MakeItHappen 15 #26 December 27, 2005 Quote You are not talking about me. I love class and learning. So, sorry that my post is something that seems to have bothered you by me asking for a refresher. Of course not. It was a generalized statement. Why are you so defensive? Just out of curiosity, why do you think that your post 'bothered' me? I gave my 2 cent refresher course, not the fish, but the fishing technique. Operator rules, operator precedence and one. That's it for 90% of algebra. I teach. I do not give out fish. I am sure that if I had verbally tutored you (lead you along the path my first post said) that you would have figured out the solution and remembered it better. I'm still not going to do your homework. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #27 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuote You are not talking about me. I love class and learning. So, sorry that my post is something that seems to have bothered you by me asking for a refresher. Of course not. It was a generalized statement. Why are you so defensive? Just out of curiosity, why do you think that your post 'bothered' me? I gave my 2 cent refresher course, not the fish, but the fishing technique. Operator rules, operator precedence and one. That's it for 90% of algebra. I teach. I do not give out fish. I am sure that if I had verbally tutored you (lead you along the path my first post said) that you would have figured out the solution and remembered it better. I'm still not going to do your homework. . Gag. The old "(doing some heinously-annoying set of calculations) is left as an exercise to the reader." thing. Yuk!!! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #28 December 27, 2005 QuoteI teach. I do not give out fish. I am sure that if I had verbally tutored you (lead you along the path my first post said) that you would have figured out the solution and remembered it better. I'm still not going to do your homework. From this statement I get the impression that you don't approve with my approach to this situation. I didn't approach her problems as "homework" I took it as "Hey, I've done this before... but its been a while... and I want a refresher on the approach to solving these types of problems. In the process of explaining it I can provide the answers because the focus is on the "process" not the problem. In a "face to face" interaction I may approach the problem differently because the situation would be more dynamic... Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #29 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteI teach. I do not give out fish. I am sure that if I had verbally tutored you (lead you along the path my first post said) that you would have figured out the solution and remembered it better. I'm still not going to do your homework. From this statement I get the impression that you don't approve with my approach to this situation. I do not follow this logic at all. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #30 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteI teach. I do not give out fish. I am sure that if I had verbally tutored you (lead you along the path my first post said) that you would have figured out the solution and remembered it better. I'm still not going to do your homework. From this statement I get the impression that you don't approve with my approach to this situation. I do not follow this logic at all. . I do, but I'm not going to explain it because I'm sure it would be the kind of explanation that would turn people off to explanations. On second thought, what you propose is the equivalent of describing the action of walking to someone, then expecting them to walk across a busy street unassisted. Icon134 is a bit more humane in his approach. He recognizes that what is needed is a bit of "physical therapy/rehab" for someone who is re-learning how to walk, and is guidng them each step of the way. What he is suggesting is that in person, he might pick up on cues that indicate that not as much help is needed. I hope this explanation doesn't scar you for life and turn you off to all future explanations. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #31 December 27, 2005 Quote Gag. The old "(doing some heinously-annoying set of calculations) is left as an exercise to the reader." thing. Yuk!!! Every time a professor said 'it can be shown' I wrote down ICBS in my notes. Strange thing is that, those exercises did show the reader what was involved and reinforced the assumptions that went into the calculation. I'll admit, I was one of those that wrote out the equations to show that it can be shown. So I'm a nerd? . .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #32 December 27, 2005 QuoteI do not follow this logic at all. Most people don't follow my logic... so... don't worry yourself about it... Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #33 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuote Gag. The old "(doing some heinously-annoying set of calculations) is left as an exercise to the reader." thing. Yuk!!! Every time a professor said 'it can be shown' I wrote down ICBS in my notes. Strange thing is that, those exercises did show the reader what was involved and reinforced the assumptions that went into the calculation. I'll admit, I was one of those that wrote out the equations to show that it can be shown. So I'm a nerd? . . I was going to say that in an earlier post. I think you are indeed a nerd. No offense intended, but you know those guys who go to football games, take off their shirts and paint their team's colors all over their faces and chests and bellies? Well, I can see you doing that with pi!!! I can see you giving a one-person standing ovation as someone writes "Q.E.D" at the end of a mathematical proof. In one algebra class I took, the instructor did a flawed proof that "proved" that 0 = 1. (I'm sure you've seen it before.) He introduced it as a "party joke". I spent the rest of the class visualizing the kinds of parties he went to. Let me tell you, they weren't exactly my kind of parties! I'm sure you've seen that cartoon where there are a few equations on a chalkboard, then "...and a miracle suddently occurs!", and then the answer? That's more my speed. As I say, no offense intended, but at least compared to me, you are a super-nerd. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #34 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI teach. I do not give out fish. I am sure that if I had verbally tutored you (lead you along the path my first post said) that you would have figured out the solution and remembered it better. I'm still not going to do your homework. From this statement I get the impression that you don't approve with my approach to this situation. I do not follow this logic at all. . I do, but I'm not going to explain it because I'm sure it would be the kind of explanation that would turn people off to explanations. On second thought, what you propose is the equivalent of describing the action of walking to someone, then expecting them to walk across a busy street unassisted. Icon134 is a bit more humane in his approach. He recognizes that what is needed is a bit of "physical therapy/rehab" for someone who is re-learning how to walk, and is guidng them each step of the way. What he is suggesting is that in person, he might pick up on cues that indicate that not as much help is needed. I hope this explanation doesn't scar you for life and turn you off to all future explanations. Walt I thought I would never say this, but I miss the debates with CRWMike and Mr MOM. They at least were logical, albeit not always civil. WTF cares about the civility anyway? .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #35 December 27, 2005 Oh GAWD--this raises the possibility of algebra help getting moved to Speakers Corner. There is something really wrong with that! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #36 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteI do not follow this logic at all. Most people don't follow my logic... so... don't worry yourself about it... I follow it. Should I start to worry or can I just pretend it didn't happen and expect to be ok when I wake up? Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #37 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteI do not follow this logic at all. Most people don't follow my logic... so... don't worry yourself about it... I follow it. Should I start to worry or can I just pretend it didn't happen and expect to be ok when I wake up? Walt hmmmm... I can answer this multiple ways... Nope, I wouldn't worry... the universe will still go on...Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #38 December 27, 2005 QuoteI was going to say that in an earlier post. I think you are indeed a nerd. No offense intended, but you know those guys who go to football games, take off their shirts and paint their team's colors all over their faces and chests and bellies? Well, I can see you doing that with pi!!! uh-huh!?! Well, I think you assume all nerds are male. That would be a bad assumption in this case. ICBS…. QuoteI can see you giving a one-person standing ovation as someone writes "Q.E.D" at the end of a mathematical proof. I would be more likely to say 'All that work for nothing.' when they showed x=0. I am sorry you had a bad education, but not everyone experiences the world the way you did.. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #39 December 27, 2005 QuoteI once co-authored a research paper in a geology journal, and the mathematics content was pretty serious: integral equations, linear algebra (tensor transformations), group theory and spherical trig for starters. ... UGH! That's why I never want to be a math or physics professor. The professor (actually he's a doctor so I'm always alternating between calling him Professor and Doctor) that is teaching the "Math for Geologists" class is the same professor that is teaching my physics 201 class in the fall. He taught my physics 100 class over the summer and his teaching methods are wonderful. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #40 December 27, 2005 I do not want you or anyone to give me the fish. I do not want you or anyone to do my homework. It has been 19.5 years since I graduated from high school (and had high school math). It has been 13 years since I took any math classes in college. What I like and appreciate about Walt and Icon's posts are.... They give me the explanation and the why's/wherefore's and steps to solve the problem. I could care less if they gave me the answer as that is not what I was looking for. You keep mentioning giving me the fish/doing my homework. Not what I asked for. I know hardly anything about fishing, but a person who is trying to remind me how to fish would probably start out with (and skip stuff when they realize that I understand that part...).... [fishing stuff] 1. Go to outdoor store and buy fishing pole. a. explanation of different types of poles and which would be good with what types of fish b. explanation of fishing line and what pound the line should be c. explanation of lure/no lure d. explanation of bait/no bait e. explanation of bobber/no bobber 2. Once fishing pole has been purchased, explain rules/regs behind fishing a. fishing license purchased b. fishing for correct fish - (ensuring fish are in season) c. explaning how to get fish to bite. etc.... [/end fishing stuff] That is what I like and appreciate about the posts that Walt and Icon did. Your posts making statements about doing my homework for me or giving me the fish does not match what I expected/wanted. And defensive...hmmm...I didn't consider my post to you defensive, I considered it a disagreement with something you stated.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #41 December 27, 2005 You should ask my 17 YO daughter. She just got an 800 on her math SAT. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #42 December 27, 2005 Congrats to your daughter! I just love seeing proud parents. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #43 December 27, 2005 QuoteYou should ask my 17 YO daughter. She just got an 800 on her math SAT. She must take after Valinda, then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #44 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteI once co-authored a research paper in a geology journal, and the mathematics content was pretty serious: integral equations, linear algebra (tensor transformations), group theory and spherical trig for starters. ... UGH! That's why I never want to be a math or physics professor. The professor (actually he's a doctor so I'm always alternating between calling him Professor and Doctor) that is teaching the "Math for Geologists" class is the same professor that is teaching my physics 201 class in the fall. He taught my physics 100 class over the summer and his teaching methods are wonderful. I guess my point is that I see no difference between math for (serious) geologists and any other math. Geology isn't just looking at pretty rocks. Here's the reference: H.-R. Wenk, K. Pawlik, J. Pospiech and J.S. Kallend (1994) Deconvolution of superposed pole figures by discrete OD methods: Comparison of ADC and WIMV for quartz and calcite with trigonal crystal and triclinic specimen symmetry. Textures and Microstructures 22, 233-260.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #45 December 27, 2005 Quote She must take after Valinda, then. Yep, thank God for that. <<>>> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,027 #46 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteI once co-authored a research paper in a geology journal, and the mathematics content was pretty serious: integral equations, linear algebra (tensor transformations), group theory and spherical trig for starters. Gee, one of your friends, flyangel2, thinks you're hilarious. This post gives me a headache!!! Walt I am hilarious.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #47 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteI once co-authored a research paper in a geology journal, and the mathematics content was pretty serious: integral equations, linear algebra (tensor transformations), group theory and spherical trig for starters. Gee, one of your friends, flyangel2, thinks you're hilarious. This post gives me a headache!!! Walt I am hilarious. I'm willing to take your word for it--you're an honest guy--but that avatar gives me the creeps every time I see it! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Wool-E 0 #48 December 27, 2005 Hello Ladyskydiver and GRE student, It looks like you've gotten some really good advice here, but let me share a few broad-topic things as a veteran Kaplan Test Prep SAT / GRE / MCAT Instructor and as a Industrial Engineer. Having dragged out my IE degree to six painful years of partying and having fun, VA Tech has taught me to seek exactness..you know, quadratic formula and 4 decimal places and significant figures and bla bla bla. But that kind of precision is a curse rather than a blessing when it comes to standardized testing (especially the GRE). So, tip #1: Compare, Don't Calculate. Your goal is to get to the correct answer (A,B,C,D, or E). NOT to figure out what 5SQRT(3) + SQRT(27) is. You just dont have time. FYI, your avg. time per question is going to be about 45 sec to 1 min (less on the analogies). SOOOOOO, you don't have a calculator, and you dont have time to use the quadratic formula. So let's make it easy on ourselves... 5SQRT(3) is slightly less than 5SQRT(4) AND SQRT(27) is slightly more than SQRT(25)...so the correct answer is approximately 5SQRT(4) + SQRT(25) => 5 x 2 + 5 => approx. 