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GRE PowerPrep Solutions
Test 1: First QR Section
Question 1 Test 1, First QR Section

O is the center of the circle....
QA: The circumference QB: 12
Geometry: Circles Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. In order to find the circumference of the circle, we need the radius (Circumference = 2�r).
Both OA and OB are radii of the circle.
A
2. Triangle OAB is an equilateral triangle: 60°
2
If ∠O is 60°, then ∠A + ∠B = 120°, because ∠O + ∠A + ∠B = 180° O

60° 60°
2 B
60° + ∠A + ∠B = 180°
∠A + ∠B = 120°
∠A and ∠B are equal because triangles that have two vertices on the circle and one at the
center of the circle are always isosceles triangle. So 120° ÷ 2 = 60°.
Thus, ∠O is 60°, ∠A is 60°, and ∠B is 60°. Triangle OAB is an equilateral triangle.
3. The perimeter of triangle ΔOAB is 6. Because each side of an equilateral triangle is of equal
length, both OA and OB = 2 (length of 6 ÷ 3 sides = length of 2).
4. Now find the circumference:
C = 2�r → C = 2�2 → C = 4� → C = 4 × (3.14) → C = 12.56
5. Compare the quantities:
Quantity A: 12.56 Quantity B: 12

A certain recipe requires 3/2 cups of....
QA: Sugar required for 30 cookies QB: 2 cups
Arithmetic: Proportions Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. Set up a cross-multiplying diagram and complete it with the information provided:

Cups of sugar: 3/2 x
=
Cookies: 24 30
2. Solve for x:
3/2 x
= → (3/2)(30) = (24)(x) → 45 = 24x → 1.875 = x
24 30

Quantity A: 1.875 cups Quantity B: 2 cups
PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

GRE PowerPrep Solutions Test 1: First QR Section

QA: The area of ABCD QB: The area of EFGH
Geometry: Quadrilaterals Answer: The two quantities are equal
3
1. Find the area of rectangle ABCD:
8
Area = l × w → Area = 8 × 3 → Area = 24
F 5 G
E H
2. Find the area of trapezoid EFGH: 7
b1 + b2 5+7 12
Area = (h) → Area = (4) → Area = (4) → Area = (6)(4) → Area = 24
2 2 2

Quantity A: 24 Quantity B: 24

Triangle PQR in which PS = SR
QA: x QB: y
Geometry: Triangles Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. According to the current diagram, y° is larger than x°. But remember, the figures are not always
drawn to scale and you are free to make changes provided you keep the information given as a
constant. In this case, the constant is that PS = SR.
2. So keeping line PR the same, where PS = SR, move Q around to see what happens to x and y:
Q Q
x°
x°
y° y°
P z S z R P z S z R
3. As you can see, it’s impossible to determine which angle is greater without having more
information about point Q.


6<x<7 y=8
QA: x/y QB: 0.85
Arithmetic: Fractions Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY two numbers for x, one at the low end of its range and one at the high end of its range.
x = 6.1 and x = 6.9

x
2. Now determine the value of
with these two values of x:
y
x 6.1 x 6.9
= = 0.7625 and = = 0.862
y 8 y 8

3. This demonstrates that the fraction (x/y) can be greater than 0.85 or less than 0.85. It is impossible
to determine with the information provided.

The average of 100 measurements is 23.....
QA: Average of 150 measurements QB: 25
Statistics: Average Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. When the average of 100 measurements is 23, find the sum:

sum sum1
= average → = 23 → sum1 = 2300
# of #s 100
2. When the average of 50 measurements is 27, find the sum:

sum sum 2
= average → = 27 → sum2 = 1350
# of #s 50
3. Now find the average of the two groups together:

sum1 + sum 2 2300 + 1350
= combined average → = combined average →
100 + 50 100 + 50
3650
= combined average → 24.55 = combined average
150



List L consists of the numbers 1, √2, x....
QA: x QB: 2
Arithmetic: Ranges and Exponents/Roots Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. The range of a set of number is the difference between the highest and lowest number. Therefore,
given that 2 = 1.4142, there are two possible ranges:
Possibility 1: 1 (low) to 5 (high) [5 – 1 = 4]
Possibility 2: –2.5858 (low) to 1.4142 (high) [1.4142 – 4 = –2.5858]
Since x > 0, possibility 2 is not an option.
2. Thus, x = 5 or x2 = 5.
If x = 5, then x2 = 25 and the range is now 24 (25 – 1 = 24) so x cannot equal 5.
If x2 = 5, then x = 5 or x = 2.236


One of the roots of the equation x2 + kx – 6 = 0 is....
QA: The value of k QB: –1
Algebra: Quadratic Equations Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. The easiest way to solve for k is to plug x = 3 into the equation:

x2 + kx – 6 = 0 x=3
32 + k3 – 6 = 0
9 + 3k – 6 = 0
3 + 3k = 0
3k = –3
k = –1
You can reverse FOIL. If x = 3, then one of the terms is (x –3):
x2 + kx – 6 = 0
(x – 3)(x + ?) = 0
(x – 3)(x + 2) = 0
x2 – 3x + 2x – 6 = 0
x2 – x – 6 = 0
x2 + kx – 6 = 0 → x2 – x – 6 = 0 → k = –1
Quantity A: –1 Quantity B: –1


If x and y are the tens digit and the...?
Arithmetic: Multiplication Answer: 12
1. The GRE calculator only displays eight digits, so you would get an “Error” message if you tried
to solve this multiplication problem with the GRE calculator during the test. While you can
certainly multiply 725,278 by 67,066 by hand, you would waste valuable time (not to mention
open yourself up to careless mistakes) because you really only need to multiply the last two digits
of each number:
725278 OR 78
× 67066 × 66
4351668 468
53516680 4680
000000 5148
5076946000
+ 43516680000 x = 4, y = 8
48641494348
2. Now find the sum of x + y: 4 + 8 = 12

In the xy-plane, what is the slope...?
Coordinate Geometry: Equation of a line Answer: 3
2
1. You must know the equation of a line:
y = mx + b
Where: m is the slope, b is the y-intercept, and x and y are an x- and y-coordinate (x,y)
2. Convert the equation in the question to linear equation format:
3x – 2y = 8
–2y = –3x + 8
−2 y −3 x + 8
=
−2 −2
−3 x 8
=y +
−2 −2
3
y
= x−4
2
Since m = slope, the slope of this line is 3 .
2


If p is a negative number and 0 < s < |p|...?
Algebra: Exponents/Expression Answer: s2 – p2
1. Supply two numbers to satisfy the equation 0 < s < | p | where p is a negative number:
s = 1, p = –2
2. Now plug these values into the expressions in the answer choices to find one that results in a
negative number. PowerScore test takers who analyze the answer choices will realize that they
can skip the first three answer choices because all three expressions are squared, meaning that all
three answer choices will always result in a positive number. So start with the fourth answer:
p2 – s2 → (–2)2 – 12 → 4–1 → 3 No
s2 – p2 → 12 – (–2)2 → 1–4 → –3 Yes!

10, 10, 10, 10, 8, 8, 8, 8, 12, 12, 11, y
The twelve numbers shown represent the ages....
Statistics: Median Answer: 10
1. Arrange the 11 numbers given in order, from least to greatest:

8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 10, 11, 12, 12
We still have to add y, but what is the median of this list?
5 #s 5 #s
8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 10, 11, 12, 12
What happens if y is less than 10, such as y = 1?
5 #s 5 #s
1, 8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 10, 11, 12, 12
The median is still 10, because the median is now the average of the 6th and 7th terms [(10 + 10)
÷ 2 = 10]. The same thing happens if y is greater than 10, such as y = 11:
5 #s 5 #s
8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12
The median is 10.


Of the 750 participants in a professional meeting....
2
Probability: Fractions Answer:
5
1. First, determine the number of men and woman at the meeting:
750 total
– 450 women
300 men
2. Now determine the number of each gender under 30:
1 1
of the female participants are less than 30 → × 450 = 225 women less than thirty
2 2
1 1
of the male participants are less than 30 → × 300 = 75 men less than thirty
4 4
3. The total number of people less than 30 years of age is 300 (225 + 75). Find the probability:
number of favorable outcomes 300 30 2
Probability = → → →
number of possible outcomes 750 75 5

DISTRIBUTION OF RANKINGS
The sum of the five average ratings was....
Data Analysis Answer: 22/100
1. Start by computing the sums of the average ratings using the table:
Category A B C
Convenience 5.1 8.0 4.3
Friendliness 5.0 5.5 5.4
Price 5.0 6.4 3.5
Promptness 6.5 6.9 4.1
Reliability 7.8 7.5 4.9
Total: 29.4 34.3 22.2
The airline with the least sum is C (22.2)
2. Now look at the pie graph to see how many travel agents ranked Airline C first. The bottom left
quadrant of the circle has 20 agents rating CAB, meaning C was first, A was second and B was
third. Above this, 2 agents rated CBA, meaning C was first, B was second, and A was third. So in
all 22 agents (20 + 2) rated C first.
3. Now determine the fraction: 22 travel agents out of 100 total rated C first, so 22/100.


Airline B's average rating for convenience was...?
Data Analysis/Percents Answer: 57%
1. Find Airline B's rating for convenience (8.0) and Airline A's rating for convenience (5.1).
Category A B C
Convenience 5.1 8.0 4.3
Friendliness 5.0 5.5 5.4
Price 5.0 6.4 3.5
Promptness 6.5 6.9 4.1
Reliability 7.8 7.5 4.9
Total: 29.4 34.3 22.2

2. Determine the increase:
8.0 – 5.1 = 2.9
3. Now find the percent change and round to the nearest whole number:
Percent change = increase ÷ original number × 100 → 2.9 ÷ 5.1 × 100 = 56.86% or 57%

If each of the average ratings was the arithmetic mean...
Data Analysis/Statistics Answer: 250
1. Start by computing the sums of each category:
Category A B C Total
Promptness 6.5 6.9 4.1 17.5
Reliability 7.8 7.5 4.9 20.2

2. Now find the difference between the two totals:
Category A B C Total
Promptness 6.5 6.9 4.1 17.5
Reliability 7.8 7.5 4.9 20.2
Difference: 2.7
3. Finally, multiply this number by the 100 travel agents:
2.7 × 100 = 270
The question asks for an approximate number and the closest is 250.


A developer has land that has x feet of lake....
Arithmetic: Fractions Answer: 4400
1. Start by finding the number of lots:

1
of the total lots + 40 lots = total lots total lots = t
9
1 1
t + 40 = t → (9) t + (9)40 = (9)t → 1t + 360 = 9t → 360 = 8t → 45 = t
9 9
2. If there are 45 total lots and 40 of them have 100 feet of frontage, then 5 of them have 80 feet of
frontage. Determine the total frontage:
40 have 100 feet: 40 × 100 = 4000

5 have 80 feet: 5 × 80 = 400
4400

If the diameter of circle C is 3 times....
Geometry: Circles Answer: 9
1. Supply a number for the diameter of Circle D and then find the radius and diameter of the other
circle. We chose d = 2 so that we could have a radius of 1.
Circle C
Circle D
r=3
r=1
d
d
=
=
6
2

2. Compute the area of each circle:
Circle D: Area = �r2 → �(1)2 → 1�
Circle C: Area = �r2 → �(3)2 → 9�
The area of Circle C is 9 times as large as the area of Circle D.


Last year Kate spent between 1/4 and...
Arithmetic Answers: $43,350, $47,256, $51,990, $53,808
1. To determine Kate's possible gross incomes, TRANSLATE (a PowerScore Solution Strategy):

1/4 of her gross income is 13,470
1/4 (x) = 13470 → (4)1/4 (x) = (4)13470 → x = 53,880
1/3 of her gross income is 13,470
1/3 (x) = 13470 → (3)1/3 (x) = (3)13470 → x = 40,410
2. Kate's gross income falls between $40,410 and $53,880, so the last four answer choices are
correct.

