March 2016
The Quantitative Reasoning measure of the GRE revised general test assesses your basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts and the ability to reason quantitatively, and to model and solve problems with quantitative methods.
The Quantitative Reasoning measure has four types of questions
Quantitative Comparison questions
Multiple-choice questions- Select one answer choice
Multiple-choice questions- Select one or more answer choices
Numeric entry questions
Each question appears either independently as a discrete question or as part of a set of questions called data interpretation. All of the questions are based on the same data presented in tables, graphs or other displays of data
In the computer based test, you are allowed to use a basic calculator- provided on screen, on the Quantitative Reasoning measure
Quantitative Comparison Questions
Questions of this type will ask you to compare two quantities and then determine which of the statements describes the comparison
Tips for Answering
Quantitative Comparison questions usually have the same answer choices, so ensure that you go through every answer choice
Do not spend time solving computations, simply transform or estimate the given quantities only as much as is necessary to compare them
If one or both numbers are algebraic expressions, you can substitute easy numbers for the variables and compare the resulting quantities in your analysis
If both the quantities are algebraic or arithmetic expressions, and you cannot establish a relationship, try to simplify the comparison
Multiple choice questions- Select one answer choice
In multiple choice questions, ensure that you select only one answer choice
Your answer is in one of the five options, ensure that you read the question properly, and do not miss out on any important detail
Consider each of your answer choices separately, determine if you can make a relationship between the choices that will help you find the answer
Scan the choices, before solving the problem to get a better sense of what the question is asking
Multiple choice questions- Select one or more answer choices
These questions ask you to select one or more answer choices from the given list. A question may or may not specify the number of choices to select. These questions are marked with square boxes beside the answer choices, not circles or ovals
Consider all of the choices, determine the ones that are correct and select them. In some cases, there may be only one correct choice
Knowing the least or greatest possible value may enable you to quickly determine all the choices that are correct
Avoid lengthy calculations by recognizing and continuing numerical patterns
Numeric Entry questions
Questions of this type ask you to either enter your answer as an integer or a decimal in a single answer box or enter it as a fraction in two separate boxes, one for the numerator and one for the denominator
Considering there are no answer choices to guide you, read the question thoroughly and make sure you provide the type of answer required
If you are asked to round your answer, make sure that you round it to the required degree of accuracy. If no rounding instructions are given, enter the exact number
Examine your answer to see if it is reasonable with respect to the information given. Always double check your answer