You can assume the following about all Quantitative Reasoning questions you’ll see on the GRE:
All numbers are real numbers
All figures lie on a plane unless otherwise indicated
All lines shown as straight are straight. (some may look a bit “jagged” on the computer screen, but they should be considered straight.)

Some questions will be so-called story problems, meaning that the problem is presented in a real world setting. Some questions will also be accompanied by geometry

figures, that may or may not be drawn to scale. GRE geometry figures are intended to be used only for the numerical information they provide, not for making actual measurements.

Each quantitative reasoning question will confirm to one of two basic formats: Quantitative comparison or problem solving. Any of the topics listed above may be presented in either format.