need help for math section gre!

[runner123]

Hi, I am preparing for the GRE and have recently taken two practice tests. Prior to taking the first practice test I only studied a bit for the verbal and got a 580 verbal, 470 math. I continued to study mainly for the verbal portion and a little math and scored 640 verbal and 400 in the math section. So overall, my score on the first test was 1050 and my score on the second test was 1040. I understand that my verbal score may have increased because I have been studying more for that section, but I am confused why my math score decreased. Is it possible that I was given an easier verbal section and a harder math section on the second test? Anyway, it seems that most people do much better on math and my main problem is that I can't remember the "rules" for simple algebra and geometry problems. Like in triangle problems, I can't remember which side should be longest, etc. I am very stressed out about this math score especially since I did pretty good in the math courses I have taken. Does anyone have any hints or tips for me to improve this section? Obviously I am going to have to start studying seriously for it. Did anyone else have a hard time with the math section and then improve their score? Please help! Thanks!

[dakini]

Hey Runner123,

The math really isn't that bad. I am awful at math and scored 710 on the GRE the other day (my diagnostic was 540). But you do have to remember the rules. Here's the triangle ones:

1. Pythag ratios: 3:4:5 and 5:12:13

2. difference of other two sides < third side < sum of other two sides

3. with isoceles triangle w/ a 90 degree angle, the side ratios are x:xroot2

4. a triangle w/ 30, 60, and 90 degree angles, the side ratios are x:2x:xroot3

5. area of triangle: 1/2basexheight

6. third side squared = square root of other 2 sides squared

You just have to practice more and you'll get the hang of it.

Remember, with the Quant comparisons, watch out for squares and square roots b/c these have 2 answers so often cannot be determined (Ans:D). If you do not have enough equations to solve for the same no. of variables, the answer is also D.

Other tips:

(a) don't calculate, estimate
(b) remember you shouldn't have to do much calculation to get the answer - this is why you MUST remember the concepts, they are the key to success (e.g. I had multiplication rules in my GRE)

Good luck!

PS. You may want to do more exercises, there is a book on amazon that covers math concepts for SAT, GRE etc. You should buy that and practice w/ it. Its called the ULTIMATE MATH REFRESHER and will help you remember the stuff you need. There is calculation involved but while that part is not necessary for the GRE it will be good prep. That's what I did and look what happened to my score!
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Nerd in Disguise