Mastering Quantitative Comparison in GRE test (Tips and Tricks)

The quantitative comparison reasoning of quantitative reasoning or math section of GRE Test is to be formulated with stipulated strategies and perpetual practices. The notions with right steps to learn the strategies with a view to be adapted with the quantitative ambiance make anyone enable to explore the elegance of understanding from the data, equations, numbers, and formulas with an attitude of logical and quantitative reasoning.

GRE test consists of two Quantitative Reasoning sections. Each section contains 20 questions, of which seven to eight are Quantitative Comparisons. In addition to Quantitative Comparisons, Quant reasoning consists of problem-solving questions e.g: single choice, multiple choice and Numeric Entry, Data Interpretation questions. Every test taker will have a grand total of about 15 Quantitative Comparisons while taking the GRE. So it is very transparent that quantitative comparisons from math section of GRE cover a significant portion of the test.

Each Quantitative Comparisons consist of two quantities: Quantity A and Quantity B which are usually provided with a description, such as an equation, a diagram, pair of coordinates a couple of sentences describing a remarked rule. The function is to compare the two quantities & then determine which of four statements given below that describes the comparison :

1. Quantity A is greater.

2. Quantity B is greater.

3. The two quantities are equal.

4. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Quantitative Comparisons encircles a wide range of topics having arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis where the answer choices above are the same 4 choices for all Quantitative Comparison questions, regardless the types encircled. One should be adapted to the important remarks and necessary notions to navigate the quantitative comparison from the center to the circumstances as a whole with the uniform radius of efficacy and smart strategies:

Utilize memory to save time

• In a typical examination, each quantitative section consists of 20 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. So anyone will have between 1.5 and 2 minutes to answer each question. One’ll have to limit the time spent on each math question. Therefore, one can decrease the time to answer Quantitative Comparison questions by memorizing the 4 answer choices which are same for all questions.

• Though GRE on-screen calculator allows simple calculations, one should try to avoid using it every now and then. Indeed, an examinee should only need it for a couple of questions. So, each of us should practice functioning simple & possible conversions and mathematics by the potential and resonance of the neuron nurtured in our brain.

Diagnose genre of each math question

The genre of math questions is usually divided into 4 general portions to set the GRE test :

1. Arithmetic

2. Algebra

3. Geometry

4. Data Analysis

• Arithmetic and algebra questions usually contain equations and inequalities while geometry questions contain diagrams of shapes and data analysis questions contain tables and graphs.

• Anticipation of the sorts of rules, formulas, equations or strategies can be possible by being aware of the genre of math to trigger a problem specifically e.g: If one appears questions with shapes, it can be expected to have to calculate areas, volume, perimeters, circumferences or if the questions are set from data analysis, one needs to be focused to deal with means, medians, modes, and other statistical concepts.

Figure out the fit formula

• One can practice to figure it out that which particular formula fit the question to compare and solve it. Many Quantitative Comparison questions can easily be solved by a simple formula. In GRE test the formulas regarding slope, perimeter, area, circumference, volume, surface area are actively provided and so one should utilize the power of memory to apply the formula particularly to fit with a view to finding the answer.

Consider each information with question

• All the given information for a Quant Comparision question has to be considered to answer it correctly and confidently. Variables, key numbers or phrases from the quant question are to be written down instantly on the scratch pad. QC questions have slight difference from Problem Solving questions where one often doesn’t require to deal with any math to solve.

Substitute numbers to check consistency

• If one or both of the quantities are algebraic expressions in quant comparison then one needs to start substituting easy numbers (0 or 1) for the variables and compare the resulting quantities with logical analysis. All kinds of appropriate numbers before giving an answer: e.g., zero, positive and negative numbers, fractions and decimals are to be considered to step onward.

• If you’re only given a single value to work with, such as x, it’s imperative to substitute in at least two different numbers to check if the result remains consistent for both cases. If not, the correct answer will be “D: The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.”

Draw draft diagrams

• Drawing a diagram as a draft is an especially helpful method when faced with a Quantitative Comparison focusing on geometry. The shapes drawn according to the description in a problem aids one to visualize instantly the specific formulas to be applied to relevant relationships to crack the comparison with the correct choice of answer.

Elucidate the algebraic expressions

• If the two quantities have the same variables then the algebraic comparison can be elucidated and cleared by making it simplified or segmented to compare the two quantities with ease and comfort within a short period of time.

Practice premises to pave the pathway

• My Study Notebook: An amiable guiding website for practice and model exams to excel the stepwise path of higher education from decision making to university admission. They have the comprehensive practice and model test module for GRE preparation. http://mystudynotebook.com/gre-practice/

• ETS Power Prep II: A software provided by ETS to have free practice tests to prepare for the computer-delivered GRE general test.

• ETS Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions: A book to practice with the standard of real GRE general test

• GRE 5 lb Manhattan Prep: Books of GRE practice problems with more than 2000+ examples and explanations.

The navigation in the pathway of preparation and test for Quantitative Comparision can be aided with alacrity when one can make the notions and strategies practiced and utilized in a potential way.