How to Prepare for GRE Quantitative Section?

In this article, we will discuss about the quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE exam. At first look, you find them challenging, but with regular practice, discipline and understanding of GRE exam topics, exam format and strategies, you can easily score well in these sections. We will break it down for you so that you know exactly what to expect. Stay with us till the end, because we have some great news waiting for you at the end.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Sections Format

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section checks your understanding of basic math skills, elementary mathematical concepts, and your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems using simple mathematical models. You do not need advanced math to do well. Most of the questions are based on high school-level math: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

Current Format (as per ETS):

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  2 sections
• 
  27 questions in total (across both sections)
• 
  47 minutes total (shared between the 2 sections)
• 
  Question types include: Quantitative comparison, multiple-choice (single answer), multiple-choice (one or more answers) and numeric entry.

Questions are a mix of standalone and data interpretation sets. Based on your performance, the section difficulty level adapts.

Topics Covered in the GRE Quant Section

The following are the main topics covered in the GRE quantitative section:

Arithmetic:

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  Properties of integers (even/odd, prime, divisibility)
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  Fractions and decimals
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  Percentages and ratios
• 
  Exponents and roots
• 
  Absolute value

Here is an example:

Question: A car travels the first 60 miles of a trip at 30 miles per hour and the remaining 120 miles at 60 miles per hour. What is the average speed of the car for the entire trip?

Solution: Time = Distance/Speed 

First part: 60/30 = 2 hours 

Second part: 120/60 = 2 hours 

Total time = 4 hours, 

Total distance = 180 miles 

Average speed = 180 / 4 = 45 miles/hour

Algebra:

• 
  Simplifying expressions
• 
  Solving linear and quadratic equations
• 
  Inequalities
• 
  Coordinate geometry (graphs and slopes)
• 
  Word problems

Here is an example:

Question: If x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0, what are the possible values of x?

Solution: Factor: (x - 2)(x - 3) = 0 → x = 2 or 3

Geometry:

• 
  Lines and angles
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  Triangles (including Pythagoras' theorem)
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  Circles
• 
  Perimeter, area, and volume
• 
  Coordinate geometry

Here is an example:

Question: A triangle has sides of lengths 7, 24, and 25. Is it a right triangle?

Solution: Check Pythagorean Theorem: 7^2 + 24^2 = 49 + 576 = 625; 25^2 = 625 Yes, it's a right triangle

Data Analysis:

• 
  Tables and graphs
• 
  Mean, median, mode, range
• 
  Probability and combinations
• 
  Standard deviation

Here is an example:

Question: The average (arithmetic mean) of five numbers is 12. If one of the numbers is 18, what is the average of the other four?

Solution: Total of five numbers = 5 * 12 = 60 Total of other four = 60 - 18 = 42 Average of four = 42 / 4 = 10.5

Watch this video to learn more about improving your performance in GRE exam:

Understanding Question Types

Let us understand the question types of GRE quantitative section:

Quantitative Comparison:

You will compare two quantities (Quantity A and Quantity B) and decide which is greater, or if they are equal.

Here is an example:

Quantity A: (3^4)(2^3) 

Quantity B: (6^3)

Solution: A = 81 * 8 = 648; B = 216 → Quantity A is greater

Multiple Choice (Single Answer):

Only one answer is correct.

Multiple Choice (One or More Answers):

There may be more than one correct answer. You must select all those answers that are correct.

Numeric Entry:

You type in your answer. No choices given.

How Difficult is the GRE Quant Section?

The GRE Quant section is considered moderately difficult. However, the questions seem tricky, but they are designed to test how well you can apply concepts under time pressure. Some questions are simple and direct. Others are wordy or require multiple steps. The key challenge is time management and accuracy. Now, let us see some of the challenges of this section:

• 
  Trick wording
• 
  Multi-step problems
• 
  Stress under a time limit
• 
  High chances of careless mistakes

Strategies to Excel at the GRE Quantitative Section

First thing is, you do not have to be a math genius to crack it. You just need the right approach in a time-bound manner. Here are some proven strategies:

Understand the Basics:

Make sure you have a solid grasp of foundational math. This includes:

• 
  Multiplication tables
• 
  Fraction rules
• 
  Basic algebra
• 
  Common geometry formulas

Practice Mental Math:

Time saving can be one of your effective tactics when it comes to the GRE quantitative exam. Practising mental math helps you save time on many calculations. You can also practice Vedic maths to speed up your calculations. Use estimation techniques where possible.

Know the Answer Types:

Learn what each question type wants. For example, in quantitative comparison, never assume based on the appearance of the question. Check values if required, but make sure you do not waste time doing so.

Use Smart Guessing:

Eliminate those answers that are definitely wrong. In multiple-choice questions, this increases your odds of guessing right and saving time. Give multiple mocks to get habituated to this practice.

Use Real Numbers in Calculations:

If the problem is abstract, use real numbers. It often simplifies things, and you get the same result, had it were abstract.

Never Get Stuck:

Spend no more than 1.5 to 2 minutes on a question. Flag it and move on if needed. Come back later if time allows. Do not take the problem to your heart and ego, as it will only hurt your scores.

Review Your Mistakes:

Only giving tests and not working on the feedback is nothing but a waste of your precious time. You can review by asking these simple questions:

• 
  Did I misread the question?
• 
  Did I make a calculation error?
• 
  Did I rush?

Making mistakes is normal, but not learning from them is a huge error on your part. Always learn from each mistake and keep improving yourself.

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• 
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• 
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• 
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The GRE Quant section is all about smart preparation. You do not need to solve every problem with lightning speed. Instead, focus on:

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  Understanding concepts
• 
  Practicing daily
• 
  Learning from your mistakes
• 
  Managing your time

With consistent efforts and regular practice, you can improve your confidence and your score. Take as many full-length, timed practice tests as possible to simulate real exam conditions. This builds stamina and helps you identify weak spots. But always remember to work on feedback.

Good luck to you!

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