GMAT Math Bible - learn GRE-style analytic techniques for scoring higher

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

Guide to mastering GRE/graduate entrance quantitative reasoning through structured math training, focusing on thinking like a test writer. Explains the GRE math section format—question types, timing, and the nature of skills tested—covering foundational algebra, geometry, problem-creation methods, and learning strategies. Highlights techniques for approaching common question styles and managing difficulty, including a dedicated “very hard” set and material on how questions are constructed to reduce anxiety and improve performance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages524

Reading Time22 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Orientation

Format of the Math Sections

Level of Difficulty

Contents Overview

Part One: MATH

Substitution

Defined Functions

Math Notes

Number Theory

Quantitative Comparisons

Hard Quantitative Comparisons

Geometry

Coordinate Geometry

Elimination Strategies

Inequalities

Fractions & Decimals

Equations

Averages

Ratio & Proportion

Exponents & Roots

Factoring

Algebraic Expressions

Percents

Graphs

Word Problems

Sequences & Series

Counting

Probability & Statistics

Permutations & Combinations

Functions

Miscellaneous Problems

Part Two: SUMMARY OF MATH PROPERTIES

Part Three: DIAGNOSTIC/REVIEW TEST

Additional educational titles from Nova Press (available [at novapress.net](at novapress.net)): GRE Prep Course (624 pages, includes software) GMAT Prep Course (624 pages, includes software) GMAT Math Bible (528 pages) Master The LSAT (560 pages, includes software, and 2 official LSAT exams) The MCAT Physics Book (444 pages) The MCAT Biology Book (416 pages) The MCAT Chemistry Book (428 pages) SAT Prep Course (640 pages, includes software) SAT Math Bible (480 pages) Law School Basics: A Preview of Law School and Legal Reasoning (224 pages) Vocabulary 4000: The 4000 Words Essential for an Educated Vocabulary (160 pages) Copyright © 2008 by Nova Press All rights reserved. Duplication, distribution, or data base storage of any part of this work is prohibited without prior written approval from the publisher. ISBN 1–889057–49–5 GRE is a service mark of Educational Testing Service, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this book. Nova Press 11659 Mayfield Ave., Suite 1 Los Angeles, CA 90049 Phone: 1-800-949-6175 E-mail: [info@novapress.net](info@novapress.net) [Website: www.novapress.net](Website: www.novapress.net) iii ABOUT THIS BOOK If you don’t have a pencil in your hand, get one now! Don’t just read this book—write on it, study it, scrutinize it! In short, for the next four weeks, this book should be a part of your life. When you have finished the book, it should be marked-up, dog-eared, tattered and torn. Although the GRE is a difficult test, it is a very learnable test. This is not to say that the GRE is“beatable.” There is no bag of tricks that will show you how to master it overnight. You probably have already realized this. Some books, nevertheless, offer "inside stuff" or "tricks" which they claim will enable you to beat the test. These include declaring that answer-choices B, C, or D are more likely to be correct than choices A or E. This tactic, like most of its type, does not work. It is offered to give the student the feeling that he or she is getting the scoop on the test. The GRE cannot be “beaten.” But it can be mastered—through hard work, analytical thought, and by training yourself to think like a test writer. Many of the exercises in this book are designed to prompt you to think like a test writer. For example, you will find “Duals.” These are pairs of similar problems in which only one property is different. They illustrate the process of creating GRE questions. The GRE math sections are not easy—nor is this book. To improve your GRE math score, you must be willing to work; if you study hard and master the techniques in this book, your score will improve—significantly. This book will introduce you to numerous analytic techniques that will help you immensely, not only on the GRE but in graduate school as well. For this reason, studying for the GRE can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. To insure that you perform at your expected level on the actual GRE, you need to develop a level of mathematical skill that is greater than what is tested on the GRE. Hence, about 10% of the math problems in this book (labeled "Very Hard") are harder than actual GRE math problems. Although the quick-fix method is not offered in this book, about 15% of the material is dedicated to studying how the questions are constructed. Knowing how the problems are written and how the test writers think will give you useful insight into the problems and make them less mysterious. Moreover, familiarity with the GRE’s structure will help reduce your anxiety. The more you know about this test, the less anxious you will bethe day you take it. CONTENTS ORIENTATION 7 Part One: MATH 13 Substitution 15 Defined Functions 28 Math Notes 33 Number Theory 37 Quantitative Comparisons 56 Hard Quantitative Comparisons 71 Geometry 78 Coordinate Geometry 205 Elimination Strategies 220 Inequalities 230 Fractions & Decimals 243 Equations 259

FAQs

What question types are included in the GRE math sections?

The math section uses three question types: Quantitative Comparisons, Standard Multiple Choice, and Graphs.

How long is the GRE math section and how many questions does it contain?

The math section is 45 minutes long and contains 28 questions.

Does GRE math test advanced topics like calculus proofs?

No. It tests very basic first-year high school algebra and geometry skills, with no proofs required, even though problems may still require ingenuity.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah