Studying for the GRE quantitative section can be time-consuming—particularly when you don’t have the right strategy or materials. Many GRE students end up wasting time and resources by working with unofficial practice questions which do not effectively test the same content or skills as the actual GRE exam.
Fortunately, at Menlo Coaching, our GRE curriculum is based on the exclusive use of official GRE material. This means you won’t waste your time on inaccurate practice questions or your money on unofficial GRE prep books.
We’ve compiled a sample of the GRE Math Practice questions our tutors work with, alongside analysis and explanations from expert tutor, David Baird.
Test your content knowledge and application of skills on the GRE math practice questions below to prepare for test day!
On their official website, ETS refers to two distinct ideas under the term “question types.”
To make things clearer, our GRE expert, David Baird, recommends linking each question type to its corresponding answer format.
Using this method, the question types and their answer formats are as follows:
1a. Problem Solving – Select One Answer
1b. Problem Solving – Select One or More Answers
2. Quantitative Comparison
3a. Data Interpretation – Select One Answer
3b. Data Interpretation – Select One or More Answers
4a. Numeric Entry – Single Box
4b. Numeric Entry – Double Box
By understanding these question types and their answer formats, you can approach the GRE Quant section with greater clarity and confidence.
Problem solving questions are the most common and familiar type of GRE Math question. These questions—often word problems—assess your ability to apply mathematical concepts and real-world quantitative reasoning to solve a variety of problems. There are two main types of problem solving questions you’ll encounter on the GRE, and understanding the difference between them is key to approaching each one effectively.
It is crucial to read the question carefully to determine how many answers are required. Sometimes, you might need to select just one answer, while other times, you’ll need to select two or more. Failing to select the correct number of answers can result in lost points, so pay close attention to the instructions.
No matter the specific format, the key to solving problem solving questions is understanding the problem, identifying the most efficient approach, and recognizing patterns. While a strong foundation in mathematics is essential, it’s just as important to use strategies that streamline the problem solving process. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:
To illustrate how to tackle these questions, we’ve broken down two official GRE Problem Solving questions, demonstrating practical strategies for success.
The average (arithmetic mean) age of the people in group G is 41 years, and the average age of the people in Group H is 36 years. The average age of the people in the two groups combined is 38. If no person is in both groups, what fraction of the people in the two groups combined are in group H?
A. 2/5
B. 1/2
C. 3/5
D. 2/3
E. 3/4
If r ≤ s ≤ t ≤ u ≤ v ≤ 110 and the average, (arithmetic mean) of r, s, t, u, and v is 100, what is the least possible value of r?
A. 0
B. 20
C. 40
D. 60
E. 80
Quantitative comparison questions are a unique subset of GRE multiple-choice questions, differing significantly from standard problem solving ones. While problem solving questions always offer five answer choices, quantitative comparison questions have only four, which remain consistent across all questions and are presented in the same order:
Each question provides two quantities—Quantity A and Quantity B—and asks you to determine the relationship between them. While the format may seem straightforward, these questions are designed to mislead, and many test-takers fall into traps, overlooking the correct answer.
The biggest mistake students make is approaching these GRE math questions without a clear, effective strategy to evaluate the relationship between the quantities. Without reliable methods, it’s easy to get tripped up by the trickier problems.
Fortunately, there are proven techniques and strategies to help you improve accuracy and confidence in solving these questions. Menlo Coaching GRE tutoring focuses on teaching these principles, equipping students with the tools needed to master even the most complex quantitative comparison problems.
To demonstrate how to approach these questions, we’ve broken down two official GRE quantitative comparison sample questions, showcasing practical strategies for success.
`(x+5)^2 – (y-3)^2 = 0`
`x+y=2`
Quantity A: `x-y`
Quantity B: 0
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
`x!=1`
Quantity A: `(x^2-2)/(x-1)`
Quantity B: `x-2`
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Data interpretation questions require you to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, or charts. These questions test your data analysis and ability to extract meaningful insights and make accurate assessments based on the given visuals.
