GRE Quant Syllabus 2024: Quantitative Reasoning Topics

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test evaluates your ability to comprehend mathematical concepts at an elementary level, reason quantitatively, model and solve problems using quantitative techniques, and apply those skills in a practical setting. Some questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section apply to real-life situations, while others apply to pure mathematical situations. Many of the questions are “word problems,” which need to be translated and modeled mathematically.

Acing the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section requires a strategic approach that goes beyond simply memorizing GRE math formulas and equations. To truly score well in math, you need to delve into the latest GRE Quantitative Reasoning syllabus, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to tackle any problem that comes your way.

Just like any skill, mastering GRE math requires dedication and practice. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and honing your problem-solving abilities. Consistent practice, coupled with effective revision techniques, will transform you into a GRE math whiz. Yocket’s GRE Prep+ is a great way to practice the latest GRE questions and prepare well.

Read on to learn more about the GRE quantitative syllabus, including topics covered, sample questions, and more!

GRE Quantitative Syllabus and Topics

The GRE quantitative syllabus has four main sections and many sub-sections. Let us brief you about all of these sections, in order to make you understand about the GRE exam quantitative syllabus in detail:

1. GRE Arithmetic

For the GRE Arithmetic section, the following topics are tested:

• Properties and types of integers, such as divisibility, factorization, prime numbers, remainders, odd, and even integers
• Arithmetic operations, exponents, and roots
• Concepts such as estimation, percent, ratio, rate, absolute value, the number line, decimal representation, and sequences of numbers

Sample Question: A car travels at 36 kilometers per hour and 36 miles per gallon of diesel. If the car makes a journey of 4 hours, how much diesel, in liters, does it use? Assume that 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers and 1 gallon = 4 liters.

2. GRE Algebra

The GRE Algebra section covers a wide range of topics, many of which are interconnected. Most GRE algebra problems involve one or more variables. including:

• Operations with exponents
• Factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions
• Relations, functions, equations, and inequalities
• Solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities
• Solving simultaneous equations and inequalities
• Setting up equations to solve word problems
• Coordinate geometry, including graphs of functions, equations, and inequalities, and intercepts and slopes of lines

Here are four examples of algebraic expressions that may appear in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section:

1. Example A: 2x
2. Example B: y - ¼
3. Example C: w^3 z + 5z^2 - z^2 + 6
4. Example D: 8/(n + p)

The Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Second Edition, Volume 1, is a valuable resource for practicing difficult GRE algebra problems. The booklet contains both challenging questions and clear explanations.

Sample Question: If x+y=9x+y=9 and x2+y2=53x2+y2=53, where x>yx>y, what is the value of (x−y)(x−y)?

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3. GRE Geometry

GRE geometry problems are different from those in the other three quantitative reasoning sections in that they typically involve more complex visual-spatial reasoning skills. Geometry problems account for about 15% of the GRE quantitative reasoning section, and the most common questions pertain to circles and polygons. GRE geometry topics include:

• Parallel and perpendicular lines
• Circles
• Triangles (including isosceles, equilateral, and 30-60-90 triangles)
• Quadrilaterals
• Other polygons
• Congruent and similar figures
• Three-dimensional figures
• Area
• Perimeter
• Volume
• Pythagorean theorem
• Angle measurement in degrees

However, the ability to construct proofs and inferential statistics has yet to be tested. 

Sample Question: In the figure below, a square ABCD is inscribed in a circle. If the length of arc AB is 4π4π units, what is the diameter of the circle?

4. GRE Data Analysis

The GRE data analysis section contains several questions, each based on a table or graph. Examples of these questions can be found in the official GRE quantitative reasoning practice questions. For example, test takers may be asked to calculate angles on a statistical pie chart based on the data provided.

The data analysis section covers the following topics:

• Basic descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, interquartile range, quartiles, and percentiles
• Interpretation of data in tables and graphs, such as line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, box plots, scatterplots, and frequency distributions
• Elementary probability, such as probabilities of compound events and independent events, conditional probability, and random variables and probability distributions, including normal distributions
• Counting methods, such as combinations, permutations, and Venn diagrams

These topics are typically taught in high school algebra courses or introductory statistics courses.