The quantities S and T are positive....
Arithmetic: Fractions/Percents Answers: 33 1/3
1. SUPPLY (PowerScore Solution Strategy) numbers for S, T, and k:
k 8
S = 4, k = 8, T = 2 → S = → 4=
T 2
2. Now observe what happens when S is increased by 50%:
50% of 4 is 2, so 4 + 2 = 6
k 8 8
S = 6, k = 8 (constant), T = ? → S = → 6= → (?)(6) = 8 → ? = or 1.333
T ? 6
T decreased from 2 to 1.333, or 0.666
3. Compute the percent change:
Percent change = decrease ÷ original number × 100 → 0.666 ÷ 2 × 100 → 33.333

GRE PowerPrep Solutions Test 1: Second QR Section (V1)
Question 1 Test 1, Second QR Section (version 1)

List A: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20....
QA: Standard deviation of list A QB: Standard deviation of list B
Statistics: Standard Deviation Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. You do not actually have to find the standard deviation of Quantity A or Quantity B in this question; you simply
must understand the concept to compare the two sets of numbers. Standard deviation measures the degree to which
values in a set differ from the mean (the set’s average). So before we try to calculate the actual standard deviation for
these two sets of numbers—which we’ll show you how to do below—let’s first consider the average of each and the
distance of the other numbers in each set from that average. In List A, the average is 10 and you have two numbers
that are 5 and 10 greater than the average (15 and 20), and two numbers 5 and 10 below it (5 and 0). Now let’s look
at List B: the average is 15, and again there are two numbers 5 and 10 greater than the average (20 and 25), and two
numbers 5 and 10 lower than the average (10 and 5).
So in both lists the distribution of the numbers above and below the list’s average is exactly the same, meaning the
standard deviation for each must be the same. Hence, answer choice C is correct.
Note that actually determining the standard deviation was NOT necessary, nor do the numbers themselves matter!
That is, standard deviation simply describes proximity to the central point, whatever it may be, and relative standard
deviations can generally be determined without knowing the exact deviations themselves. For instance, if List A
had a number only 4 above the average as opposed to 5 its deviation would have been slightly less (the set would
be closer on the whole to the average), and if List A had a number 6 above the average instead of just 5 its deviation
would have been higher.
It is extremely unlikely that you would be asked to find standard deviation on the GRE. But just to be comprehensive,
let's examine how to find it on this problem: by determining the square root of the variance, where the variance is the
average of the squared differences from the average.
For example, in List A, find the average. PowerScore test takers will know that the average is 10 because the median
and average in a set of consecutive numbers is the same. But if you did not know this GRE shortcut, then you can
compute the average:
sum 0 + 5 + 10 + 15 + 20 50
= average → → → 10
# of #s 5 5
Now look at the differences from the average, and then square those differences:
1st term: 0 Difference from average = 10 – 0 = 10 102 = 100
2nd term: 5 Difference from average = 10 – 5 = 5 52 = 25
3rd term: 10 Difference from average = 10 – 10 = 10 02 = 0
4th term: 15 Difference from average = 10 – 15 = –5 (–5)2 = 25
To find the variance, find the average of the squared numbers:
sum 100 + 25 + 0 + 25 + 100 250

= average → → → 50 The standard deviation is the 50
# of #s 5 5
2. You don't really need to know this, however. You can look at List B and determine that the average and squared
differences from the average are going to be identical to the differences in List A. The average of List B is 15; we
know this because the median and average in a set of consecutive numbers is the same. Now look at the differences
from the average, and then square those differences:
1st term: 5 Difference from average = 15 – 5 = 10 102 = 100

2nd term: 10 Difference from average = 15 – 10 = 5 52 = 25
3rd term: 15 Difference from average = 15 – 15 = 10 02 = 0
3. Since these differences in List B are the same as in List A, the standard deviation is going to be the same.


(x – 2y)(x + 2y) = 4
QA: x2 – 4y2 QB: 8
Algebra: Equations Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. PowerScore students are going to recognize a classic GRE quadratic form:
(x + y)(x – y) = x2 – y2
(x + 2y)(x – 2y) = x2 – 4y2 = 4 They can quickly compare 4 to 8 and determine B is greater.
2. If you are not a PowerScore student or if you forget the classic quadratic form, simply perform
FOIL (first, outer, inner, last):
(x + 2y)(x – 2y) → x2 – 2xy + 2xy – 4y2 = 4 → x2 – 4y2 = 4
3. Compare the quantities: Quantity A: 4 Quantity B: 8

A power station is located on the boundary....
QA: Sum of the distances QB: 30 miles
Geometry: Quadrilaterals and Triangles Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. DIAGRAM the question. In the most common scenario, the distance from the power station to the
substations is going to be less than 30.
10
Imagine in this graphic that the substation is on the boundary
and the three substations are located close to that boundary. If
10 10 all three substations were 3 miles from the power station in this
diagram, then the sum of the distances is 9 and less than 30.
10
2. But is this always true? Can you find a location for the stations in which the sum is greater than
30? The greatest distance would be the diagonal of the square, which divides the square into two
45:45:90 triangles, where the ratio of side lengths is s: s: s 2 :
10
If all three substations are located across the diagonal from the
10 2 power stations, then it is 10 2 , or 14.14 miles.
10 10
14.14 + 14.14 + 14.14 = 42.42

10
3. Since we have proven that the sum of the distances can be less than 30 or more than 30, the
answer cannot be determined with the information given.


On the number line, the distance between x....
QA: Distance between x and 2 QB: 2
Arithmetic: Number Lines Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. Diagram the question and determine the possible values of x:

x x
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The only two points 3 units from 0 are –3 and 3.
2. Now determine the distance between x and 2:

x x
5 1
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
3. We have shown that the distance between x and 2 could be 5 or 1; thus, it is impossible to say that
Quantity A is always greater than Quantity B.

Graph of line k and point (3, 4)
QA: Slope of k QB: 1
Coordinate Geometry: Slope of a Line Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. On the GRE, coordinate geometry figures ARE drawn to scale, so we can determine from the
graphic that line k runs through the origin (0, 0). It is impossible to determine the slope of line
k, however, because we only have one point on that line (0, 0). Instead, create a line (line l) that
runs through the point (3, 4) and the origin (0, 0) to find it's slope:
y k The slope of line l can be found by computing the rise (4)

l
over the run (3):
(3, 4)
Slope of line l= 4/3
As you know, 4/3 is greater than 1, and since line k has

x
O a slope that is even steeper than 4/3, you know it is also
greater than 1.
For comparison's sake, a line with a slope of 1 would run

through the 3 points below line l.


The probability that both events E and F....
QA: Probability that E will occur QB: 0.58
Probability Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. A probability of 0.42 is the same as 42% or 42/100. The probability of two events occurring is the
product of each individual event occurring:

E F 42
× =
100 100 100
2. Can we make E greater than 58/100? Let's try to make a true math statement when E = 0.90:
90 F 42
× = → 90F = 42 → F = 0.467
100 100 100
Sure! If there is a 90% chance of probability that E will occur, there is a 47% chance F will occur.
3. Can we make E less than 58/100?
50 F 42
× = → 50F = 42 → F = 0.84
100 100 100
If there is a 50% chance of probability that E will occur, there is a 84% chance that F will occur.
4. Since we can make E both greater than and less than 0.42, it is impossible to determine the
relationship on this question.

The area of each of the three circular regions....
QA: Sum of the shaded region area QB: 30
Geometry: Circle and Perception Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. We have removed an arc of the bottom circle in order to envision sections A, B, and C:
A Section A is an area of intersection of two

→ B C circular regions, so we know A = 15.
Notice that Sections B and C are identical. So imagine the following:
A D If the area of an entire circle is 40 and A is 15, then:

B C
C + D = 40 – 15 = 25 and B + D = C + D

3. Compare the quantities: 25 is less than 30.


How many three-digit positive integers...?
Arithmetic and Counting Problems Answer: 6
1. There are two ways to solve this question. The first is the most efficient and involves
understanding this is a simple combination. There are three choices for the hundreds place (3, 4,
or 8); if we put 3 in the hundreds place, then there are two choiecs (4 or 8) for the tens place. Say
we put a 4 in the tens place; there is only one choice (8) for the ones place.
Hundreds place Tens place Ones place

3 2 1

3, 4, 8 4, 8 8
This is the same as 3 factorial (3!):
3! = 3 × 2 × 1 = 6
2. The other way to solve it is to write out the possible three-digit positive integers and count them:
348, 384, 438, 483, 834, 843 → 6 three-digit positive integers
While this method is efficient when the question only has three digits, it can get quite
complicated with more digits or four-digit positive integers.

A teacher took a container filled with....
Algebra: Exponents/Expression Answer: 12.50%
1. Use the formula for percent change:
Percent change = decrease ÷ original number × 100 → 2 L ÷ 16 L × 100 = 12.5%


In the triangle ABC, the measure of angle A is 25°....
Geometry: Triangles Answers: 12°, 15°, 45°, 50°
1. Diagram the question and SUPPLY a number for angle B. Since B > 90°, B can be anything
greater than 90° (like 90.0009°), but start with the lowest possible integer, B = 91° to make
calculations easier:
C
A + B + C = 180°
64° 25° + 91° + C =180°
91° 25°
C = 64°
A
B
2. Now imagine if B were at the other extreme—as large as possible. :
C A + B + C = 180°
25° + B + C =180°
1°
B + C =155°
If B = 154°, then C = 1°
154° 25° Remember, these figures are not drawn to scale. A 1° angle
A would be very, very small.
B
3. Angle C can be anything less than 65 degrees, so the first four answers are possible values of C.

In the sunshine, an upright pole 12 feet tall....
Arithmetic: Proportions Answer: 15
1. Create a cross-multiplying diagram and fill it in with values from the question:
Tree 1: Tree 2:
Real height: 12 ft. ? ft.
——— = ———
Shadow height: 8 ft. 10 ft.
2. Now cross multiply:

Tree 1: Tree 2:
Real height: 12 ft. ? ft.
——— = ——— → (8)(?) = (12)(10) → (8)(?) = 120 → ? = 15
Shadow height: 8 ft. 10 ft.


If a is the smallest prime number greater than 21...?
Arithmetic: Prime Numbers Answer: 299
1. A prime number is any number that has no factors other than 1 and itself. It is wise to memorize
the first 10 prime numbers before the GRE:
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97
2. If a is the smallest prime number greater than 21, it must be 23.
3. If b is the largest prime number less than 16, it must be 13.
4. Find ab:
23 × 13 = 299

For the 3 numbers in a list, the average (arithmetic mean)....
Statistics: Average and Median Answer: 13
1. If the median of the three numbers is 8, we know that 8 is the second term. The first and third
term can be x and (x + 10):
x, 8, (x + 10)
2. We know the average = 8, so use the average formula to find x:
sum x + 8 + ( x + 10)
= average → =8 → x + 8 + (x + 10) = 24 →
# of #s 3
2x + 18 = 24 → 2x = 6 → x=3
3. Be careful! The most common wrong answer is 3! The question asks for the greatest number
(x + 10), not the least number (x). The correct answer is 13:
x + 10 → 3 + 10 → 13



STUDENT ENROLLMENT TABLES
The ratio of the number of male freshmen to...
Data Analysis/Ratios Answer: 3 to 1
1. Read the first table carefully to find the number of male freshman (MF) and female sophomores
(SF):
MF : SF → 303 : 109
2. The question asks for an approximation, so round both numbers down to the nearest hundred:
MF : SF → 300 : 100
3. Remember, ratios can be expressed as fractions. When you reduce 300 : 100, you end up
with 3 : 1.
300 3
300 : 100 → → → 3:1 or 3 to 1
100 1

How many of the enrolled students are not majoring...?
Data Analysis: Percents Answer: 182
1. What percent of the students are not majoring in Humanities (33%), Social sciences (30%), or
Physical sciences (24%)?
33% + 30% + 24% + ? = 100%
87% + ? = 100%
? = 13%
2. If the total enrollment is 1400 students, then 13% of 1400 is how many students?
TRANSLATE:
13% of 1400 is how many students?
0.13 × 1400 = ?
182 = ?


Sophomores constitute approximately...?
Data Analysis: Percents Answer: 23%
1. Find the total number of sophomores: 215 (males) + 109 (females) = 324
2. TRANSLATE:
sophomores are what percent of the total enrollment
?
324 = × 1400
100
? (1400)(?)
324 = × 1400 → 324 = → 324 = (14)(?) → 23.14 = ?
100 100

A third-grade teacher has n boxes....
Algebra: Creating Expressions Answer: 12n − t
p
1. RECORD what you know:
12n = total pencils
p = number of pencils per student
t = leftover pencils
? = total number of students in the class
2. Some students may be able to conceptualize this problem to determine the expression that
represents the number of students in the class. Others, however, may need concrete numbers to
understand the problem. If so, SUPPLY numbers to satisfy the terms:
24 total pencils 12n = total pencils (n = 2)
2 pencils per student p = number of pencils per studnet
4 leftover pencils t = leftover pencils
10 total students ? = total number of students in the class
How would the first three numbers give us a total of 10 students?
10 students (2 pencils each) + 4 leftover pencil = 24 total pencils
? (p) + t = 12n
(?)(p) + t = 12n
(?)(p) = 12n – t
? = 12n − t
p


If (x + 2)(x – 3) = 0...?
1
Algebra: Equations/Exponents Answer:
9
1. The value of x must be –2 or 3, because these are the roots of the quadratic binomials
(x + 2)(x – 3) = 0. Since the problem says that x > 1/2, then x = 3.
2. Now find x −2 :
1 1 1
x–n = → 3−2 = →
xn 32 9

If j and k are integers...?
Arithmetic: Number Properties Answer: jk + j
1. SUPPLY numbers for j and k. Choose a couple sets of numbers for each variable, so that j and k
themselves are both even and odd:
j – k is even
j = 4, k = 2 4 – 2 = 2 (even)
j = 5, k = 3 3 – 1 = 2 (even)
2. Now plug them into the answer choices, with the intention of eliminating an answer choice if we
can produce an odd number:
(A) k If j = 5, k = 3 → k is odd 
(B) jk If j = 5, k = 3, then jk = (5)(3) = 15 → jk is odd 
(C) j + 2k If j = 5, k = 3, then j + 2k = 5 + 2(3) = 5 + 6 = 11 → j + 2k is odd 
(D) jk + j If j = 5, k = 3, then jk + j = (5)(3) + 5 = 15 + 5 = 20 → jk + j is even 
If j = 4, k = 2, then jk + j = (4)(2) + 4 = 8 + 2 = 12 → jk + j is even 
(E) jk – 2j If j = 5, k = 3, then jk – 2j = (5)(3) – (2)(5) = 15 – 10 = 5 → jk – 2j is odd 


A fruit stand sells two varieties of apples....
Arithmetic Answers: $6.00, $6.25, $6.75
1. Write an equation for this word problem, where A = apples, and B = oranges:
3A + 2B = total price
2. Now compute the two possible values of 3A and the two possible values of 2B:
A = 1.00 or 1.25
3A = 3.00 or 3.75
B = 1.25 or 1.50
2B = 2.50 or 3.00
3. Now plug all of the possible values into the equation:

3A + 2B = total price
3.00 + 2.50 = 5.50 (Not listed in the answer choices)
3.00 + 3.00 = 6.00
3.75 + 2.50 = 6.25
3.75 + 3.00 = 6.75


Two triangles
QA: x QB: y
Geometry: Triangles Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. The astute student might recognize the 30:60:90 and 45:45:90 triangle right away. We know
the triangle on the left is 30:60:90, because any right triangle with a hypotenuse twice as long
as another side is a 30:60:90. Thus, x is 4 3 . Similarly, the second right triangle has two sides
of the same length, so we know it is a 45:45:90 triangle. This means y is 4 2 . Quantity A is
greater.
2. If you do not see the special right triangles, use the Pythagorean Theorem to find x and y:
a2 + b2 = c2 a2 + b2 = c2
42 + x2 = 82 42 + 42 = y2
16 + x2 = 64 16 + 16 = y2
x2 = 48 32 = y2
x = 6.928 5.657 = y
3. Compare the two quantities: x is greater than y.

