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The Problem Solving format is one of two basic ones used for GRE Quantitative (math) questions. This page lists key features of GRE Problem Solving questions. It also provides the test directions for this question format, a sample question (along with a tip for answering it), and a detailed analysis of the sample.
GRE Problem Solving — Format, Skills Tested, and Test Directions
Here are the key "specs" for GRE Problem Solving questions:
HOW MANY: 14 questions
WHERE: In the 45-minute Quantitative Ability section, mixed with Quantitative Comparison questions
FORMAT: Multiple-choice (you select one of 5 choices by clicking on an oval)
SKILLS TESTED: Your ability to reason quantitatively in solving arithmetic, algebra, and geometry problems, and your ability to interpret graphical data [list of specific areas covered]
DIRECTIONS: The following directions will appear on your screen just before your first Problem Solving question (and you can access them while tackling any Problem Solving question by clicking on the HELP button).
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Directions: Solve each problem and indicate the best of the answer choices given. Numbers: All numbers used are real numbers. Figures: A figure accompanying a problem solving question is intended to provide information useful in solving the problem. However, except where a figure is accompanied by a "Note" stating that the figure is drawn to scale, solve the problem using you knowledge of mathematics, not by visual measurement or estimation. Straight lines may sometimes appear jagged. All figures lie on a plane unless otherwise indicated.
To review these directions for subsequent questions of this type, click on HELP. |
Sample Problem Solving Question
The following question is typical of GRE Problem Solving questions. This one is slightly easier than average; about 65% of GRE test testers would answer it correctly. (You can select an answer choice by clicking on it.)
Quick Tip for Sample Question
Be careful not to inadvertently switch the x-value and y-value, and keep track of your negative signs as you do your pencil work. Careless errors are the leading cause of wrong answers in GRE Problem Solving questions!
Analysis of Sample Question
This question presents a defined operation in which your job is to apply the operation to the quantities provided. (Expect to see at least one defined operation problem on your GRE.) This problem involves just about as much pencil work as you can expect for any GRE question, yet it's not a particularly difficult problem. First, apply the defined operation to the parenthesized fractions: 
Then combine the resulting fraction with the first of the three fractions, applying the defined operation again: 
As you can see, the correct answer choice is  .
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, then 