15. Now, look at the answer choices...see anything close? You can at least eliminate 2 or 3 answer choices at this point and and so take a guess at the remaining choices. Always guess on every question ON THE GRE, since there is no wrong answer penalty on the GRE. The SAT is an exception since there is a wrong answer penalty that will statistically nullify your "guess rights". Compare, Don't Calculate...this is especially true for quantitative comparisons. Tip #2..."Backsolve". Have variables in the question stem (the "problem statement" or whatever you want to call it) and numbers in the answer choices? Plug the answer choices in to see what works...start with B or D. And work up or down accordingly (the answers will always be arranged sequentially highest to lowest or vice versa). You will never have to work more than two. For example: x squared + 5 squared = 13 squared. X is... A 2 B 5 C 10 D 12 E 13 Let's start with B.... 5^2 + 5^2 = 13^2? STOP...there's no way that's right, it's way too small...no need to do the math! So we automatically know that B AND A are not correct, since A is smaller than B. Let's skip down to D... 12^2 + 5^2 = 13^2? 144 + 25 = 169? Yes! Select answer choice D and move on! See, here, it happened to be choice D, BUT, if choice D was too small, it would HAVE to be choice E, we would choose E and move on w/out doing any math at all. If D was too big, we know it's not B or A, it must be C, so choose C and move on...no math required! Get it? Backsolving works well for those pesky word problems too! Tip #3: Pick Numbers. Backsolving works great any time you have numbers in the answer choices. But what happens when you have variables in the answer choices. No worries....pick numbers. Just pick 'em out of the blue and plug them into the problem and answer choices, looking for a "match". For example... (x + y)^2 = A x^2 + y^2 B x^2 + 2xy + y^2 C x^2 - 2xy + y^2 D 2x + 2y E 4x^2 My favorite number is 25414 (my D-license no.), but let's not use that, it's not convenient. Let's choose 2 and 3. sooo, plugging into the question stem, we have (2 + 3)^2 = 5^2 = 25. now which answer choice matches that? A 2^2 + 3^2 = 4 + 9 = NOT 25 (i didnt spend time finding out exactly what it was) B 2^2 + 2*2*3 + 3^2 = 4 + 12 + 9 = 25 YAY! It's worth noting now that there's one and only one right answer...but it's possible to choose numbers that yield, what?, two seemingly correct answers. if that happens, if you have time, choose different numbers. if you dont, eliminate the ones that dont "match" and guess. Tip #4...QC's (Quantitative Comparissons). Know b/f the test the options...answer choice A means column A is greater than column B. answer choice B is vice versa. answer choice C is the columns are equal. and answer choice D means THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RELATIONSHIP B/W THE TWO COLUMNS! it does not mean, "i dont know," or "no solution." if you pick one set of numbers (a very valuable tool for QC's is picking numbers), and A is larger, but you pick another set of numbers and B is larger, then bingo, your answer is D. with QC's, try to "prove" choice D every time. Pick negative numbers, fractions, zero, one, and regular positive numbers. Example... Column A Column B x^2 x well, if i pick 1, the columns are equal, but if i pick 2 then column a is larger. so the answer is choice D...catcha' my drift? well...i guess i should stop now...but there's tons more of tricks and secret stuff out there. if you can afford it, a Kaplan course is a good investment in your future careers goals. what ive covered here is only the tip of the iceburg...it's like getting trained just the portion of the first jump course that deals with how to handle a line over; certainly not enough 411 to get you through the awesome mals...but a good start. if you dont have the bling for a kaplan course, then the $20 self-prep book and some good old fashion gumption will give you a leg up on your competition. check out www.kaptest.com for center locations and more. PLUS, they'll let you take a scored practice test FOR FREE if you just go by the nearest Kaplan Test Prep center...no annoying phone calls, no junk mail / email, no strings attached. The computer will tell you your strengths and opportunity areas also. So, if you can afford it, i highly recommend the course. Closing comments: A.) the GRE is computer adaptive, which means you start at a baseline score and work up or down in a "probability tree" or NBA bracket-like fashion. therefore, it's especially important to get those first few questions right to get you going in the right direction (upwards! to the higher scores!). so spend more time on the first few questions to make sure they're right. B.) the questions get progressively harder (or easier) as you go. as you move up the "probability tree" the questions will get harder. if you're moving down it, they'll seem easier. many students get discourages b/c they get to the end and feel they haven't done well b/c they weren't confident b/c the questions were hard...but that's good! if you get to the end and get questions like 2 + 2 = ? then it might not be a bad idea to dismiss that test instead of sending it to your first and second choice schools. C.) if you find yourself spending forever on a question, you're not doing it the easiest way, that's for sure...re-evaluate