AB = BC
QA: Area of ΔABD QB: Area of ΔBCD
Geometry: Triangles Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. Some test takers might immediately recognize that the two triangles have the same height and
base, thus the areas are equal. But if not, consider each triangle separately, in which we have
created point X to illustrate the height of both triangles.
D D D
A C A B B C
X B X X
Because AB = BC, we know the two triangles have the same base measurement. And line DX
proves that both triangles have the same height. Since area = one-half of the base times the height
1
( bh ), these two triangles have the same area.
2


Ray is 2 inches taller than....
QA: Average height of Ray, Lin, and Sam QB: Median height of Ray, Lin, and Sam
Statistics: Average and Median Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. Sam is the shortest since he is 3 inches shorter than Ray and Lin is only 2 inches shorter than
Ray. Therefore, make Sam = x. If Sam = x, then Lin = x + 1 and Ray = x + 3.
2. In the set {x, x + 1, x + 3}, x + 1 is the median (Quantity B).
3. Plug these expressions into the average formula to find Quantity A:
sum x + ( x + 1) + ( x + 3) 3x + 4 3x 4 4
= average → → → + → x+
# of #s 3 3 3 3 3
4. Since 4/3 = 1.33, the average is greater than the median.
5. Students may also SUPPLY a number for x in order to create a more concrete equation:
If Sam = 2 inches, then Lin = 3 inches and Ray = 5 inches. The median is 3 inches.
sum 2+3+5 10
= average → → → 3.33 The average is greater.
# of #s 3 3


QA: Greatest prime factor of 1,000 QB: Greatest prime factor of 68
Arithmetic: Number Properties Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. Use prime factorization to find the greatest prime factor of 1000:
1000
2 × 500
2 × 250
2 × 125
5 × 25
5 × 5
1000 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 5 × 5 × 5 The greatest prime factor of 1000 is 5
2. Do the same with 68:
68
2 × 34
2 × 17
68 = 2 × 2 × 17 The greatest prime factor of 68 is 17. Quantity B is greater.


The probability that both events E....
QA: Probability that event E will occur QB: 0.58
Probability Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. A probability of 0.42 is the same as 42% or 42/100. The probability of two events occurring is the
product of each individual event occurring:

E F 42
× =
100 100 100
2. Can we make E greater than 58/100? Let's try to make a true math statement when E = 0.90:
90 F 42
× = → 90F = 42 → F = 0.467
100 100 100
Sure! If there is a 90% chance of probability that E will occur, there is a 47% chance F will occur.
3. Can we make E less than 58/100?
50 F 42
× = → 50F = 42 → F = 0.84
100 100 100
If there is a 50% chance of probability that E will occur, there is a 84% chance that F will occur.
4. Since we can make E both greater than and less than 0.58, it is impossible to determine the
relationship on this question.

x>1
QA: x(x2)4 QB: (x3)3
Algebra: Exponents Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. If you know the rules of Exponents, you should be able to quickly simplify Quantities A and B:
(xn)m = x(n)(m)

Quantity A: x(x2)4 → x(x8) → x9
Quantity B: (x3)3 → x9
2. If you do not remember the rules of Exponents, you can solve this question by SUPPLYING a
number for x (such as x = 2), but this solution will take more time and likely require a calculator.


a and b are positive....
a a+3
QA: QB:
b b+3
Algebra: Expression/Number Properties Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY a set of numbers for a and b to determine the value of each quantity.
If a = 1 and b = 2
a 1
Quantity A = → or 0.5
b 2
a+3 1+ 3 4
Quantity B = → → or 0.8 In this case, Quantity A is greater.
b+3 2+3 5
2. SUPPLY a second set of numbers for a and b to see if the result is the same.
If a = 1 and b = 1
a 1
Quantity A = → or 1
b 1
a+3 1+ 3 4
Quantity B = → → or 1 In this case, the two quantities are equal.
b+3 1+ 3 4
3. Since we have two possible answers, the relationship cannot be determined from the information
given.

A rectangular garden has a perimeter of 92 ....
Geometry: Quadrilaterals Answer: 31
1. Write an equation using the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle:
width = w
length (l) = 1 foot greater than twice the width = 1 + 2w
Perimeter of a rectangle = 2l + 2w
92 = 2(1 + 2w) + 2w → 92 = (2 + 4w) + 2w → 92 = 2 + 6w → 90 = 6w → 15 = w
2. Be careful! The most common wrong answer is 15! But this is the width, and the question asked
for the length of the garden:
length (l) = 1 + 2w → 1 + 2(15) → 1 + 30 → 31


How many 2-digit positive integers...?
Arithmetic: Number Properties/Counting Problems Answer: Four
1. First, find the factors of 24:
1 and 24 2 and 12 3 and 8 4 and 6
2. Only the pairs (3 and 8) and (4 and 6) can make 2-digit positive integers:
3 and 8: 38 83
4 and 6: 46 64
3. There are four 2-digit positive integers whose product of the two digits is 24 (38, 46, 64, and 83).

If (2x + 1)(x – 5) = ...?
1
Algebra: Quadratic Equations Answer: −
3
1. FOIL the left side of the equation and expand the right side:
(2x + 1)(x – 5) = 2(x2 – 1)

2x2 – 10x + 1x – 5 = 2x2 – 2
2x2 – 9x – 5 = 2x2 – 2
2. Then isolate x:
2x2 – 9x – 5 = 2x2 – 2
–9x – 5 = – 2
–9x = 3
3
x = −
9
1
x = −
3


At a certain fruit stand, the price of an apple is twice....
Algebra: Quadratic Equations
Answers: (A) 2 apples and 16 oranges, (B) 3 apples and 14 oranges, and (D) 6 apples and 8 oranges
1. SUPPLY a price for the apples and oranges:
Orange = $1
Apple = twice the price of an orange = $2
2. The price of 20 oranges would be $1 × 20 = $20.
3. Plug the SUPPLIED price of an apple and an orange into the answer choices to find all of the
options that equal $20 (the price of 20 oranges).
(A) 2 apples and 16 oranges

2($2) + 16($1) → $4 + $16 → $20 
(B) 3 apples and 14 oranges
3($2) + 14($1) → $6 + $14 → $20 
(C) 4 apples and 10 oranges
4($2) + 10($1) → $8 + $10 → $18 
(D) 6 apples and 8 oranges
6($2) + 8($1) → $12 + $8 → $20 
(E) 10 apples and 5 oranges
10($2) + 5($1) → $20 + $5 → $25 
(F) 12 apples and 4 oranges
12($2) + 4($1) → $24 + $4 → $28 


A third-grade teacher has n boxes....
Algebra: Creating Expressions Answer: 12n − t
p
12n = total pencils
p = number of pencils per studnet
t = leftover pencils
? = total number of students in the class
2. Some students may be able to conceptualize this problem to determine the expression that
represents the number of students in the class. Others, however, may need concrete numbers to
understand the problem. SUPPLY numbers to satisfy the terms:
24 total pencils 12n = total pencils (n = 2)
2 pencils per student p = number of pencils per studnet
4 leftover pencils t = leftover pencils
10 total students ? = total number of students in the class
How would the first three numbers give us a total of 10 students?
10 students (2 pencils each) + 4 leftover pencils = 24 total pencils
? (p) + t = 12n
(?)(p) + t = 12n
(?)(p) = 12n – t
? = 12n − t
p

Judy drove 20 miles from her house....
Arithmetic: Rates Answer: 7:46 pm
1. Start with Judy:
time = distance/rate
Judy's time = 20 miles / 50 mph
Judy's time = 0.4 hours
Convert into minutes: 0.4 of 60 minutes = 0.4 × 60 = 24 minutes
If Judy left home at 7:30 and the trip took her 24 minutes, she arrived at 7:54.
2. Now look at Greg:
His journey was completed in 1/3 of Judy's time (24 minutes) → 1/3 × 24 = 8 minutes
He arrived at the same time as Judy (7:54) → 7:54 – 0:08 = 7:46


Approximately what percent of the females...?
1. TRANSLATE:
(Approximately) what percent of the females are juniors?

x
× 540 = 88
100
x
× 540 = 88
100
540 x
= 88
100
540x = 8800
x = 16.296%
2. Remember, the question used the word “approximately.” The answer closest to 16.296% is 16%.

If 40 percent of the social science majors are females...?
1. Since we are only given a percentage (30%) of the total enrollment (1400) that are social science
majors, find the exact number:
30% of the total enrollment at social science majors

0.30 × 1400 = social science majors
420 = social science majors

2. If 40% of the social science majors are females, then 60% are males. Find the number of males:
60% of the social science majors are males

0.60 × 420 = males
252 = males


Students not majoring in humanities...?
1. If 33% of the students are Humanities majors, then 67% are NOT Humanities majors:
100% – 33% = 67%
2. This relatively simple question tricks a lot of students into selecting the wrong answer. They look
at the second table and see that Humanities makes up 33%, while Social Science is 30% and
Physical Sciences are 24%. They add 30% and 24%, choose the first answer (54%) and move on.
But they are wrong because Humanities + Social Sciences + Physical Sciences does not equal
100%:
H + SS + PS
33% + 30% + 24% = 87% of the total enrollment
Thirteen percent of the total enrollment is not represented by the chart, and these
enrollments are NOT Humanities majors!


If x > 0, then (√4x +....
Algebra: Exponents and Roots Answer: 25x
1. SUPPLY a number for x and plug it into the expression (√4x + √9x):
x = 1
( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 2
4x + 9x → 4(1) + 9(1) → 4+ 9 → (2 + 3)2 → 52 → 25

2. When x = 1, which answer choice equals 25? It should be obvious, but if not, run x = 1 through
each answer choice.
A) 5x → 5(1) → 5
B) 6x → 6(1) → 6
C) 13x → 13(1) → 13
D) 25x → 25(1) → 25 
E) 30x → 30(1) → 30


Which of the following points are on the graphs of...?
Coordinate Geometry: Equation of a line Answer: (–1, 1) and (2,4)
1. Run each coordinate pair in the answer choices through both equations. If both equations are
true, then the answer choice satisfies the question:
y = x + 2 y = x2
(–2, 0): 0 = –2 + 2 → 0 = 0  0 = –22 → 0 ≠ 4 
(–1, 1): 1 = –1 + 2 → 1 = 1  1 = –12 → 1 = 1 
(0, 2): 2 = 0 + 2 → 2 = 2  2 = 02 → 2 ≠ 0 
(1, 1): 1 = 1 + 2 → 1 ≠ 3  Do not need to check second equation.
(2, 4): 4 = 2 + 2 → 4 = 4  4 = 22 → 4 = 4 
Only the second and last coordinate pair satisfy both equations.

If x is an integer, which of the following...?
Algebra: Number Properties Answer: x2 + 3x + 8
1. SUPPLY x = 1 and plug it into each answer choice:
A) x2 – x – 1 → 12 – 1 – 1 → 1–1–1 → –1 Odd
B) x2 – 4x + 6 → 12 – 4(1) + 6 → 1–4+6 → 3 Odd
C) x2 – 5x + 5 → 12 – 5(1) + 5 → 1–5+5 → 1 Odd
D) x2 + 3x + 8 → 12 + 3(1) + 8 → 1+3+8 → 12 
E) x2 + 2x + 10 → 12 + 2(1) + 10 → 1 + 2 + 10 → 13 Odd


The average (arithmetic mean) of the 11 numbers in a list....?
Statistics: Averages Answer: 36.5
1. The secret to so many Average questions on the GRE is the sum, and this question is no different.
Start by finding the sum of the list of 14 numbers:
sum sum
= average → = 14 → sum = 154
# of #s 11
2. Find the sum of the list of 9 numbers:

sum sum
= average → = 9 → sum = 81
# of #s 9
3. Let’s consider “the other 2 numbers.” If we subtract the sum of the 9 numbers from the sum of
the 14 numbers, we have the sum of the other 2 numbers:
154 – 81 = 73
4. Now we can find the average of the other 2 numbers:

sum 73
= average → = average → 36.5 = average
# of #s 2


The list price of a certain tool is x dollars....
QA: The price in Store A QB: The price in Store B
Arithmetic: Percents Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. SUPPLY a number for x, the list price. Remember, when supplying a number for percent
questions, supply 100.
List price = x = $100
2. Now look at Store A:
The original selling price (OSP) was $50 less than the list price (x)
OSP = x – $50
OSP = $100 – $50
OSP = $50
The current selling price (CSP) is 10% less than the original selling price (OSP)
CSP = OSP – 10%(OSP)
CSP = $50 – (0.10)($50)
CSP = $50 – $5
CSP = $45
3. Now look at Store B:
The original selling price (OSP) was 10% less than the list price (x)
OSP = x – 10%(x)
OSP = $100 – (0.10)($100)
OSP = $100 – $10
OSP = $90
The current selling price (CSP) is $50 less than the original selling price (OSP)
CSP = OSP – $50
CSP = $90 – $50
CSP = $40
4. Compare the two quantities. Quantity A ($45) is greater than Quantity B ($40).



