| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Last Updated on October 17, 2024
I regularly speak with students who ask how to get faster at GRE math. Despite the search by students from across the globe to come up with the definitive answer to the question, there is not one universal response. Instead, there are many levers you can pull to get faster when answering GRE Quant questions. This article will tackle some strategies you can implement to improve your speed, without sacrificing accuracy.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The Format of the GRE Quantitative Section
- Rushing Is Never the Answer
- Use the Navy SEAL Motto When Moving Through GRE Quant Sections
- Tip 1: Focus Only on Accuracy at the Beginning of Your Prep
- Tip 2: Know GRE Quant Like the Back of Your Hand
- Tip 3: Follow a Topical and Linear Study Plan
- Tip 4: Memorize Quant Facts, Formulas, and Equations
- Tip 5: Use Quant Flashcards to Master Key Formulas and Concepts
- Tip 6: Don’t Forget What You’ve Learned
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
First, let’s discuss the format of the GRE Quant section.
The Format of the GRE Quantitative Section
GRE Quant is made up of two sections. The first section is 21 minutes long and contains 12 questions, and the second section is 26 minutes long and contains 15 questions. Thus, you have an average of about 1 minute and 45 seconds to complete each question. However, this is just an average; you don’t have to complete each question in 1 minute and 45 seconds. Some questions may take you 20 seconds and others 3 minutes.
KEY FACT:
You have an average of 1 minute and 45 seconds per question on the GRE Quantitative section.
Another key point about the GRE Quantitative section is that you can skip and return to questions within a section. So, let’s say you don’t understand a question. You can always take a guess, mark the question for review, and then return to the question later, time permitting.
Now, before we begin our discussion about getting faster at GRE Quant, let’s discuss some things to avoid doing.
Rushing Is Never the Answer
Think about anything you do, including everyday activities such as driving, editing documents, and even cooking dinner. Would you say that hurrying produces more mistakes than taking your time? I think we all know the answer …
Solving GRE Quant questions is no different. When a student rushes through a question, the outcome is frequently a wrong answer. Rushing is a dangerous game! It teaches your brain to work irresponsibly. Thus, blindly rushing through questions will negatively impact your GRE Quant score.
TTP PRO TIP:
Blindly rushing will not do your quant score any favors on test day.
Use the Navy SEAL Motto When Moving Through GRE Quant Sections
So, what have we learned thus far? First, furiously rushing through GRE Quant won’t do you any good. If the point of the GRE were just to get to the finish line, then perhaps we’d be having a different conversation. However, on the GRE, you need to work efficiently and accurately. So, I tell all my students to follow the Navy SEAL motto when moving through GRE Quant: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.”
In other words, taking your time will lead to consistent results, and thus fewer mistakes.
However, let’s make one thing clear. When I say “slowly,” I don’t mean that you have all the time in the world. We could replace the word “slow” with “methodical” to be more precise. The overall point is, don’t rush for the sake of rushing. Be deliberate and calculated with every move.
TTP PRO TIP:
Having a methodical and deliberate pace will allow you to move efficiently and accurately through GRE Quant.
Next, let’s discuss some GRE math tips for becoming efficient and accurate.
Tip 1: Focus Only on Accuracy at the Beginning of Your Prep
We all know that the GRE is a timed exam. However, when first starting your quant prep, you shouldn’t worry about speed. Instead, your initial priority should be correctly answering questions.
Moving too quickly will lead to careless mistakes, disorganized thinking, and a loss of focus. When your brain is processing information more quickly than it should be, you are almost certain to make mistakes. Therefore, it makes sense to work at a slower pace, enabling you to comfortably understand new information and answer questions accurately.
As you accurately answer questions and develop confidence and knowledge, you will naturally get faster at answering questions.
TTP PRO TIP:
When first learning GRE Quant, focus on accuracy instead of speed.
Tip 2: Know GRE Quant Like the Back of Your Hand
I will make an obvious point, but it still needs to be said. The more in tune you are with GRE Quant, the faster and more accurate you will be. Super obvious, right? Well, you would not believe how many students do not see this aspect of their GRE prep as part of the equation for getting faster. Instead, students think that they can flip a switch and make themselves faster. In other words, they ignore the fact that their lack of speed is partly due to a lack of content mastery.
TTP PRO TIP:
The more you master GRE Quant, the faster you will be.
So, let’s discuss a great way to master GRE Quant.
Tip 3: Follow a Topical and Linear Study Plan
There is a ton to learn to succeed on GRE Quant. Following a topical study plan is a great way to learn so much information. For example, is it practical for you to move from Geometry to Number Properties to Probability all in one study session? Of course not!
Mastering each GRE Quant topic takes time and care. So, initially focus on just one topic at a time, until you have it mastered. In other words, when learning any GRE Quant concept, first learn all you can about that topic, and then practice in just that topic until you have achieved mastery.
