GRE Quantitative Reasoning

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as to solve problems using mathematical concepts.

Advanced Topics

Word Problems and Quantitative Comparisons

Applying Math to Real-Life Scenarios

Word problems ask you to translate everyday situations into mathematical equations, while quantitative comparison questions require you to evaluate two quantities and determine their relationship.

Approaching Word Problems

  • Identify what is being asked.
  • Assign variables to unknowns.
  • Write equations based on the information given.

Quantitative Comparison

GRE presents two columns (A and B) and asks if A is greater, B is greater, they are equal, or if the relationship cannot be determined.

Tips

  • Estimate when possible.
  • Plug in numbers to test relationships.
  • Be cautious of hidden constraints or special cases.

Examples

  • If a car travels 60 miles in 1.5 hours, what is its average speed?

  • Compare the value of \( x^2 \) when \( x = 2 \) and \( x = -2 \).

In a Nutshell

These questions test your ability to model and compare real-world quantitative scenarios.