QA: Number of integers between 100 and 500.... QB: 36
Arithmetic: Sequences/Counting Problems Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. The easiest way to do this question is to figure out the number of multiples present in a range of
100 and then apply this knowledge to the entire range:
11 × 9 = 99, so there are 9 multiples of 11 in every range of 100
There are 4 ranges of 100 (100 - 199, 200 - 299, 300 - 399, 400 - 499), so 4 × 9 = 36
2. Or you can use the formula for an arithmetic sequence to find the number of multiples:
an = a1 + (n – 1)d
Where:
a1 = the first multiple of 11 in the range (110)
an= the last multiple of 11 in the range (495)
d = constant difference (11)
n = number of multiples
an = a1 + (n – 1)d
495 = 110 + (n – 1)11
495 = 110 + 11n – 11
495 = 99 + 11n
396 = 11n
36 = n Compare Quantity A (36) to Quantity B (36). They are equal,

np < ....
QA: | p + n | QB: | p | + | n |
Algebra: Absolute Value Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. SUPPLY numbers for n and p so that np is less than zero:

n = 2, p = –3 np = (2)(–3) = –6 < 0
Then plug n and p into the two absolute value expressions for each quantity
Quantity A: | p + n | → | –3 + 2 | → | –1 | → 1
Quantity B: | p | + | n | → | –3 | + | 2 | → 3 + 2 → 5
In this case—and in all cases—quantity B is greater. This is because the negative number that you
supply in Quantity A will be reduce the positive number before the absolute value is applied. In
Quantity B, the negative number has absolute value applied before being added to the positive
number. Consider another example:
n = –10, p = 4 np = (–10)(4) = –40 < 0
Quantity A: | p + n | → | 4 + –10 | → | –6 | → 6
Quantity B: | p | + | n | → | 4 | + | –10 | → 4 + 10 → 14
Quantity A is always going to be the difference in their absolute values; Quantity B will
always be the sum of their absolute values. So B will always be greater.


a and b are....
a a+3
QA: QB:
b b+3
Algebra: Expression/Number Properties Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY a set of numbers for a and b to determine the value of each quantity.
If a = 1 and b = 1
a 1
Quantity A = → or 1
b 1
a+3 1+ 3 4
Quantity B = → → or 1 In this case, the two quantities are equal.
b+3 1 + 3 4
This eliminates choice (A) and (B).
2. SUPPLY a second set of numbers for a and b to see if the result is the same.
If a = 1 and b = 2
a 1
Quantity A = → or 0.5
b 2
a+3 1+ 3 4
Quantity B = → → or 0.8 In this case, Quantity A is greater.
b+3 2+3 5
3. Since we have two possible answers, the relationship cannot be determined from the information
given.


In the xy-coordinate plane, triangle RST is....
QA: Perimeter of RST QB: 3√5
Coordinate Geometry: Triangles Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. DIAGRAM the question with a rough sketch of what the triangle might look like:
y y
4 4
(0, 2) (0, 2)
R R
| →
x x
O T (1, 0) 4 O T (1, 0) 4
2. Because the triangle is an equilateral, all three sides will have the same measurement. We have
the coordinates for side RT so we can compute its side length using the Pythagorean Theorem and
triangle RTO:
R
2 c2
O 1 T
a2 + b2 = c2
22 + 12 = c2
4 + 1 = c2
5 = c2
5 =c
The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is side × 3, so the perimeter of RST is 5 × 3 or 3 5 .
3. The two quantities are equal.


The length of rectangle B is 10 percent less than...
QA: Area of A QB: Area of B
Geometry: Rectangles/Percents Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. DIAGRAM the question:
Rectangle A w Rectangle B 1.1w
l 0.9l
2. Now find the area for Rectangle A
Area = l + w → lw
And Rectangle B:
Area = 1.1l + 0.9w → (0.99)lw
3. Compare the quantities. The area of Rectangle A is greater than the area of Rectangle B.
4. You can also SUPPLY the length and width for Rectangle A in order to compute the length and
width of both triangles. For example, if the length of Rectangle A = 20 and the width = 10, then
the length of Rectangle B = 18 and the width = 11. The area of A is 200 and the area of B is 198.
The only problem with this solution method is that some students may feel the need to supply a
few sets of numbers to ensure the ratio is consistent.

a < 0 < ....
QA: a-10 QB: b-5
Algebra: Exponents Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY numbers to satisfy a < 0 < b:
If a = –1 and b = 1, then:
1 1 1
a-10 → → → → 1
a10 −110 1
1 1 1
b-5 → → → → 1
b5 15 1
Right now, a and b are equal. But what if a = –1 and b = 2?
1 1 1
b-5 → → → → 0.03125
b5 25 32
Now Quantity A is greater than Quantity B. Therefore, the relationship cannot be determined
from the information given.


USED CARS SOLD TABLE
For the 31 used cars sold last month...?
Data Analysis: Medians Answers: $5,500, $6,500, $7,000
1. There were 31 cars sold, so the median is the 16th car in order of price. The first 7 cars were
under $5,500; the next 10 were between $5,000 and $7,499, so this means the 16th car cost
somewhere between $5,000 and $7,499. The answer choices in this range are $5,500, $6,500, and
$7,000.

If x is an integer, which of the following...?
Algebra: Number Properties Answer: x2 + 3x + 8
1. SUPPLY x = 1 and plug it into each answer choice:
A) x2 – x – 1 → 12 – 1 – 1 → 1–1–1 → –1 Odd
B) x2 – 4x + 6 → 12 – 4(1) + 6 → 1–4+6 → 3 Odd
C) x2 – 5x + 5 → 12 – 5(1) + 5 → 1–5+5 → 1 Odd
D) x2 + 3x + 8 → 12 + 3(1) + 8 → 1+3+8 → 12 
E) x2 + 2x + 10 → 12 + 2(1) + 10 → 1 + 2 + 10 → 13 Odd


A rectangular game board is composed of identical squares....
Geometry: Creating Expressions Answer: r2 – r
1. Start with number of squares on the entire board by multiplying the length by width:
(r + 1)(r) → r2 + r
2. Now figure out the number of squares in the 4th row. A DIAGRAM might make this more clear:
7th
The 4th row has r + 1 squares. The 7th column has r squares.
Column
Together, these are the the squares not to be counted in the total:
r (r + 1) + r → 2r + 1
4th row
Notice that one of the squares is both in the 4th row and the 7th
r+1
column and we are currently counting it twice. In order to count it
only once, subtract 1 square:
2r + 1 – 1 → 2r
3. Now determine the number of squares on the board that are neither in the 4th row nor the 7th
column:
Total squares on the board minus the squares in the 4th row and 7th column =

r2 + r – 2r
r2 + r – 2r → r2 – r


The Sun is approximately 1,400 million kilometers from the planet Saturn....
Arithmetic: Rates Answer: 80
1. First, find the rate that the light travels per minute:
300, 000 km 60 seconds 18, 000, 000 km
× =
1 second 1 minute 1 minute
2. Notice that the question uses “1,400 million kilometers” instead of “1,400,000,000” kilometers.
This makes calculations easier, so we need to abbreviate similarly:
18 million km
1 minute
3. Now compute the number of minutes it takes light to travel to Saturn:

18 million km 1, 400 million km
=
1 minute ? minute
Cross multiply:
18 million km 1, 400 million km
=
1 minute ? minutes
(18 million km)(? minutes) = (1,400 million km)(1 minute)

1, 400 million km
? minutes =
18 million km
? minutes = 77.77
3. The question asked for an approximate number, and the closest answer choice is 80.


What is the least integer n such that....
Algebra: Exponents and Inequalities Answer: 10
1. This question is tricky only because students tend to misread it. It is asking for the smallest
number that makes the inequality true. Start with the smallest answer choice (10) and
BACKPLUG:
1 1
< 0.001 → < 0.001 → 0.00097 < 0.001 True!
210 1024
There is no need to test 11, 500, or 501 because the least integer listed worked.

The figure shows a regular 9-sided polygon....
Geometry: Polygons Answer: 40
1. To find the sum of the interior angles of a polygon, use 180(n – 2), where n is the number of
sides:
Sum of the interior angles = 180(9 – 2) → 180(7) → 1260°
If you do not remember this formula, though, you can divide a polygon into triangles. Then count
the triangles and multiply that number by 180:
7
1 6
→ → → 7 triangles × 180 = 1260
2 5

3 4
2. Since this 9-sided figure is regular, all of the interior angles are equal:
1260° ÷ 9 = 140°
3. Now we can find x:
140°
x° + 140° = 180°
x° x = 40°


CORPORATE SUPPORT TABLE
How many of the six corporate sectors...?
Data Analysis: Percents Answer: Three
1. Start with 1988, and TRANSLATE to find the percentage:
$60 million is what percent of $630 million?
?
60 = × 630
100
?
60 = × 630
100
6000 = ? × 630
9.52 = ?
Any sector that gave more than 9.52 percent in 1988 gave more than 60 million dollars. This
included Services (17%), Manufacturing (31%), Retail (19%), and Other (20%).
2. Now find which sectors spent more than 60 million in 1991:
$60 million is what percent of $520 million?
?
60 = × 520
100
?
60 = × 520
100
6000 = ? × 630
11.54 = ?
Any sector that gave more than 11.54 percent in 1991 gave more than 60 million dollars. This
included Financial Insurance Real Estate (26%), Services (22%), Manufacturing (20%), and
Other (18%).
3. Thus, three sectors gave more than 60 million in both years: Services, Manufacturing, and Other.


CORPORATE SUPPORT TABLES
From 1988 to 1991, which corporate sector decreased....?
Data Analysis: Percents Answer: Manufacturing
1. There are four sectors who decreased support from 1988 to 1991: Manufacturing, Retail,
Wholesale, and Other. Two of these decreased their support by 9%: Manufacturing and Retail.
2. Compute the dollar amount for Manufacturing:
1988: 31% of 630 million = 195.3 million

1991: 20% of 520 million = 104 million
Decrease = 195.3 – 104 = 91.3 million
3. Compute the dollar amount for Retail:

Decrease =119.7– 41.6 = 78.1 million
4. Manufacturing decreased by 91.3 million while Retail only decreased by 78.1 million.

CORPORATE SUPPORT TABLE
The two corporate sectors that increased their support...?
1. The two sectors that increased their support were Financial, Insurance, Real Estate (from 5% to
26%) and Services (from 17% to 22%).
2. Find the contribution in 1991 of Financial, Insurance, Real Estate:
1991: 26% of $520 million → 0.26 × 520 = $135.2 million
3. Find the contribution in 1991 of Services:
1991: 22% of $520 million → 0.22 × 520 = $114.4 million
4. Calculate the total and find the answer choice that is an approximate value:
$135.2 + $114.4 = $249.6 → $250 million


If a ≤ b ≤ c ≤ d ≤ e ≤ 110 and...?
Statistics: Average Answer: 60
1. Plug the information provided (the average of a, b, c, d, and e is 100) into the average formula:
sum sum
= average → = 100 → sum = 500
# of #s 5
2. In order for a to be a small as possible, b, c, d, and e must be as large as possible. Since all of
them must be less than or equal to 110, 110 is the greatest possible value of b, c, d, and e:
a + b + c + d + e = 500 → a + 110 + 110 + 110 + 110 = 500 → a = 60

A car manufacturer produced a car at a cost of d dollars....
Arithmetic: Percents Answer: 1.38d
1. This question is easily solved by SUPPLYING numbers. Remember, use $100 when supplying a
price for percent questions.
d = $100
Sold to the dealer for 20% more: 20% of $100 → 0.20 × $100 → $20 →
$100 + $20 = $120
Sold to a consumer for 15% more: 15% of $120 → 0.15 × $120 → $18 →
$120 + $18 = $138
2. Most students will recognize the last answer choice as being correct, but if not, plug d = $100
into the five choices to find the one that produces $138, the amount the car cost the consumer.


The function f is defined for all numbers x by f(x) = x2 + x....
Algebra: Functions and Quadratics Answers: –3 and 5/2
1. Start by plugging f(2t) into the function f(x) = x2 + x :

f(x) = x2 + x
f(2t) = (2t)2 + 2t
f(2t) = 4t2 + 2t (Be sure to distribute the exponent!)
2. Now we have two quantities that equal f(2t) :
f(2t) = 4t2 + 2t
f(2t) = 30
Set them equal to each other:
4t2 + 2t = 30
4t2 + 2t – 30 = 0 Quadratic form!
2(2t2 + t – 15) = 0 Divide both sides by 2.
2t + t – 15 = 0
2
(2t – )(t + ) = 0
(2t – 5)(t + 3) = 0
(2t – 5) = 0 and (t + 3) = 0
t = 5/2 and t = –3

A tailor used 30 buttons that had an average (arithmetic mean) weight of x grams....
Statistics: Combined Averages Answer: 3 x + 32
5
1. Start by finding the sum of the group of 30 buttons:
sum sum1
= average → =x → sum1 = 30x
# of #s 30

Then find the sum of the group of 20 buttons:
sum sum 2
= average → = 80 → sum2 = 1600
# of #s 20
2. Now find the combined average:

sum1 + sum 2 30 x + 1600 30 x + 1600
= combined average → → →
(# of #)1 + (# of #) 2 30 + 20 50
30 x 1600 3x
+ → + 32
50 50 5


In a decimal number, a bar over one or more consecutive digits....
QA: 0.717 QB: 0.71
Arithmetic: Decimals Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. Consider the two quantities:
Quantity A: 0.717 → 0.717717. . . .