Sample Question: The following chart shows the percent distribution of the number of candidates enrolled in a certain test-prep company from 2014 to 2017 for four courses: GMAT, GRE, SAT, and LSAT.

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The content in these areas covers high school mathematics and statistics up to and including second-year algebra. It does not include trigonometry, calculus, or other advanced mathematics.

GRE Quantitative Exam Pattern

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section consists of 40 total questions, divided into two sections of 20 questions each. Each section takes 35 minutes to complete, so the entire GRE Quantitative Reasoning section takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. There is no penalty for guessing on the GRE.

There are four types of questions in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section:

• Quantitative Comparison Questions: These questions ask you to compare two quantities using the information provided.
• Multiple-Choice Questions (Pick One Answer Choice): These questions require you to choose the one correct answer from five options.
• Numeric Entry Questions: These questions require you to enter an integer, decimal, or fraction as your answer.
• Data Interpretation Set: This set of questions is based on a single representation of information, such as a graph or a table.

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GRE Quantitative Sample Questions

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus has questions that fall into four categories:

Quantitative Comparison

Sample question:

Quantity A: The least prime number greater than 24

Quantity B: The greatest prime number less than 28

• Quantity A is greater
• Quantity B is greater
• The two quantities are equal
• A relationship cannot be established based on the information provided

One-Answer Choice Question

Sample question: If 5x+32=4-2x, what is the value of x?

• -4
• -3
• 4
• 7
• 12

One or More Answer Choice Questions

Sample question: Which of the following two numbers has a product between -1 and 0? Mark both numbers.

• –20
• –10
• 2–4
• 3–2

Numeric Entry Question

Sample question: The merchant made a profit of $5 on the sale of a sweater that cost him $15. Based on the merchant’s cost, what is the profit expressed as a percentage? Provide your answer to the nearest whole percent.

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Use of a Calculator

You are provided with a basic on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning measure. Some computations, such as long division and square roots, can be time-consuming by hand. The calculator can shorten the time it takes to perform these computations, but it is important to remember that the calculator cannot replace your knowledge of mathematics. You must use your mathematical knowledge to determine whether the calculator’s results are reasonable and how to use them to answer the question.

How to Prepare for the GRE Quantitative?

To help you prepare for the GRE quantitative reasoning syllabus, here are some study tips:

• Manage your time. The GRE quantitative reasoning section is 35 minutes long, which may or may not be enough for you. Practice time management so that you can complete the syllabus within the time frame while maintaining accuracy.
• Understand the concepts. Even though the quantitative reasoning section does not include advanced mathematics, the questions can be tricky. Make sure you understand the concepts covered in the syllabus.
• Practice regularly. The best way to prepare for the quantitative reasoning section is to practice as many questions as possible. Get familiar with the GRE format by taking practice exams under timed conditions. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you can develop a strategy for answering questions.
• Simplify word problems. Word problems can be time-consuming, so learn to simplify them into easy equations.

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From the Desk of Yocket

The GRE Quant syllabus for 2024–25 is the same as it has been for the past few years, and it covers a wide range of mathematical topics from arithmetic to data analysis. However, the questions on the exam are not simply designed to test your knowledge of these topics; they are designed to test your ability to apply your mathematical skills to solve real-world problems. The questions on the exam are typically challenging, but they are fair, and they are all based on the material that is covered in the syllabus.

When preparing for the GRE Quant section, it is important to focus on all of the topics listed above as well as on developing your quantitative reasoning skills. It is important to start preparing early and to focus on all of the topics listed on the syllabus. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your desired score.

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To fully prepare for the GRE, you must start by knowing the complete GRE Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus and strategies accordingly. You can also start preparing for your GRE exam through Yocket’s FREE GRE prep! Knowing the syllabus and exam pattern beforehand will help you ace your GRE exam, thereby getting a score unimaginable!