your method. D.) leave nothing blank on the GRE..answer everything (it's ok to skip it, just make sure you get back to it). E.) last one...the GRE is a REASONING test...NOT a math / vocab test. you're expected to have some math skills, but you're not expected to be a mathematician by any means. F.) sorry, last one for real...learn squares 1 through 15 (1^2, 2^2,..., 15^2). learn the common pythagorean triples: 3-4-5 (d'oh..sorry i forget the other two) and look for multiples of them (6-8-10)). study vocabulary...the GRE LOVES secondary definitions of words and "oddballs" like proscribe (to condemn) and virulent (virus-like...NOT "healthy and strong"). most importantly, the GRE is an opportunity for you to show the schools you're interested in just how good you really are. you're more than what your application shows...dazzle them with your GRE score as well. avoid viewing this test as an obstacle to your admittance...see it, instead, as an opportunity! Blue Skies!_________________________________________ It's impossible to build a foolproof parachute because the fools are so ingenious! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,027 #49 December 27, 2005 this looks like junior high level stuff. Are you sure it's the GRE?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Icon134 0 #50 December 27, 2005 Quotethis looks like junior high level stuff. Are you sure it's the GRE? The mathematics in the GRE aren't "very" complex...Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 2 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
kallend 2,027 #46 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteI once co-authored a research paper in a geology journal, and the mathematics content was pretty serious: integral equations, linear algebra (tensor transformations), group theory and spherical trig for starters. Gee, one of your friends, flyangel2, thinks you're hilarious. This post gives me a headache!!! Walt I am hilarious.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #47 December 27, 2005 QuoteQuoteQuoteI once co-authored a research paper in a geology journal, and the mathematics content was pretty serious: integral equations, linear algebra (tensor transformations), group theory and spherical trig for starters. Gee, one of your friends, flyangel2, thinks you're hilarious. This post gives me a headache!!! Walt I am hilarious. I'm willing to take your word for it--you're an honest guy--but that avatar gives me the creeps every time I see it! Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wool-E 0 #48 December 27, 2005 Hello Ladyskydiver and GRE student, It looks like you've gotten some really good advice here, but let me share a few broad-topic things as a veteran Kaplan Test Prep SAT / GRE / MCAT Instructor and as a Industrial Engineer. Having dragged out my IE degree to six painful years of partying and having fun, VA Tech has taught me to seek exactness..you know, quadratic formula and 4 decimal places and significant figures and bla bla bla. But that kind of precision is a curse rather than a blessing when it comes to standardized testing (especially the GRE). So, tip #1: Compare, Don't Calculate. Your goal is to get to the correct answer (A,B,C,D, or E). NOT to figure out what 5SQRT(3) + SQRT(27) is. You just dont have time. FYI, your avg. time per question is going to be about 45 sec to 1 min (less on the analogies). SOOOOOO, you don't have a calculator, and you dont have time to use the quadratic formula. So let's make it easy on ourselves... 5SQRT(3) is slightly less than 5SQRT(4) AND SQRT(27) is slightly more than SQRT(25)...so the correct answer is approximately 5SQRT(4) + SQRT(25) => 5 x 2 + 5 => approx. 15. Now, look at the answer choices...see anything close? You can at least eliminate 2 or 3 answer choices at this point and and so take a guess at the remaining choices. Always guess on every question ON THE GRE, since there is no wrong answer penalty on the GRE. The SAT is an exception since there is a wrong answer penalty that will statistically nullify your "guess rights". Compare, Don't Calculate...this is especially true for quantitative comparisons. Tip #2..."Backsolve". Have variables in the question stem (the "problem statement" or whatever you want to call it) and numbers in the answer choices? Plug the answer choices in to see what works...start with B or D. And work up or down accordingly (the answers will always be arranged sequentially highest to lowest or vice versa). You will never have to work more than two. For example: x squared + 5 squared = 13 squared. X is... A 2 B 5 C 10 D 12 E 13 Let's start with B.... 5^2 + 5^2 = 13^2? STOP...there's no way that's right, it's way too small...no need to do the math! So we automatically know that B AND A are not correct, since A is smaller than B. Let's skip down to D... 12^2 + 5^2 = 13^2? 