Quantity B: 0.71 → 0.717171 . . .
Look at the first four numbers after the decimal. The first three numbers after the decimal are the
same, but the fourth number after the decimal (ten thousandths place) is different.
Quantity A: 0.7177
Quantity B: 0.7171
2. Quantity A is greater.

Of 30 theater tickets sold, 20 tickets were sold....
QA: Average of the prices of the 30 tickets QB: $50
Statistics: Averages Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. Although the prices of the tickets vary, we can still find out what the average would be if all of
the tickets were as expensive as possible. The first 30 tickets vary between $10 and $30, so let's
make them all be $30 tickets:
$30 × 20 = $600
The same goes for the 10 tickets that are between $40 and $60. Make them all equal $60:
$60 × 10 = $600
The total price of these 30 tickets:
$600 + $600 = $1200
2. Now find the average price of these 30 tickets:
sum $1200
= average → → $40
# of #s 30
3. Even when the tickets are at their maximum price, Quantity B is still greater.


x>1
x −x
QA: QB:
x +1 1− x
Arithmetic: Fractions and Number Properties Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. SUPPLY a number for x. Say x = 2
x 2 2
Quantity A = → →
x +1 2 +1 3
−x −2 −2
Quantity B = → → → 2
1− x 1− 2 −1
2. Quantity B will always be greater, no matter how great the supplied number, because Quantity A
will always create a positive proper fraction (less than 1) while Quantity B will create a positive
improper fraction (greater than 1). Imagine if x = 100:
x 100 100
Quantity A = → →
x +1 100 + 1 101
−x −100 −100 100
Quantity B = → → →
1− x 1 − 100 −99 99

In the xy-plane, the point (1, 2) is on line j....
QA: Slope of line j QB: Slope of line k
Coordinate Geometry: Slope of a Line Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. Positive slope goes up from left to right. Imagine lines j and k, where j is has a steeper (and thus
greater) slope than line k. But notice that the opposite can be true, too:
y y
j
4 4 k
(1, 2) j
(1, 2) k
(2, 1) (2, 1)
x x
–4 O 4 –4 O 4
–4 –4

2. It is impossible to determine without more information about these two lines.


For each positive integer n, the nth term....
QA: Sum of the first 39 terms QB: 39
Statistics: Sequences Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. Start by determining the first few terms to see if there is a pattern, as there often is in sequence
questions:
1st term: n = 1 1 + (–1)n → 1 + (–1)1 → 1 + –1 → 0
2nd term: n = 2 1 + (–1)n → 1 + (–1)2 → 1+1 → 2
3rd term: n = 3 1 + (–1)n → 1 + (–1)3 → 1 + –1 → 0
4th term: n = 4 1 + (–1)n → 1 + (–1)4 → 1+1 → 2
As you can see, all odd terms result in 0, while all even terms result in 2. So only the even terms
will count in the sum:
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
0 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 0 + ...
How many even numbers from 1 to 39? 19
19 × 2 = 38
Quantity B is greater.

Three circles with their centers on line segment PQ ....
QA: Circumference of the largest QB: Sum of the circumferences of the two smaller
Geometry: Circles Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. We have labeled the small circles as A and B to help with this discussion. SUPPLY numbers for
the lengths of PR and RQ. If PR is 4, then the radius of circle A is 2; if RQ is 2, then the radius of
circle B is 1. Thus, if PQ is 6, the radius of the largest circle is 3. Now find the circumference of
each circle:
The circumference of A = 2�r → 2�2 → 4�

The circumference of B = 2�r → 2�1 → 2�
4 2
P
R
Q The sum of the circumferences of the two smaller circles = 6�
A B The circumference of the largest circle = 2�r → 2�3 → 6�

The two quantities are equal.
The figures on the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section are not necessarily drawn to scale. Since
no measurements are provided for these circles, we cannot assume that circle A is larger than
circle B, just because it looks that way. No matter what numbers we supply, the relationship
between the circumference of the largest circle and the sum of the circumferences of circle A and
circle B is the same.


n is a....
QA: Remainder when n is divided by 5 QB: Remainder when n + 10 is divided by 5
Arithmetic: Remainders Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. Some students may realize immediately that the two quantities are equal because 10 is a multiple
of 5, thus it will not affect the remainder when added to n. But if you do not see this, SUPPLY
numbers for n:
n = 6 and n + 10 = 16 n = 7 and n + 10 = 17
Quantity A: Quantity B: Quantity A: Quantity B:
1R 2 3R2
1R 1 3R1
56 5 16 57 5 17
–5 –15 –5 –15
1 1 2 2
2. The two quantities are equal.

k is an integer....
QA: k QB: –2
Algebra: Inequalities and Exponents Answer: Quantity B is greater
1
1. The denominator of the first fraction ( 1− k ) must be greater than 8 in order for the first fraction to
2
be less than one-eighth.
Thus, 21–k > 8.
2. In order for 21–k to be greater than 8, the exponent must be greater than 3, because 23 = 8.
Thus, 1 – k > 3
3. Solve for k:

1 – k > 3
–k > 2
k < –2 (Remember to flip the sign!)
k must be less than –2, thus Quantity B is greater.


At Company Y, the ratio of the number of female employees....
Arithmetic: Ratios Answer: 100
1. Set the ratios up as fractions, and then cross multiply the proportion:
Women: 3 150
3 150
= → = → (3)(?) = (2)(150) → (3)(?) = 300 → ? = 100
Men: 2 ? 2 ?

a −b
If = 2 and...?
a+b
Algebra: Equations Answer: –3
1. Plug b = 1 into the equation, and then solve for a:
a −b a −1
=2 → =2 → a – 1 = 2(a + 1) → a – 1 = 2a + 2 →
a+b a +1
a = 2a + 3 → –a = 3 → a = –3

A quality control analyst collected 200 measurements....
Arithmetic: Range Answers: 33.0, 34.0
1. The range is the difference between the highest and lowest points. If 49.5 is the lowest point, then
you can calculate the highest point using 17 as the range:
49.5 + 17 = 66.5
But if 49.5 is the highest point, then the lowest point will be 17 centimeters less:
49.5 – 17 = 32.5
2. Choices 31.0 and 32.0 are impossible because they fall out of the range when 49.5 is the highest
point. But choices 33.0 and 34.0 are within that range.


Points W, X, Y , and Z are on a line....
Arithmetic: Number Lines Answer: 5
1. DIAGRAM the question.
The distance between W and X is 2:
2
W X
The distance between X and Y is 4. This means that Y could be in two locations on the line.
While you can diagram both points on the same number line, it may be easier to visualize on two
separate diagrams:
2 4
1.
W X Y
4
2
2.
Y W X
The distance between Y and Z is 9. Again, Z can be in two locations on both number lines. In
order to avoid having four diagrams, find Z twice on each number line:
9 9
2 4
1.
Z W X Y Z
9 9
4
2
2.
Z Y W X Z
2. The possible distances between X and Z are 5 and 13 on both possible number lines.
9 9
3 2 4
1.
Z W X Y Z
5 13
9 9
4
2
2.
Z Y W X Z
13 5


A certain identification code is a list of five symbols: S1,S2,D1....
Counting Problems: Combinations Answer: 676,000
1. DIAGRAM the question. First, set up your "cards" using each of the elements in the code:
S1 S2 D1 D2 D3

Now enter the number of possibilities for each element. The letters and numbers are allowed to
repeat, so there will be the same number of possibilities for S1 as there are for S2. Similarly, there
will be the same number of possibilities for D1, D2, and D3.
S1 S2 D1 D2 D3
26 26 10 10 10
26 letters 26 letters 10 digits 10 digits 10 digits
2. To find the total number of combinations, multiply the possibilities:

S1 S2 D1 D2 D3
26 × 26 × 10 × 10 × 10 = 676,000
26 letters 26 letters 10 digits 10 digits 10 digits

MEDIAN HOME PRICES TABLES
In 1986, for which of the cities listed...?
Data Analysis Answer: Boston
1. To calculate the answer, use the second table, “Median Home Prices and Related Data for
Selected Northeastern Cities, 1986.”
2. Notice that we only need to check five cities—the five listed as answer choices (New York,
Boston, Newark, Danbury, Pittsburgh). To calculate the other three would be a waste of time.
3. Most students should be able to estimate the difference between the home price and the down
payment to see that Boston is the greatest difference, but you can also calculate them:
New York: 129,700 – 42,250 = 87,450

Boston: 126,00 – 30,000 = 96,000 
Newark: 116,000 – 29,450 = 86,550
Danbury: 95,950 – 19,750 = 76,200
Pittsburgh: 54,150 – 11,500 = 42,650


In 1986 the median home price in Danbury was approximately...?
1
Data Analysis Answer: 1
2
2. TRANSLATE using the information from the second table. Because the question is asking for an
approximate value, we can round the prices of the homes:
The price in Danbury was how many times the price in Trenton?
$96,000 = ? × $66,000
96,000 = 66,000(?)
1.45 = ?
The price in Danbury was approximately 1.5 times the price in Trenton.

In 1986 in Newark, what was the approximate ratio...?
Data Analysis: Ratios Answer: 1/4
2. The monthly housing cost in Newark was $1,139. Find the annual housing cost:
$1,139 × 12 = $13,668
2. The homebuyer's annual income in Newark was $54,660.
13, 668
Thus, the ratio is 13,668 : 54,660 or or 0.25. The approximate answer is 1/4.
54, 660


Which of the following is equal to 614... ?
Algebra: Exponents Answer: (29)(37)
1. The numerator, 614, can be factored, and then the properties of exponents can be applied:
614 ( 2 )( 3 )
14 14
( 2 ) × (3 )
14 14
5 7 → → → (214–5) × (314–7) → (29) × (37)

( 2 )( 3 ) ( 2 )( 3 )
5 7
( 2 ) (3 )
5 7

A certain train is traveling at a constant rate....
ty
Arithmetic: Rates Answer:
s
1. Set up a proportion and cross multiply:
ty
Distance: s miles

=
y miles → s miles y miles
= → (s)(?) = ty → ?=
Miles: t hours ? hours t hours ? hours s

A certain experiment has three possible outcomes....
Probability and Fractions Answer: 4/7

1. The outcomes are mutually exclusive, meaning that they cannot happen at the same time. So the
three outcomes are separate.
2. Because there are only three outcomes, we know that one of these outcomes will definitely
happen. Thus, the probability of the three outcomes must add up to 1 (representing 100%
certainty):
p p
p+ + =1
2 4
Find a common denominator for the left side of the equation:
p p 8p 4p 2p 14 p 8 4
p + + =1 → + + 1 →
= = 1 → 14p = 8 → p = → p=
2 4 8 8 8 8 14 7


In the figure shown, what is...?
Geometry: Triangles Answer: 160
1. To help with discussion, we have labeled points on the figure.
C E
30° D 40°
x° F
B
90°
A
2. Start with triangle ACF. Angle A is 90° and angle C is 30°, so angle AFC must be 60°
(180° – 90° – 30° = 60°).
C E
30° D 40°
x° 60° F
B
90°
A
3. If AFC is 60°, then EFD must be 120° (180° – 60° = 120°).

C E
30° D 40°
z° 120°
x° 60° F
B
90°
A
4. Now you can find angle FDE, which we have called angle z: (180° – 120° – 40° = 20°). If
z = 20°, then x = 160°, because x + z = 180°.
C E
30° D 40°
20 120°
160 60° F
B
90°
A


The length of each side of equilateral triangle T is.....
QA: Ratio of one side of T to another side of T QB: Ratio of one side of X to another side of X
Geometry: Triangles Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. An equilateral triangle has equal side lengths, so the ratio is always going to be 1:1.
2. To illustrate, SUPPLY numbers for side length of T and X:
3 1
Side length of T = 3 3:3 → → → 1:1
3 1
101 1
Side length of X = 101 101 : 101 → → → 1:1
101 1

The function f is defined for all numbers x....
QA: f(0) QB: 5
Algebra II: Functions Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. Find f(0):
f(x) = | x + 3 | + | x – 2 |
f(0) = | 0 + 3 | + | 0 – 2 |
f(0) = | 3 | + | –2 |
f(0) = 3 + 2
f(0) = 5
2. The value of Quantity A is equal to Quantity B.

List A: 20, 56, 27....
List B (not shown)....
QA: The range of the numbers in list B QB: 15
Arithmetic: Number Properties Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. The lowest number in list B will be derived from the lowest number in list A, which is 16. The
greatest number in list B will be derived from the highest number is list A, which is 56. Find
these two numbers in list B:
16 ÷ 4 + 5 = 4 + 5 = 9
56 ÷ 4 + 5 = 14 + 5 = 19
2. The range of list B is 10 (19 – 9 = 10). Quantity B is greater.


x>y
1 1
QA: x QB: y
3 2
Arithmetic: Fractions Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY numbers for x and y:

x = 6, y = 4
1 1
(6) = 2 (4) = 2 In this case the quantities are equal.
3 2
x = 30, y = 4
1 1
(30) = 2 (4) = 2 In this case, Quantity A is greater.
3 2
2. Because we were able to prove two different results, the relationship cannot be determined.

In the set of integers between 1 and 19, P is....
QA: Number of integers common to all three sets P, Q, and R QB: 3
Arithmetic: Number Properties Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. Find the numbers in each set:
Set P (multiples of 2): {2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18}

Set Q (multiples of 3): {3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18}
Set R (multiples of 6): {6, 12, 18}
2. The number of integers common to all three sets is three (6, 12, 18). The two quantities are equal.