Consider a topic many GRE students initially struggle with: units digit patterns. I’m sure the first time you saw a units digit patterns question, you were unsure of how to handle it. However, imagine if you were to concentrate on learning only units digit patterns. Then after your learning, you practiced 20+ units digit patterns questions. After such dedicated learning and practice, you would be able to quickly answer any units digit patterns question that came your way.
This is just one example, but I think you get the point. Concentrating on one topic at a time allows you to master that topic.
TTP PRO TIP:
To truly master GRE Quant, engage in topical learning and practice.
Now, let’s discuss how topical learning can make you faster.
A Benefit of Topical Learning: Recognition and Execution
We’ve discussed topical learning as a fantastic method for mastering GRE Quant. Additionally, topical learning results in greater speed when solving GRE Quant questions.
The purpose of topical learning is to make you an expert in the topic you are learning. As an expert, you develop the ability to quickly recognize the concept being asked and execute a plan of attack to solve the problem.
For example, take Geometry. Imagine how quickly and accurately you could answer Geometry questions if you spent hours learning all the Geometry concepts and formulas, and then practiced 100+ Geometry questions. Then, whether you saw a question on inscribed shapes, right triangles, or circles, you’d be able to recognize the concept tested and execute a solution.
TTP PRO TIP:
Proper recognition and execution will allow you to answer GRE Quant questions quickly.
Let’s practice with a couple of examples.
Example 1
40% of the cars manufactured in a certain factory weigh 3,000 pounds, and 60% of the cars manufactured in the same factory weigh 3,600 pounds.
Quantity A:
The average weight of all the cars manufactured in the factory
Quantity B:
3,300
Solution:
Recognition: If you have weighted averages down cold, you should be able to quickly recognize that you are dealing with a weighted average question.
Execution: Once you recall that the average weight of all the cars can be expressed as a weighted average of the 3,000-pound cars and the 3,600-pound cars, you can execute by using properties of the weighted average to find the answer.
Now, let’s discuss how to solve the above Quantitative Comparison problem.
Remember that the weighted average of two different data points will be closer to the data point with the greater number of observations or with the greater weighted percentage.
In this case, since there are more 3,600-pound cars (60%) than 3,000-pound cars (40%), the weighted average will be closer to 3,600 than to 3,000.
Since the average of 3,000 and 3,600 is 3,300, the weighted average must be greater than 3,300.
Answer: A
Example 2
According to the weather forecast, the probabilities of rain on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are 1/7, 1/6, and 2/9, respectively. What is the probability that it rains on at least one of these three days?
- 2/7
- 4/9
- 5/9
- 8/11
- 10/23
Solution:
Recognition: If you have probability down cold, you should be able to quickly recognize that you are dealing with an “at least one” probability question.
Execution: Once you recognize that you have an “at least one” probability question, you execute by applying a specific formula used in such problems.
Now, let’s discuss how to solve the above problem.
We will use the following formula:
P(rain on at least one day) + P(no rain) = 1
If we can calculate the probability that it does not rain at all during the three days, we can simply subtract that number from 1 to find the answer.
Since the probabilities of rain on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are 1/7, 1/6, and 2/9, respectively, the probabilities that it does not rain on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are 6/7, 5/6, and 7/9, respectively. Thus, the probability that it does not rain at all during the three days is 6/7 * 5/6 * 7/9 = 5/9. It follows that the probability that it rains on at least one of these days is 1 – 5/9 = 4/9.
Answer: B
Tip 4: Memorize Quant Facts, Formulas, and Equations
I often discuss with students the fact that no matter how nuanced or seemingly insignificant a formula may seem, you could need it for your GRE.
So, using these formulas effortlessly will tremendously boost your speed and accuracy on GRE Quant. To get a better idea of what I mean, let’s go through a few examples in which knowing a few nifty formulas can save you a lot of time when answering questions.
Example 1
What is the area of the equilateral triangle ABC above?
- 2√3
- 3√2
- 4√3
- 5√2
- 5√3
Solution:
What You Should Memorize: The area of an equilateral triangle with a side length of n is (n2 √3)/4. Knowing that fact will allow you to answer this question within seconds!
Now, let’s move to the solution.
Since the area of an equilateral triangle with a side length of n is (n2 √3)/4, we substitute n = 4 in this formula. We will obtain (42 √3)/4 = 4√3, which is answer choice C.
Answer: C
Example 2
Quantity A:
The number of positive factors of 36
Quantity B:
9
Solution:
What You Should Memorize: To find the number of factors of an integer, we should increase each of the exponents of the primes in the prime factorization of that number by one, and multiply them together. Using this fact, this question can be answered in a matter of seconds.
Now, let’s move on to the solution.
The prime factorization of 36 is 22 × 32.
Increasing each exponent by one and multiplying, we see that 36 has (2 + 1) × (2 + 1) = 3 × 3 = 9 positive factors. We see that quantity A is equal to quantity B. Thus, the correct answer is choice C: the two quantities are equal.
Answer: C
Example 3
What is the average of all positive multiples of 5 less than 1,000?