Each set typically includes three related questions, giving you the chance to explore the data more deeply.
To succeed in data interpretation questions, practice analyzing different data types like pie charts, bar graphs, and scatter plots. Develop efficient strategies for extracting information and responding within time limits. In particular, working with timed practice sets can help improve your efficiency in data interpretation questions.
With regular practice, you can improve your ability to quickly interpret data and answer questions accurately, boosting your GRE score.
Numeric entry questions ask you to manually enter your answer, whether as an integer, decimal, or fraction. These questions evaluate your ability to perform mathematical calculations and provide accurate solutions.
These questions test a range of concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Be mindful of the answer formatting, as mistakes in entering decimals, fractions, or scientific notation can lead to incorrect answers.
With careful attention to detail and formatting, you can improve your accuracy and efficiency in numeric entry questions, helping you achieve a higher score.
Effective preparation for the Quantitative section of the GRE requires more than just memorizing formulas and solving practice problems. It’s about developing a personalized strategy that aligns with your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. By using a combination of official practice questions, timed practice sets, and full-length practice tests, you can significantly improve your performance and tackle the GRE with confidence.
One of the best ways to prepare for the GRE Quantitative section is by working with official practice questions provided by ETS, the creators of the GRE. These questions mirror the format and difficulty of the actual test, offering an authentic representation of what you’ll encounter on exam day.
Begin by working through individual problem solving and quantitative comparison questions. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and strategies for each type of question. Pay attention to patterns in the questions, such as common problem types or repeated question formats. These insights will help you recognize the most efficient strategies during the real test.
For data interpretation and numeric entry questions, practice interpreting graphs, tables, and charts and entering answers manually. Working with official practice questions will familiarize you with the exact way these questions are formatted and the precision required for answers.
Once you’ve gone through individual practice questions, the next step is to incorporate timed practice sets into your study routine. Timed sets simulate the actual testing environment and help you build the pacing and mental stamina needed to complete the Quantitative section within the allotted time.
Try working with sets that consist of 10-15 questions from a variety of topics, aiming to complete them within the same time limits as the actual test. Pay attention to the clock, but don’t rush. Focus on the quality of your answers while managing your time effectively. This exercise will help you gauge how much time you should spend on each question and identify any areas where you need to improve your speed or accuracy.
Full-length practice tests are essential for replicating the experience of taking the entire GRE. These tests typically include both the Quantitative and Verbal sections, allowing you to practice maintaining focus and stamina throughout the full 3-hour exam. Taking these tests is vital for understanding how your performance in one section can affect the other, especially when you have to manage your energy and attention over an extended period.
After each practice test, thoroughly review your answers, especially those you got wrong. Understanding why you made a mistake and how to correct it will help prevent similar errors in the future. As you take more practice tests, you’ll notice improvements in your overall performance and learn how to refine your test-taking strategies—but remember that only a limited number of official practice tests are available, and you should strategically incorporate the official GRE practice tests available to you over the course of your GRE prep.
In addition to official practice questions, utilizing the official GRE exam once you’ve reached a level of readiness is a great way to gauge your preparation. If you’re feeling confident in your strategy and timing, consider scheduling a real GRE exam at your testing center. This will give you valuable experience with the actual test format and provide you with an official score to track your progress.
While practice is key to success, having a personalized strategy is equally important. This strategy should be based on your strengths, weaknesses, and specific goals. For example, if you struggle with data interpretation questions, you might dedicate more time to analyzing graphs and tables. Or, if you’re stronger in arithmetic but weaker in algebra, allocate more time to working on algebraic concepts.
Our GRE tutoring team can help you create a customized strategy, ensuring you spend time focusing on areas that will make the most significant impact on your score. With targeted practice and a clear plan, you’ll be able to approach the Quantitative section of the GRE with confidence and maximize your score.
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