In the circle, line segments AD, BE....
QA: The area of BOC QB: The area of AOF
Geometry: Circles Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. The sector with the greatest central angle will have the greatest area.
2. Angle BOC is a vertical angle with angle EOF, so BOC also equals 42°.
3. Angle AOB + angle AOF + angle EOF = 180° (because BE is a line).
∠AOB + ∠AOF + ∠EOF =180°

95° + ∠AOF + 42° = 180°

95°+ ∠AOF + 42° = 180°
137° + ∠AOF = 180°
∠AOF = 43°
4. Because angle AOF is greater than angle BOC, sector AOF is greater.

In a certain graduating class, 80 percent of the students....
QA: The percent who were accepted and who will go to college QB: 70%
Arithmetic: Percents Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. SUPPLY a number for the number of students in the graduating class. Remember, when
SUPPLYING for a percentage question, it's helpful to use 100.
Number of graduates = 100

Number accepted to college = 80 (80% of 100 OR 0.80 × 100 = 80)
Number of accepted NOT going to college = 8 (10% of 80 OR 0.10 × 80 = 8)
Number of accepted going to college = 72 (80 – 8 = 72)
4. The percentage of graduates going to college is 72 out of 100, or 72%. Quantity A is greater.


If 4x + 3 > ...?
Algebra: Inequalities Answer: –3
1. An Algebra question with numbers as answer choices and the phrase "which of the following
could be a value of x" is a perfect candidate for BACKPLUGGING.
2. Quickly plug in the answer choices. Start with the median value answer choice, –8:
If x = –8
4x + 3 > –13
4(–8) + 3 > –13 → –32 + 3 > –13 → –29 > –13 
When –8 is multiplied by 4, it creates –32, which is too large of a number (and too little of a
value) to make the left side of the equation greater than the right side. This means we need to try
answer choices with smaller numbers (but greater values), like –5 and –3:
If x = –5
4x + 3 > –13
4(–5) + 3 > –13 → –20 + 3 > –13 → –17 > –13 
If x = –3
4x + 3 > –13
4(–3) + 3 > –13 → –12 + 3 > –13 → –9 > –13 

List S: –25, –10, 0,....
The numbers in which of the following lists...?
Statistics: Averages Answers: (A) –10, –5, 0, 5, 10, (B) –20, –10, 0, 10, 20, (D) –25, –5, 0, 5, 25
1. While you can certainly compute the average of List S and the averages of all of the answer
choices, it's much more efficient to understand how the average works in a list with negative
values that "cancel out" the positive values when added together. Look at list S:
–25, –10, 0, 10, 25
When plugged into the average formula, the average is found to be 0 because the sum of the
numbers in the list will always be 0:
sum −25 + −10 + 0 + 10 + 25 −25 + −10 + 0 + 10 + 25 0

= average → → → =0
# of #s 5 5 5
2. Answer choices (A), (B), and (D) have similar patterns, so the average of these three answer
choices is also 0. The sum of choice (C) will be –10, so the average is –2.


ABCD and EFGH are rectangles....
Geometry: Quadrilaterals Answer: 6x2 – xy
1. Find the area of ABCD and EFGH:
Area = l × w
Area of ABCD = 3x × 2x → 6x2
Area of EFGH = x × y → xy
2. The area of the shaded region is the area of ABCD minus the area of EFGH:
Area of ABCD = 6x2

Area of EFGH = xy
Area of the shaded region = 6x2 – xy

DISTRIBUTION OF BLOOD TYPES TABLE
The distribution of blood types within a certain....
Statistics: Probability Answer: 0.04
1. Since the population is 100% of the people, the sum of the four blood types must equal 100%:
O + A + B + AB = 100%
45% + 40% + 11% + x% = 100%
x% = 4%
2. There is a 4% chance that a person selected at random has AB blood. Four percent can be
represented all of the following ways:
4
4% 0.04
100


If (a – b)c = 0, which of the following...?
Algebra: Equations and Number Properties Answer: a ≠ b and c ≠ 0
1. In order for (a – b)c = 0, then either (a – b) must equal 0 or c must equal 0:
If (a – b) = 0 and c = 2, then (0)2 = 0 → 0 = 0 

If (a – b) = 0 and c = –3, then (0)–3 = 0 → 0 = 0 
If (a – b) = 0 and c = 100, then (0)100 = 0 → 0 = 0 
If c = 0, a = 2, and b = 1, then (2 – 1)0 = 0 → (1)0 = 0 → 0 = 0 

If c = 0, a = 5, and b = –3, then (5 – –3)0 = 0 → (8)0 = 0 → 0 = 0 
If c = 0, a = 4, and b = 100, then (4 – 100)0 = 0 → (–96)0 = 0 → 0 = 0 
2. Therefore, if a ≠ b (thus a – b will not equal 0) AND c ≠ 0, then the question can never be true.

Working at their respective constant rates...
Arithmetic: Proportions/Rates Answer: 12
1. Create a proportion to determine the number of copies machine I makes in 6 minutes:
Copies: 240 ?
——— = ——— → (240)(6) = (8)(?) → 1440 = (8)(?) → 180 = ?
Minutes: 8 6
2. Now find the number of copies made by machine II in 4 minutes:
Copies: 240 ?
——— = ——— → (240)(4) = (5)(?) → 960 = (5)(?) → 192 = ?
Minutes: 5 4
3. How many more copies were made by machine II?
192 – 180 = 12


DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS GRAPH
In 1998, if 2/5 of the amount of household financial assets...?
Data Analysis: Percentages Answer: 5%
1. If you are confused by this question, it's likely because you are scouring the graphic for
information about checking accounts—and there is none.
The amount of financial assets in checking accounts in 1998 is just shy of 12%, which you can
gather by reading the bar graph. If 2/5 of that 12% is checking accounts, what is the resulting
percentage?
2 2 0.24
of 12% → × 0.12 → → 0.048 → 4.8%
5 5 5
2. Since the question asks for an approximate percentage, 5% is the best answer.

In 1998 the amount of household financial assets in mutual funds....
2
Data Analysis: Fractions Answer: x million dollars
5
1. PowerScore test takers should be able to solve this question by ANALYZING the answer choices.
The amount of financial assets in mutual funds in 1998 is just shy of 13%, while the amount in
bonds in 1998 is 5%. Thus, if 13% represents x million dollars, then 5% is less than one half of x
2
million dollars. Only the first answer choice, x (which can also be written as 0.40x) is less than
5
one half. The other four are fractions greater than one half.
2. If you need to solve this question, set up a proportion:
Millions: x ? 5
——— = ——— → (5)(x) = (13)(?) → x =?
Percent: 13 5 13
2 5
If you do not realizes that x is the closest fraction to x , you can convert them to decimals:
5 13
2 5
x = 0.40x and x = 0.38x
5 13


Of the amount of households financial assets in the six major asset categories...?
1
Data Analysis: Fractions Answer:
4
1. First, find the approximate percentage total of the six major asset totals (ignoring the “all others”
category, as the graphic explains this category is not one of the six major asset categories). You
will need to approximate each total:
Bank accounts 19%
Bonds 13%
Cert. of deposits 10%
Mutual funds 5%
Retirement Accts 22%
Stocks 15%
Total: 84%
2. Now TRANSLATE:
Assets in bank accounts is what fraction of the total six major assets?
19 is what fraction of 84
19 = ? × 84
19
=?
84
20 1
If we round the numerator up and the denominator down, we get the approximation or .
80 4
19 1
You can also convert to a decimal (0.226) to find that (0.25) is the best approximation.
84 4

If 7x = 5y + 66 and...?
Algebra: Equations Answer: 3
1. Plug –3x in for y in the equation:
7x = 5y + 66
7x = 5(–3x) + 66
7x = –15x + 66
22x = 66
x=3


Joan bought a calculator at a discounted price that was 30 percent less....
Arithmetic: Percents Answer: $150
1. TRANSLATE in order to create an equation and then solve:
The original price (P) minus 30% of the original price (P) equals the discounted price
P – 30% of P = $105
P – 0.30(P) = $105
0.70(P) = $105
P = $150

If | x + 3 | = 12 and x is...?
Algebra: Absolute Value Answer: –15
1. To solve absolute value questions, create an equation for each sign:
x + 3 = 12 or x + 3 = –12
x = 9 x = –15
The only value of x that is a multiple of 5 is –15.

Water started leaking from tank yesterday at 12:00 noon....
Arithmetic: Rates Answers: 1280, 6480, 10240, 12800
1. Since the rate of the leak is given in ounces per seconds, figure out how many seconds are in the 8
hours between 12:00 noon and 8:00 pm:
60 minutes 60 seconds
8 hours × × = 28,800 seconds
1 hour 1 minute
2. Now set up a proportion to solve find the number of ounces leaked in 8 hours (or 28,800 seconds)
Ounces: 0.5 ?
——— = ——— → (0.5)(28,800) = (1)(?) → 14,400 = ?
Seconds: 1 28,800
So in 8 hours, the tank could lose 14,400 ounces, the answer must be all choices less than 14,400.
Only the last choice, 15,360, is impossible because it would take longer than 8 hours to leak this
many ounces.


The number 0 is between the two nonzero....
QA: The product of r and t QB: 0
Arithmetic: Number Lines Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. If 0 is between r and t, one of the numbers will always be negative and the other will always
be positive. When multiplying numbers, a negative times a positive is always negative, so the
product will always be less than 0. Thus, quantity B is greater.
2. If you have a hard time understanding this, DIAGRAM the question and SUPPLY numbers for r
and t. For example, if r = –2 and t = 3, then:
r t
–2 × 3 = –6
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

X is the set of all integers less than....
QA: The least integer in set X that is also in set Y QB: 11
1. There are four numbers that are common to both sets: 11, 12, 13, 14
Set X: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14}

Set Y: {11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, .....}
2. The least integer in set X that is also in set Y is 11. Therefore, the two quantities are equal.

4 percent of s is equal to....
QA: s QB: t
Arithmetic: Percent Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. TRANSLATE:
4 percent of s is equal to 3 percent of t
0.04 × s = 0.03 × t
0.04s = 0.03t
s = 0.75t
Supply a number for t. For example, say t = 5:
s = 0.75t
s = 0.75(5)
s = 3.75 Since t is greater, Quantity B is greater.


T is a list of 100 different numbers that are greater than....
QA: x – y QB: 20
Arithmetic: Percent Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY numbers for x and y, using numbers at the extreme ends of the range.
For example, say that x = 2. That means that over 60 percent of the numbers are less than 2. How
can that be possible? It works if you consider there are an infinite number of numbers between
0 and 2 when you use decimals. So the 60 percent would look like (0.1, 0.12, 0.1579, 0.2, 0.29,
etc).
Now say that y = 1. That would mean 40% of the numbers are between 0 and 1, and another 20%
are between 1 and 2 to satisfy both y = 1 and x = 2.
So x – y = 2 – 1 = 1. In this case, Quantity B is greater.
But what if x were at the other extreme of the range, such as x = 48? If we keep y = 1, that would
mean that 40% of the numbers were between 0 and 1 and the next 20% were between 1 and 48
(and the remaining 40% were between 48 and 50).
Now x – y = 48 – 1 = 47. In this case, Quantity A is greater. Thus, the relationship cannot be
determined.

x>y
QA: | x + y | QB: | x – y |
Algebra: Absolute Value Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. SUPPLY numbers for x and y:

x = 3, y = 1
| x + y | → |3+1| → |4| → 4
| x – y | → |3–1| → |2| → 2 In this case, Quantity A is greater.
The presence of absolute value symbols should make us want to SUPPLY negative numbers
because of the special properties of absolue value. What if y is a negative number?
x = 3, y = –1
| x + y | → | 3 + –1 | → |2| → 2
| x – y | → | 3 – –1 | → |4| → 4 In this case, Quantity B is greater.
Thus, the relationship cannot be determined.


The frequency of distributions shown above....
QA: The standard deviation of distribution A QB: The standard deviation of distribution B
Data Analysis: Standard Deviation Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. This is a classic GRE case of a standard deviation question where actually trying to calculate
values is a time-sucking trap. Instead, you can solve this one simply by analyzing the data.
Standard deviation is higher when there are more elements far from the average. In both graphs,
there is symmetry in each set of consecutive terms. For example, in Distribution A, the frequency
of 10 and 50 is the same, and the frequency of 20 and 40 is the same. This is also true in
Distribution B: the frequency in 10 and 50 is equal as is the frequency in 20 and 40. This means
the average is immediately right in the middle—both distributions have an average of 30. So if
you imagine these two data sets as bell curves, then in A you have the largest group in the middle
at the average of 30 (standard type bell curve), while in B you have the opposite: the large groups
are at the extremes of 10 and 50 and not at the average of 30 (an inverse bell curve of sorts,
almost like a parabola), meaning the deviation from the standard (the central tendency we call
“average”) is going to be much higher in B.
Simply put: when a data set clusters towards the middle (towards the average) standard deviation
is less than when a data set has more outliers, with clusters at the ends (away from the average).
So the standard deviation in B must be greater than the standard deviation in A.

A right circular cylinder with radius 2 inches....
QA: The height of the cylinder QB: 2 inches
Geometry: Geometric Solids Answer: Quantity B is greater

Volume = 15
Radius = 2
Volume = �r2h h
15 = �22h → 15 = 3.14(4)h → 15 = 12.56h → 1.19 = h
2
Quantity B (2) is greater than Quantity A (1.19).


