GRE Quantitative Reasoning Skills
The Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE are intended to evaluate a test-taker’s mathematical knowledge, as well as their ability to perform the type of complex quantitative analyses they will be exposed to in the context of graduate-level education. Although the skills tested are applicable to a wide range of professional fields, the GRE has been specifically designed to evaluate achievement and aptitude in four areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. The content in all four skill areas is generally no more sophisticated than a second level course in algebra, and does not include trigonometry, calculus, or higher-level math. An on-screen calculator is provided for Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Arithmetic Concepts
Arithmetic concepts tested on the GRE include integers, fractions, exponents and roots, decimals, real numbers, ratios, and percents. In order to solve problems related to these issues, students must understand categories and properties of numbers such as factorability and divisibility, leaset common multiples, greatest common divisors, quotients, remainders, prime numbers, estimation, percent, ratio, rate, and absolute value.
Algebra Concepts
Algebra concepts covered by the GRE include operations with algebraic expressions, rules of exponents, solving linear and quadratic equations, solving linear inequalities, working with functions and applications, coordinate geometry, and graphs of functions. The skillset required for this content includes factoring and simplifying equations, setting up and manipulating mathematical relationships, and analyzing graphical information including slopes and intercepts of lines.
Geometry Concepts
Geometry concepts on the GRE include lines and angles, polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and three-dimensional figures. Required skills for these problem types include understanding parallel and perpendicular lines, categories of triangle including isosceles, equilateral, and 30/60/90-degree triangles, the Pythagorean theorem, and properties of three-dimensional figures including area, perimeter, and volume. Students will not be evaluated on their ability to construct or evaluate geometric proofs.
Data Analysis Concepts
GRE Data Analysis concepts include basic descriptive statistics, interpretation of data in tables and graphs, elementary probability, random variables and probability distributions, and counting methods; inferential statistics is not tested.
Test Preparation
Educational Testing Service (ETS) freely makes a lot of information about the GRE available to test-takers, including detailed descriptions of the different types of problems that will be presented in each section, sample problems, preparation tips, test taking strategies, and comprehensive information about the test’s purpose and methodology.
For students who are looking for more targeted review materials, Manhattan Review offers preparation books in specific content area. For Quantitative Reasoning, Manhattan Review offers books in Math Essentials, Number Properties, Arithmetics, Algebra, Geometry, Word Problems, Combinatorics & Probability, and Statistics & Data Interpretation. The complete series is designed to be your best GRE test prep companion as you navigate the road to a successful testing outcome.
Students who enroll in Manhattan Review online courses will be given access to the Math Essentials and Cominatorics and Probability guides, as well as a Quantitative Question Bank with over 600 questions, 100 of which have alternate solution approaches provided. For students who understand their strengths and weaknesses, Manhattan Review preparation materials offer an incomparable opportunity to focus on improving your understanding of the concepts that are most difficult for you.
For students who are not as certain of their quantitative reasoning strengths and weaknesses, taking a practice GRE test can be helpful in understanding what content is easy for you and what you need to spend more time practicing. Working with a tutor can also help students better understand their own test-taking tendencies and provide helpful insight on areas that would benefit from additional study.
While the math-focused sections of the GRE are generally understood to be less challenging than similar sections on the GMAT, this does not mean the GRE Quantiative Reasoning are easy. Students with an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a field of science should perform well on these sections with appropriate preparation and will likely find them significantly easier than students with a liberal arts degree or an academic background in arts, humanities, or social sciences. Regardless of your educational background and future academic goals, Manhattan Review offers courses and private tutoring programs to help you achieve your highest GRE score and gain acceptance to the graduate, law, or business program of your dreams.
Test Validity
ETS conducts validity studies to ensure that the GRE is accurately measuring aptitude and a knowledge of skills that are important to success in graduate school. Specifically, in the Quantitative Reasoning sections the test is measuring the following abilities:
- reading and understanding quantitative information
- interpreting and analyzing quantitative information including drawing inferences from data,
- and using mathematical methods to solve quantitative problems.
Additional information on the validity of the GRE, as well as ongoing research related to the exam, can be found at www.ets.org.