Complete Information on GRE Problem Solving
The GRE is an examination that all prospective college students have to take. However, if you want to study in premiere colleges in the USA, then you will not only have to take the GRE, but also score well in it. The GRE primarily, tests your language and mathematical skills. Along with that, the GRE score that you get is indicative of your critical and analytical skills. The following section of the article will help you understand the nuances of these types of mathematical problems asked in the GRE.
What is GRE Problem Solving?
A large section of the GRE question paper consists of problem solving. This part is generally known as Quantitative Reasoning. Therefore, you will also have to do mathematical questions if you are considering taking the GRE mathematics. Along with the general GRE test, students often take the subject GREs, and GRE mathematics is one of them. The various features of the problem solving questions that you will come across in the GRE have been discussed in the following section of the article.
Understanding Mathematics for GRE
Whether you are appearing for the general GRE or the GRE mathematics subject test, the type of problem solving questions that you have to do is similar. For GRE mathematics, you will have to solve problems similar to that of the general GRE, the only difference being that they will be more advanced. To help you understand the types of problem solving that you have to undertake in this section of the test, they have been discussed at length below:
- Algebra: Questions on algebra will be asked in both the general and subject GRE. Here you will have to solve questions involving simple and complex equations, in-equations, factorization’s, exponents etc. In the GRE mathematics, along with these basic algebraic topics, you will have to solve questions on abstract algebra, as well.
- Arithmetic: In the general GRE, you will have to solve questions integers, fractions, square roots, exponents, percentages, rate etc. Basically, it will analyze whether you can solve questions using basic mathematical operations. In the GRE mathematics, only a small section of the question paper is devoted to arithmetic and deals with set theory, number series etc.
- Geometry: Under this topic, you will have to solve questions on triangles, quadrilaterals, solid figures, polygons etc. Your knowledge of basic geometry, like Pythagoras’ theorem angle measurement will also be tested. In other words, you will also have to solve simple questions on trigonometry and co-ordinate geometry, under this topic.
- Data analysis: Questions on statistics are asked in both the forms of GRE (general and subject). In order to handle these, you will have to analyze the graphs and data provided in order to answer the questions. The graphs will include bar graphs, pie charts, distribution lists, line graphs etc. You may even have to do small problem solving questions based on the data provided in the graphs.
- Calculus: Problems from this branch of mathematics are asked only in GRE mathematics. Differential and integral calculus are the two most common topics on which you will be tested. Other than these, you will also have to solve questions on differential equations and solve problems using formulas pertaining to calculus.
Some Links to Help You Practice
The list above outlines the topics that are covered in these questions of GRE. If you require further information the click on the following links:
- http://www.ets.org/gre/
revised_general/prepare/quantitative_reasoning/ - http://www.ets.org/gre/
revised_general/about/content/quantitative_reasoning - http://www.ets.org/s/gre/
pdf/gre_math_review.pdf - http://www.ets.org/gre/
subject/about/content/mathematics/
If you click on the above mentioned links, it will take you to the official GRE websites where you will get all information on the mathematics section of the general GRE test, as well as, GRE mathematics.
Thus, the basic requirement to ace the mathematics section of the examination is practice. The more you practice, the better will be your understanding of mathematical concepts. So ensure that you have allotted sufficient time for practicing mathematics. This alone will help you attain the desired GRE scores.