144 + 25 = 169? Yes! Select answer choice D and move on! See, here, it happened to be choice D, BUT, if choice D was too small, it would HAVE to be choice E, we would choose E and move on w/out doing any math at all. If D was too big, we know it's not B or A, it must be C, so choose C and move on...no math required! Get it? Backsolving works well for those pesky word problems too! Tip #3: Pick Numbers. Backsolving works great any time you have numbers in the answer choices. But what happens when you have variables in the answer choices. No worries....pick numbers. Just pick 'em out of the blue and plug them into the problem and answer choices, looking for a "match". For example... (x + y)^2 = A x^2 + y^2 B x^2 + 2xy + y^2 C x^2 - 2xy + y^2 D 2x + 2y E 4x^2 My favorite number is 25414 (my D-license no.), but let's not use that, it's not convenient. Let's choose 2 and 3. sooo, plugging into the question stem, we have (2 + 3)^2 = 5^2 = 25. now which answer choice matches that? A 2^2 + 3^2 = 4 + 9 = NOT 25 (i didnt spend time finding out exactly what it was) B 2^2 + 2*2*3 + 3^2 = 4 + 12 + 9 = 25 YAY! It's worth noting now that there's one and only one right answer...but it's possible to choose numbers that yield, what?, two seemingly correct answers. if that happens, if you have time, choose different numbers. if you dont, eliminate the ones that dont "match" and guess. Tip #4...QC's (Quantitative Comparissons). Know b/f the test the options...answer choice A means column A is greater than column B. answer choice B is vice versa. answer choice C is the columns are equal. and answer choice D means THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RELATIONSHIP B/W THE TWO COLUMNS! it does not mean, "i dont know," or "no solution." if you pick one set of numbers (a very valuable tool for QC's is picking numbers), and A is larger, but you pick another set of numbers and B is larger, then bingo, your answer is D. with QC's, try to "prove" choice D every time. Pick negative numbers, fractions, zero, one, and regular positive numbers. Example... Column A Column B x^2 x well, if i pick 1, the columns are equal, but if i pick 2 then column a is larger. so the answer is choice D...catcha' my drift? well...i guess i should stop now...but there's tons more of tricks and secret stuff out there. if you can afford it, a Kaplan course is a good investment in your future careers goals. what ive covered here is only the tip of the iceburg...it's like getting trained just the portion of the first jump course that deals with how to handle a line over; certainly not enough 411 to get you through the awesome mals...but a good start. if you dont have the bling for a kaplan course, then the $20 self-prep book and some good old fashion gumption will give you a leg up on your competition. check out www.kaptest.com for center locations and more. PLUS, they'll let you take a scored practice test FOR FREE if you just go by the nearest Kaplan Test Prep center...no annoying phone calls, no junk mail / email, no strings attached. The computer will tell you your strengths and opportunity areas also. So, if you can afford it, i highly recommend the course. Closing comments: A.) the GRE is computer adaptive, which means you start at a baseline score and work up or down in a "probability tree" or NBA bracket-like fashion. therefore, it's especially important to get those first few questions right to get you going in the right direction (upwards! to the higher scores!). so spend more time on the first few questions to make sure they're right. B.) the questions get progressively harder (or easier) as you go. as you move up the "probability tree" the questions will get harder. if you're moving down it, they'll seem easier. many students get discourages b/c they get to the end and feel they haven't done well b/c they weren't confident b/c the questions were hard...but that's good! if you get to the end and get questions like 2 + 2 = ? then it might not be a bad idea to dismiss that test instead of sending it to your first and second choice schools. C.) if you find yourself spending forever on a question, you're not doing it the easiest way, that's for sure...re-evaluate your method. D.) leave nothing blank on the GRE..answer everything (it's ok to skip it, just make sure you get back to it). E.) last one...the GRE is a REASONING test...NOT a math / vocab test. you're expected to have some math skills, but you're not expected to be a mathematician by any means. F.) sorry, last one for real...learn squares 1 through 15 (1^2, 2^2,..., 15^2). learn the common pythagorean triples: 3-4-5 (d'oh..sorry i forget the other two) and look for multiples of them (6-8-10)). study vocabulary...the GRE LOVES secondary definitions of words and "oddballs" like proscribe (to condemn) and virulent (virus-like...NOT "healthy and strong"). most importantly, the GRE is an opportunity for you to show the schools you're interested in just how good you really are. you're more than what your application shows...dazzle them with your GRE score as well. avoid viewing this test as an obstacle to your admittance...see it, instead, as an opportunity! Blue Skies!_________________________________________ It's impossible to build a foolproof parachute because the fools are so ingenious! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #49 December 27, 2005 this looks like junior high level stuff. Are you sure it's the GRE?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #50 December 27, 2005 Quotethis looks like junior high level stuff. Are you sure it's the GRE? The mathematics in the GRE aren't "very" complex...Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