A bush will be dug up and then planted again....
Geometry: Right Triangles Answer: 25
1. DIAGRAM the question:
15 feet PowerScore students will immediately recognize the Pythagorean Triple

15:20:25 (a multiple of the 3:4:5 triangle). But if you do not know the
Pythagorean Triples, you can perform the Pythagorean Theorem:
20 feet
xf
ee
a2 + b2 = c2
t
152 + 202 = c2
225 + 400 = c2
625 = c2
25 = c

If 3x + 5,000 = 6x...?
5000
Algebra: Equations Answer: −
1. Isolate x to solve: 3
3x + 5000 = 6x + 10000
3x = 6x + 5000
–3x = 5000
5000
x = −
3

Steve’s property tax is $140 less than Patricia’s property tax....
Arithmetic: Percentages Answer: 6.7%
1. First, find Patricia’s property tax:
Steve’s property tax + $140 = Patricia’s property tax

$1960 + $140 = $2100
2. Now translate:
Steve’s property tax is what percent less than Patricia’s property tax
$140 is what percent of $2100
?
140 = × 2100
100
14000 = 2100(?)
6.666 = ?


Chris entered a number in his calculator and erroneously multiplied....
Arithmetic: Number Properties Answers: Multiply the incorrect product by 0.001 and
Divide the incorrect product by 1,000
1. Consider Chris’s error:
What he meant to enter: x × 2.073

What he actually entered: x × 2,073
He multiplied the number (x) by a number that was 1000 times greater than he intended, so he
1
either needs to divide the new product by 1000 or multiply it by or 0.001.
1000
2. If this concept seems too abstract, you can always SUPPLY a number for x:
x = 100
What he meant to enter: 100 × 2.073 = 207.3
What he actually entered: 100 × 2,073 = 207,300
Which answer choices will turn 207,300 into 207.3?
Choice A: Multiply by 0.001 207,300 × 0.001 = 207.3 

Choice B: Divide by 0.001 207,300 ÷ 0.001 = 207,300,000 
Choice C: Multiply by 1,000 207,300 × 1,000 = 207,300,000 
Choice D: Divide by 1,000 207,300 ÷ 1,000 = 207.3 

A base of a triangle has length b, the altitude corresponding to the...
Geometry: Triangles Answer: h2
1. Plug the information from the problem into the formula for the area of a triangle:
base = b or 2h
height (altitude) = h
1
Formula for the Area of a triangle = (base)(height)
2
1
Area = (2h)(h) → (h)(h) → h2
2


In the xy-plane above, if the graph above line l is reflected across line l...?
Coordinate Geometry: Reflections Answer: D
1. The line of reflection acts as a mirror. Some students may be able to DIAGRAM the reflected
graph without pinpointing the coordinates, while others will need to rely on the knowledge that
the x- and y-coordinates are reversed over the line y = x.
l
If the original graph starts at point (3, 6), then the
(7, 11) reflected graph will start at the reverse coordinates:
(4, 9) (6, 3). You can reverse all of the coordinates in the
(5, 9)
(3, 7) original graph to plot the reflected graph (we have only
(11, 7)
(4, 7) reversed 3—the first, last, and point D—because the
(3, 6)
B E graph is too crowded to illustrate it well). As you can
D (9, 4)
A see, the reflected graph passes through point D.
(6, 3) C

SOURCES OF SOLID WASTE GRAPHS
In 1988, for how many of the eight categories shown...?
Data Analysis: Circle graphs and percentages Answer: One
1. Since the question is about 1988, use the circle graph on the left. The total weight of solid waste
in 1998 is 160 million tons. TRANSLATE:
8 million tons is what percent of 160 million tons
?
8 = × 160
100
?
8= × 160
100
800 = ? × 160
5% = ?
If 8 millions tons is 5% of the total 160 million tons, the only category with 5% or less is
Miscellaneous at 1.7%. So there is one category with 8 million tons or less.


For 1988, how many of the 8 categories of solid waste...?
Data Analysis: Circle graphs, percentages, and averages Answer: Two
1. First, find the average weight for all 8 categories:
sum 160 million tons

= average → = 20
# of #s 8 categories
2. Now TRANSLATE:

20 million tons is what percent of 160 million tons
?
20 = × 160
100
?
20 = × 160
100
2000 = ? × 160
12.5% = ?
How many categories are greater than 12.5%? Two: Yard Waste (17.9%) and Paper and
Paperboard (41.0%).

In 1988, if 10 percent of the glass waste and...?
Data Analysis: Circle graphs and percentages Answer: 20%
1. Some students may be able to solve this one without any calculations, other than 50% of 41% (the
percent of paper and paperboard waste). The percent of glass waste is so insignificant as to not
affect the calculations. So test takers may be able to select 20% quickly and move on.
2. If you are not able to complete this mental math, use the first circle graph to find the percent of
glass waste (8.2%) and paper and paperboard waste (41%). Then TRANSLATE:
10 percent of glass waste

10% of 8.2% → 0.10 × 0.082 → 0.0082 or 0.82%
50 percent of paper and paperboard waste

50% of 41% → 0.50 × 0.41 → 0.205 or 20.5%
What percent of the solid waste was recycled?
0.82% + 20.5% = 21.32% The closest approximation is 20%


Each month, a certain manufacturing company’s total expenses....
Algebra: Equations Answer: $30,000
1. TRANSLATE and plug in the information from the problem:
Total expenses are equal to a fixed monthly expense (F) plus a variable expense (V)
First month: 570,000 = F + 20,000V
Second month: 705,000 = F + 25,000V
If we isolate F in both equations, we can set them equal:
570,000 = F + 20,000V → 570,000 – 20,000V = F
705,000 = F + 25,000V → 705,000 – 25,000V = F
570,000 – 20,000V = 705,000 – 25,000V
570,000 + 5,000V = 705,000
5,000V = 135,000
V = 27
Now find F using either of the original equations:
570,000 = F + 20,000V
570,000 = F + 20,000(27)
570,000 = F + 540,000
30,000 = F

Which of the following lines are perpendicular to...?
Coordinate Geometry: Lines Answers: x + y = 0 and x + y = 1
1. Lines are perpendicular if their slopes are negative reciprocals. Start by finding the slope of line
y = x:

y = mx + b where m = slope
y = x → y = (1)x so the slope is 1

Which answer choices have a slope of –1 or –x ?
x=0 
y = –1 
x+y=0 → y = –x 
x+y=1 → y = –x + 1 
x–y=2 → –y = –x + 2 → y=x–2 


The hundreds digit of the five-digit number 73_95 is missing....
2
Statistics: Probability and Number Properties Answer:
5
1. To determine whether a large number is divisible by 3, add the digits of the number together. If
the sum is divisible by 3, the original number is divisible by 3. For example, we know the number
129 is divisible by 3 because 1 + 2 + 9 = 12, which is divisible by 3.
2. Add the existing digits of the five-digit number:
73_95 → 7 + 3 + 9 + 5 = 24
Since 24 is divisible by 3, then 73,095 is also divisible by 3:
73095 → 7 + 3 + 0 + 9 + 5 = 24 24 is divisible by 3
There are 9 more options: 73,195, 73,295, 73,395, etc. However, only the multiples of 3 will
produce a sum that is multiple of 3:
73395 → 7 + 3 + 3 + 9 + 5 = 27 27 is divisible by 3
73695 → 7 + 3 + 6 + 9 + 5 = 30 30 is divisible by 3
73995 → 7 + 3 + 9 + 9 + 5 = 33 33 is divisible by 3
So there are 10 possibilities, 4 of which produce a multiple of 3.
3. Now find the probability:
number of favorable outcomes 4 2

Probability = → →
number of possible outcomes 10 5

How many ordered pairs of positive integers (x, y)...?
Algebra: Inequalities Answer: Four
1. Because the left side of the equation needs to be less than 10, use small numbers to find the
ordered pairs that work:
2x + 3y < 10
(1, 1): 2(1) + 3(1) < 10 → 2 + 3 < 10 → 5 < 10 
(1, 2); 2(1) + 3(2) < 10 → 2 + 6 < 10 → 8 < 10 
(1, 3); 2(1) + 3(3) < 10 → 2 + 9 < 10 → 11 > 10 
(2, 1); 2(2) + 3(1) < 10 → 4 + 3 < 10 → 7 < 10 
(3, 1); 2(3) + 3(1) < 10 → 6 + 3 < 10 → 9 < 10 
(4, 1); 2(4) + 3(1) < 10 → 8 + 3 < 10 → 11 > 10 

There are four pairs of positive integers that work.


In City X, the range of the daily low temperatures during....
QA: The range of the daily low temperatures in City X.... QB: 30° Fahrenheit
Arithmetic: Ranges Answer: The relationship cannot be determined.
1. With this quantitative comparison question, your goal should be to see whether the range for the
two-month period can be both less than and greater than 30°F. Start by DIAGRAMMING the
question and SUPPLYING numbers that would satisfy a 20°F range in June and a 25°F range in
July but also create a two-month range less than 30°F.
JUNE JULY
Lowest Daily Low Highest Daily Low Lowest Daily Low Highest Daily Low
5°F 25°F 0°F 25°F
Range in June: 25°F – 5°F = 20°F Range in July: 25°F – 0°F = 25°F
Two-month period:
Highest: 25°F (June and July)
Lowest: 0°F (July)
Two-month range: 25°F – 0°F = 25°F This is less than Quantity B.
Now see if you can make the two month range greater than 30°F:
JUNE JULY
Lowest Daily Low Highest Daily Low Lowest Daily Low Highest Daily Low
5°F 25°F 50°F 75°F
Range in June: 25°F – 5°F = 20°F Range in July: 75°F – 50°F = 25°F
Two-month period:
Highest: 75°F (July)
Lowest: 5°F (June)
Two-month range: 75°F – 5°F = 70°F This is greater than Quantity B.
The relationship cannot be determined.


For all positive numbers p, the operation  is defined by p....

  2  
QA:     QB: 3.5
 7  
 
Algebra II: Symbolic Functions Answer: Quantity A is greater
1. This compound symbolic function is intimidating to most students, but it doesn’t take nearly as
long as you think because of a time-saving shortcut.
To begin, set up the function, working from the inside out of Quantity A. Wherever a p appears in
the function, insert 2/7:
1
p = p +
p
2

2 1 1 7
  = + 2 is the same as 2
7 7 2
7 7

2 2
  = +
7
→ 0.29 + 3.5 → 3.79
7 7 2
Astute test takers will realize that 7/2 is the same as 3.5 (Quantity B) and that we are adding a
positive value (0.29) to (3.5) so the Quantity in A is already greater than Quantity B, before we
even perform the second part of the function (which will also increase Quantity A).
But if you are still not convinced, you can complete the problem. Note that it’s easier to use

2
decimals at this point. Since   = 3.79, place 3.79 for every p in the function:
7
1
p = p +
p
1
3.79 = 3.79 +
3.79
3.79 = 3.79 + 0.26
3.79 = 4.05

  2  
    = 4.05 Quantity A is greater.
 7  
 


x > 0 and x4....
QA: The greatest prime factor of 36x QB: 5
1. First, find x:
x4 = 625 → x = 5 or –5
However, the question states that x > 0, so x = 5
2. Now find 36x:
36x → (36)(5) → 180
3. Use a factor tree to find the prime factors of 180:
180
2 × 90
2 × 45
5 × 9
3 × 3

180 = 2 × 2 × 5 × 3 × 3
The greatest prime factor of 180 is 5, so the two quantities are equal.

H is the midpoint of IG....
QA: IJ QB: 5
Geometry: Triangles Answer: The relationship cannot be determined
1. It may help some test takers to DIAGRAM the question. In fact, it may be easier to simplify the
image by removing points H and J:
By removing H and J, we can see this
I I
is an isosceles triangle. Because the
x° x°
5 ? length of one side of the a triangle
H J 10 ? must be less than the sum of the
5
other two sides, we know IJ must be
?
?° x° ?° x° between 0 (if J is very close to I) and
K K 20 (if J is very close to K). The figure
G 10 G 10
is not necessarily drawn to scale,
remember. If IJ = 1, then Quantity B is greater.
But if IJ = 19, then Quantity A is greater. The
relationship cannot be determined.


n is an integer....
QA: The greatest possible value of n minus the least possible value of n QB: 12
1. What is the greatest possible value of n?
n2 < 39
If n = 6: 62 = 36 < 39 
If n = 7: 72 = 49 > 39  The greatest possible value of n is 6.
2. What is the least possible value of n? Be careful here! Some test takers will select 0, but they will
be wrong. Don’t forget negative numbers!
n2 < 39
If n = –6: –62 = 36 < 39 
If n = –7: –72 = 49 > 39  The least possible value of n is –6.
3. Calculate the greatest possible value of n minus the least possible value of n:
6 – –6 → 6+6 → 12 The two quantities are equal.

The figure above is a regular octagon....
QA: Number of diagonals that are parallel to at least on side of the octagon
QB: Number of diagonals that are not parallel to any side of the octagon
Geometry: Polygons Answer: Quantity B is greater
1. DIAGRAM the question, adding the diagonals:
5 B As you can see, diagonal 2 is parallel to side A and

diagonal 4 is parallel to side B. So there are 2 diagonals
parallel to at least one side and 3 diagonals (1, 3, and 5)
1
that are not parallel to any side.
A 4
Every vertex of the octagon will produce 2 diagonals
2 that are parallel to at least one side and 3 diagonals that
3
are not parallel to any side. Thus, Quantity B is greater.