- 460
- 470
- 480
- 490
- 500
Solution:
What You Should Memorize: In an evenly spaced set of integers, the average of the set is equal to the average of the smallest and the largest element. If you know this fact, you can answer this question within seconds.
Now, let’s move on to the solution.
Since the multiples of 5 form an evenly spaced set, the average of the positive multiples of 5 that are less than 1,000 is the average of the smallest and the largest elements in this set. The smallest positive multiple of 5 is 5, and the largest multiple of 5 less than 1,000 is 995. Thus, the average of all positive multiples of 5 less than 1,000 is (995 + 5)/2 = 1,000/2 = 500.
Answer: E
Tip 5: Use Quant Flashcards to Master Key Formulas and Concepts
We can all agree that knowledge of the content will help you solve GRE Quant problems more quickly. One great way to master so much information is to make and use flashcards.
As you move through your prep, you will see that there are many tedious but significant formulas and concepts to memorize. Studying your flashcards is a great way to do so.
For example, there is no point in wasting 30 seconds of valuable time recalling that the sum of exterior angles of any polygon is 360 degrees. Instead, you want this knowledge at the forefront of your mind, so you can immediately access and use it.
TTP PRO TIP:
Flashcards are a great tool to help memorize key formulas and concepts.
Let’s now discuss how you should use your flashcards.
Best Practices of Using GRE Quant Flashcards
One key benefit of GRE flashcards is that you can use them anytime and anywhere. Taking the bus to work? Pull out your flashcards! Waiting in line at a store? Pull out your flashcards!
In short, flashcards allow you to study on the go. Thus, GRE studying can extend beyond sitting down at your desk. Imagine how much extra study time you can fit in with flashcards. Even if you can study for just an additional 15 minutes every day, seven days a week, you will get in 7 x 15 = 105 minutes of extra study time each week!
TTP PRO TIP:
Take advantage of extra study time “on the go” by using flashcards.
As you progress through your studying, the number of flashcards you have will increase. As that happens, sort your flashcards into two piles. One pile should contain the flashcards on the concepts you’ve mastered, and the other pile should contain the flashcards on the concepts you haven’t mastered. Concentrate on the “not mastered” pile to accelerate your learning. Less often, review your “mastered” pile to avoid forgetting the material that you previously learned.
Tip 6: Don’t Forget What You’ve Learned
Once again, I may be stating the obvious, but I will say it anyway. If you forget what you have learned as you progress through GRE Quant, then you will not be able to answer questions quickly on test day.
So to ensure that too much material is not forgotten, revisit your notes or flashcards on previous topics often. Work on mixed-topic problem sets as well.
For example, consider a scenario in which it has been over a month since you completed linear and quadratic equations and exponents. It would be a good idea to complete a mixed problem set covering those topics to ensure that concepts have not fallen through the cracks. Using the data from that problem set, you can easily identify the areas that need work before you move on.
You will rinse and repeat this process for other topics as you move through your study plan. By engaging in all of this review, you can ensure that all GRE Quant topics remain in the forefront of your mind, allowing you to answer questions with speed and precision.
TTP PRO TIP:
Be sure to do mixed problem sets as you move through your study plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s answer some common questions about the GRE math sections.
Is GRE Math Getting Tougher?
The GRE math difficulty level has not changed in many years. What gives most students a challenge, rather, is the way in which the math is tested on the GRE.
First, the change from one topic to the next on consecutive questions can be very disconcerting. For example, question 1 might be factoring, question 2 might be geometry, and question 3 could be probability.
Second, the Quantitative Comparison question type is unique to the GRE. Thus, you need to practice many QC questions to become competent at the logic needed to successfully answer QC questions.
How Much Time Should I Spend on Each Question?
GRE Quant is made up of two sections. The first section is 21 minutes long and contains 12 questions, and the second section is 26 minutes long and contains 15 questions. Thus, you have an average of about 1 minute and 45 seconds to complete each question. However, this is just an average; you don’t have to complete each question in 1 minute and 45 seconds. Some questions may take you 20 seconds and others 3 minutes.
How Long Should I Study for the GRE Math Section?
Every student’s study requirements are unique, so there is no one answer to this question. The variables affecting the length of time needed for GRE prep include your math background, how many hours you can commit to studying each week, your baseline score, your target score, and your motivation. It could take as little as one month to as many as six months to adequately prepare for your GRE.
Key Takeaways
Here is a summary of tips you can use during your GRE prep in order to answer quant questions faster:
- Your first priorities should be accuracy and competence rather than speed.
- Knowing the material cold allows you to quickly know the correct approach for solving a problem.
- Use a topical study plan, which allows for the development of quick recognition and execution skills.
- Memorize facts, formulas, and equations.
- Use flashcards to support your learning and memorization.
- Do mixed practice review sets periodically to keep from forgetting material you previously learned.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to get faster at GRE Quant, you may want to check out these tips on increasing your speed in GRE Verbal.
Also, check out this article for expert advice on improving your overall GRE score.
