Unlock GRE math mastery with real-world shortcuts
Erfun Geula, founder of GRE Compass, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading GRE tutors. A Yale honors graduate with a perfect GRE score, Erfun has dedicated the past 13 years to full-time GRE and GMAT tutoring, with over 15 years and 15,000 hours of teaching experience behind him. A proud self-described GRE enthusiast, he is the author McGraw Hill’s Preparation for the GRE, a 500+ page guide now in its 8th edition with more than 80,000 copies sold worldwide.
Top GRE quant question types to practice
Key takeaways
- Percent problems require attention to what the percent is based on: always double-check the reference point to avoid mistakes.
- Recognizing patterns and underlying mathematics increases speed and demonstrates deeper understanding.
- A solid foundation is necessary for confidently solving unfamiliar question types.
- Studying essential topics in depth is more effective than trying to cover all possible question variations.
For many test-takers, the GRE’s Quantitative Reasoning section isn’t just about solving math problems; success lies in knowing what to study and how to handle an assortment of question formats. The exam covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis in ways that often catch students off guard. Focusing on the most frequent topics and understanding their importance helps you get the most from your preparation and maximize your study time.
Mastering percentages
Percentages show up throughout the GRE, but you need more than rote memorization to succeed. The essential skill is understanding each question’s logic: especially, clearly identifying "percent of what?" Many mistakes come from using the wrong denominator. For instance, “What percent is 15 of 60?” means dividing 15 by 60, while "By what percent is 60 greater than 15?" requires you to divide by 15.
Even small wording changes can alter your approach and affect the calculation. GRE questions are designed to test your attentiveness, so it’s crucial to read carefully and confirm what the percent refers to.
Although calculators can be helpful, depending on them too much may slow you down or prevent you from spotting quick solutions. Many GRE percent questions reward those who can estimate, see relationships, and recognize shortcuts. For example, if you increase a number by 10% and then decrease it by 10%, you won’t end up where you started. Grasping how percent changes interact will help you sidestep common mistakes.
Keep this key formula handy:
Percent change = ((new - original) / original) * 100
By noticing recurring patterns, such as realizing that matched percent increases and decreases always result in a net decrease, you’ll work through problems faster and with greater accuracy.
To excel at percent questions, practice careful reading, logical reasoning, and mental math whenever possible. These habits not only prepare you for the GRE but also build your real-world quantitative reasoning skills.
Recognizing patterns and structure
To get faster at solving GRE questions, practice spotting patterns rather than focusing solely on formulas. Learn to identify familiar structures that repeat across problems. For example, recognizing ( x² - 9 ) and immediately factoring it as ((x-3)(x+3)) can save valuable seconds and reduce mistakes.
In number theory, an expression like (2⁴ x 3²) is already in a convenient form that allows you to count its divisors efficiently. These recognizable patterns appear frequently and simplify problem-solving.
In geometry, keep in mind that GRE diagrams are only representations. Never assume lines are perpendicular or equal unless this information is explicitly stated in the question. Trust the details provided, not just the way the diagram looks.
Recognizing patterns goes beyond calculation; it means truly understanding the concepts. Get in the habit of identifying relationships within problems, breaking down complex expressions, and searching for efficient solutions. This will help you steer clear of typical mistakes while making the most of your time.
Building conceptual foundations
Real math skill comes from understanding principles, not just memorizing steps. Knowing why a method works and how formulas relate to larger ideas equips you to handle new or unexpected questions, which is a core part of the GRE.
For instance, thinking about absolute value as "distance from zero" on a number line, rather than just dealing with negatives, makes these problems much easier to solve. In statistics, being able to explain how mean, median, and mode respond to data changes, such as the effect of outliers, allows you to apply these concepts flexibly.
A strong conceptual foundation helps you adapt quickly when questions look unfamiliar or introduce twists. You build this by asking questions, finding links between topics, and practicing with varied problem types instead of sticking to just one format.
Efficient problem-solving strategies
On the GRE, mastering core topics is worth more than spreading your efforts across every possible content area. Concentrate on frequently tested subjects, such as combinatorics, probability, and translating word problems into equations, to equip yourself for a wide range of problems.
Mastering permutations and combinations, for example, prepares you to answer nearly any question about arrangements or groupings. Similarly, becoming comfortable turning word problems into algebra makes many quant questions easier, especially when the wording disguises the underlying math.
While it’s tempting to dig into rare topics just in case they appear, statistics show you’ll see the greatest benefit by focusing on the fundamentals. Practice the key areas and sharpen your methods, such as using systematic casework in combinatorics, to develop both depth and efficiency for test day.
Key principle: Focus on method, not memorization
Achieving a top GRE Quant score isn’t about cramming countless formulas or reaching for your calculator at every step. True success comes from deeply understanding core concepts and tackling problems with strategic thinking. When you grasp the reasoning behind formulas, spot patterns quickly, and break down word problems effectively, you’ll feel prepared even for challenging or unfamiliar questions.
Throughout your studies, aim to develop adaptable habits: analyze each problem, pick the best strategy for the situation, and draw connections across different math topics. This not only boosts your GRE results but also lays the groundwork for handling quantitative challenges in graduate school and in your future career.