The function f is defined by f (x) = 5x +....
QA: f (t + 54) – f (t + 50) QB: 20
Algebra II: Functions Answer: The two quantities are equal
1. Start by finding f (t + 54):
f (x) = 5x +1
f (t + 54) = 5(t + 54) + 1
f (t + 54) = 5t + 270 + 1
f (t + 54) = 5t + 271
2. Now find f (t + 50):
f (x) = 5x +1
f (t + 50) = 5(t + 50) + 1
f (t + 50) = 5t + 250 + 1
f (t + 50) = 5t + 251
3. Now find f (t + 54) – f (t + 50).
f (t + 54) – f (t + 50)
(5t + 271) – (5t + 251) Be careful to distribute the negative to the second function!
(5t + 271) – 5t – 251
271 – 251
20 The two quantities are equal.

How many different two-digit positive integers...?
Statistics: Counting Problems Answer: 12
1. This is a basic combination problem. There are three possibilities for the tens digit: 7, 8, and 9.
There are four possibilities for the units digit: 0, 1, 2, and 3.
3 possibilities × 4 possibilities = 12
2. If you forget how to compute a combination, you can count the two-digit numbers:
70, 71, 72, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83, 90, 91, 92, 93 There are a total of 12 numbers in the list.


The perimeter of square S is 40....
Geometry: Quadrilaterals Answer: 50
1. An inscribed figure is one that is drawn inside another with only the sides touching, so square
T will be placed inside of square S. DIAGRAM the question, both with square T as large as
possible and with T as small as possible:
10 10
As you can see, the closer the vertex of square
T to a vertex of square A, the larger the area of
10 10 10 10
square T. Square T has its least possible area
when its vertex bisects each side of square S.
10 10
2. Now use square S to find the length of one side of square T:
5 5
45°
5 The triangle that constitutes the space between square T and square S
45° 5 2
10 is a 45:45:90 triangle. This helps us determine that the length of one
5 side of square T is 5 2 .
10
3. Finally, find the area of square T:
Area = side2
Area = (5 2 )2 → (52)( 2 2) → (25)(2) → 50

Kelly took three days to travel from City A to City B....
2 2 2
Arithmetic: Fractions Answer: 1 – – (1 – )
5 3 5
2 2
1. Day 1: Kelly traveled of the distance, so her remaining distance is 1 – .
5 5
2 2 2
2. Day 2: Kelly traveled of the remaining distance, or (1 – ).
3 3 5
2 2 2
3. Day 3: Kelly traveled the rest of the way. 1 – – (1 – ).
5 3 5


If x and y are integers and x = 50y + 69...?
Algebra: Equations and Number Properties Answer: x + 2y
1. SUPPLY both an odd and even number for y and find the resulting x values:
If y = 1
x = 50y + 69 → x = 50(1) + 69 → x = 119

If y = 2
x = 50y + 69 → x = 50(2) + 69 → x = 169
2. Using these values, test each answer choice:
xy:
If y = 1, x = 119 xy = (119)(1) → 119 
If y = 2, x = 169 xy = (169)(2) (Note: any integer times 2 will be even) → 338 
x + y:
If y = 1, x = 119 x + y = 119 + 1 → 120 
No need to test y = 2, x = 169
x + 2y:
If y = 1, x = 119 x + 2y = 119 + 2(1) → 121 
If y = 2, x = 169 x + 2y = 169 + 2(2) → 173 
This is the answer; adding an odd number to an even number is always going to result in an
odd number. You can check the last two answer choices to be sure.
3x – 1:
If y = 1, x = 119 3x – 1 = 3(119) – 1 → 357 – 1 → 356 
3x + 1:
If y = 1, x = 119 3x + 1 = 3(119) + 1 → 357 + 1 → 358 


In the first half of last year, a team won 60 percent of the games....
Arithmetic: Percents Answer: 90
1. RECORDING and TRANSLATING will help you set up the equation for this question.
Total games last year = t

Games in 2nd half of year = 20
Games in 1st half of year = t – 20
60% of games in first half + 3 games in second half = 50% of the total games

0.60 × (t – 20) + 3 = 0.50 × t
0.60(t – 20) + 3 = 0.50t

0.60t – 12 + 3 = 0.50t
0.60t – 9 = 0.50t
–9 = –0.10t
90 = t

How many different two-digit positive integers are there...?
Arithmetic: Percents and Number Properties Answers: 30, 35, 40
1. Since x is rounded to the nearest integer (3), the actual percentage could be anything between
2.5% and 3.499%, because all of these numbers would round to 3.
2. Find the number of people that could be represented by these two extremes:
2.5% of 1150 people → 0.025 × 1150 → 28.75 people

3.499% of 1150 people → 0.03499 × 1150 → 40.24 people
This range of percentages represents between 29 and 40 people (because we cannot have 28.75
people or 40.24 people). So 30, 35, and 40 are all possibilities.
Note: If you only calculated 3.4% instead of 3.499%, you will miss 40 as a correct answer choice.


THREE TYPES OF ELECTRONIC UNITS TABLE AND GRAPH
The total number of GPS in stock last month...?
Data Analysis: Fractions Answer: 2
3
1. Find the total number of GPS units in stock in Stores R and T:
R: 55
T: 25
R + T = 80
2. Find the total number of GPS units in all three stores:
R: 55
S: 40
T: 25
R + S + T = 120
3. Find the fraction:
80 8 2
→ →
120 12 3

The number of television sets sold by Store R last month was approximately what percent...?
1. Find the number of TV sets sold by Store R:
Table: 40 in stock
Graph: 50% sold

50% of 40 → 0.50 × 40 → 20
2. Find the number of TV sets sold by Store T:
Table: 50 in stock
Graph: 90% sold

90% of 50 → 0.90 × 50 → 45
3. Use the percent change formula to find the approximate percent decrease:
Percent change = decrease ÷ original number × 100

(45 – 20) ÷ 45 × 100 → 25 ÷ 45 × 100 → 0.555 × 100 → 55.5%


Each of the CD players sold by Store S last month was sold at the price of $119.95....
Data Analysis: Percents Answer: $9,240
1. Find the number of CD players sold by Store S:
Table: 90 in stock
Graph: 80% sold
80% of 90 → 0.80 × 90 → 72
2. Find the total cost of one CD player with sales tax:
Sales tax: 7% or 0.07
$119.95 × 1.07 = $128.3465 (Since we are approximating, round to $128.35)
If you forget how to compute sales tax, you can find the tax and add it to the item:
7% of $119.95 → 0.0.07 × 119.95 → 8.3965 (round to 8.4)
$119.95 + 8.4 = $128.35
3. Now find the cost of 72 CD players:
72 CD players × $128.35 → $9241.20 The closest answer is $9,240.


1
In the sequence a1, a2, a3, . . . , a100, the kth term is defined by ak, = ....
k 100
Sequences Answer:
101
3. Remember, the key to most GRE sequence questions is discovering a pattern among the terms. So
start off by finding the first few terms and looking for a pattern.
1 1 1 1
a1 = − → a1 = 1 – → a1 =
1 1+1 2 2
1 1 1 1 1
a2 = − → a2 = − → a2 =
2 2 +1 2 3 6
1 1 1 1 1
a3 = − → a3 = − → a3 =
3 3 +1 3 4 12
There doesn’t seem to be a pattern in the actual terms (1/2, 1/6, 1/2), but easiest solution lies in
the pattern in the second step:
1 1 1 1 1
a1 = 1 – a2 = − a3 = −
2 2 3 3 4
Imagine finding the sum for the terms using the second step:
1 1 1 1 1
1– + − + − =?
2 2 3 3 4
Do you see the pattern? All but the first and last items cancel each other out!
Therefore, the only addends that matter to the sum are the first addend of a1 and the last addend of
a100, so find the second step of the 100th term:
1 1 1 1
a100 = − → a100 = −
100 100 + 1 100 101
1
The first addend of a1 is 1 and the last addend of a100 is – , so find the sum:
101
1 101 1 100
1– → − →
101 101 101 101


If | x + 1 | ≤ 5, and | y – 1 | ≤ ...?
Algebra: Inequalities Answer: –36
1. Find | x + 1 | ≤ 5:
–5 ≤ x + 1 ≤ 5 → –6 ≤ x ≤ 4
2. Now calculate | y – 1 | ≤ 5:
–5 ≤ y – 1 ≤ 5 → –4 ≤ y ≤ 6
3. To find the least possible value of the product xy, SUPPLY numbers from the extremes of x and
y. Keep in mind that two positive numbers and two negative numbers will result in a positive
number. Since we want the least value, we are looking for a negative number and must use one
positive and one negative value to obtain it.
If x = 4 and y = –4, then xy = –16

If x = –6 and y = 6, then xy = –36
The least possible value is –36.


PERCENT CHANGES GRAPH
The graph shows the percent changes in the annual city tax revenue....
Data Analysis: Percents Answer: $782,000
1. Start with 1990 to 1995. According to the graph, City B suffered a 15% decrease in this time
frame. Knowing the tax revenue in 1990 was 800,000, you can find the tax revenue in 1995 (x)
using the percent change formula:
Decrease = Original number – New number

Decrease = 800,000 – x
Percent change = decrease ÷ original number × 100

15 = (800,00 – x) ÷ 800,000 × 100
15
= (800,00 – x) ÷ 800,000
100
(800, 000)(15)
= 800,00 – x
100
120,000 = 800,00 – x
–680,000 = –x
680,000 = x
This value, 680,000, is the annual tax revenue in 1995. It experienced a 15% decrease and fell
from 800,000 in 1990 to 680,000 in 1995.
2. Now we need to find the annual tax revenue in 2000. According to the graph, City B experienced
a 15% increase from 1995 (680,000) to 2000 (?). Again, use the percent change formula:
Increase = New number – Original number

Increase = y – 680,000
Percent change = increase ÷ original number × 100

15 = (y – 680,000) ÷ 680,000 × 100
15
= (y – 680,000) ÷ 680,000
100
(680, 000)(15)
= y – 680,000
100
102,000 = y – 680,000
782,000 = y
This value, 782,000, is the annual tax revenue in 2000. It experienced a 15% increase and raised
from 680,000 in 1995 to 782,000 in 2000.



If x, y, and z are positive numbers such that 3x < ...?
Algebra: Inequalities and Number Properties Answers: y = z, y > z, and x > z
1. SUPPLY numbers to satisfy each answer choice and see if 3x < 2y < 4z remains true. Because we
are trying to determine if each statement could be true, we only need a single instance in which
the statement produces a true equation for the answer choice to be correct.
x = y:
If x = 1, y = 1 3x < 2y → (3)(1) < (2)(1) → 3 < 2 
Will it work with a larger number?
If x = 100, y = 100 3x < 2y → (3)(100) < (2)(100) → 300 < 200 
This one cannot ever be true, no matter how large the number we supply for x an y.
y = z:
If y = 1, z = 1 2y < 4z → (2)(1) < (4)(1) → 2<4 
This statement could be true.
y > z:
If y = 1.1, z = 1 2y < 4z → (2)(1.1) < (4)(1) → 2.2 < 4 
x > z:
If x = 1.1, z = 1 3x < 4z → (3)(1.1) < (4)(1) → 3.3 < 4 

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GRE PowerPrep Solutions

Test 1: First QR Section

Question 1 Test 1, First QR Section

If ∠O is 60°, then ∠A + ∠B = 120°, because ∠O + ∠A + ∠B = 180° O

Question 2 Test 1, First QR Section

1. Set up a cross-multiplying diagram and complete it with the information provided:

3. Compare the quantities:

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 3 Test 1, First QR Section

3. Compare the quantities:

Question 4 Test 1, First QR Section

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 5 Test 1, First QR Section

x = 6.1 and x = 6.9

Question 6 Test 1, First QR Section

1. When the average of 100 measurements is 23, find the sum:

2. When the average of 50 measurements is 27, find the sum:

3. Now find the average of the two groups together:

3. Compare the quantities:

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 7 Test 1, First QR Section

3. Compare the quantities:

Question 8 Test 1, First QR Section

1. The easiest way to solve for k is to plug x = 3 into the equation:

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 9 Test 1, First QR Section

2. Now find the sum of x + y: 4 + 8 = 12

Question 10 Test 1, First QR Section

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 11 Test 1, First QR Section

Question 12 Test 1, First QR Section

1. Arrange the 11 numbers given in order, from least to greatest:

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 13 Test 1, First QR Section

Question 14 Test 1, First QR Section

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 15 Test 1, First QR Section

8.0 – 5.1 = 2.9

Question 16 Test 1, First QR Section

1. Start by computing the sums of each category:

3. Finally, multiply this number by the 100 travel agents:

2.7 × 100 = 270

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 17 Test 1, First QR Section

1. Start by finding the number of lots:

40 have 100 feet: 40 × 100 = 4000

Question 18 Test 1, First QR Section

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 19 Test 1, First QR Section

1. To determine Kate's possible gross incomes, TRANSLATE (a PowerScore Solution Strategy):

Question 20 Test 1, First QR Section

1. SUPPLY (PowerScore Solution Strategy) numbers for S, T, and k:

3. Compute the percent change:

Percent change = decrease ÷ original number × 100 → 0.666 ÷ 2 × 100 → 33.333

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 1 Test 1, Second QR Section (version 1)

sum 100 + 25 + 0 + 25 + 100 250

1st term: 5 Difference from average = 15 – 5 = 10 102 = 100

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750

Question 2 Test 1, Second QR Section (version 1)

Question 3 Test 1, Second QR Section (version 1)

14.14 + 14.14 + 14.14 = 42.42

PowerScore Test Preparation (800) 545-1750