GRE Decimal

Mastering Decimals for GRE: A Comprehensive Introduction

Every concept counts in our journey to conquer the GRE quant section, and decimals are no exception. As part of the arithmetic section, decimals are essential to the GRE test. While you might think of decimals as simple or elementary, they can often appear in complex and tricky ways in GRE questions. Therefore, understanding them fully and being able to work with them confidently is crucial.

In this six-part guide by MKSprep, we will deep-dive into the world of decimals and equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle any decimal-related question that the GRE throws your way. Whether you are a math genius or someone who hasn’t touched math since high school, this guide is designed to be easily understood by all.

As we navigate through this comprehensive guide, you’ll gain a complete understanding of decimals. In the first part, we will introduce the basics of decimals, their importance in the GRE, and how they fit into the overall GRE test structure.

In the following sections, we will gradually unfold the concept, delve deeper into the more complex aspects, discuss formulas, tricks, and shortcuts, and provide time management tips specifically for decimal-related problems. By the end of this guide, you will also be familiar with the types of decimal questions that frequently appear on the GRE, along with illustrative examples to clarify these concepts.

Understanding decimals will help you solve decimal-specific questions and provide a solid foundation for other arithmetic and algebraic problems. So, join us on this exciting journey as we take a deep dive into the world of decimals and help you increase your GRE score.

Stay tuned for our next article, where we will explore the concept of decimals, their types, and their basic operations. We promise to make this journey as interesting and informative as possible. Remember, every step you take gets you closer to your dream score on the GRE.

MKSprep is dedicated to your success. We believe in a tailored approach that meets individual needs because every student is unique. With MKSprep, you’re not just a student but part of our learning community. Let’s conquer the GRE together!

Check back for our next article to continue your GRE preparation. Until then, keep practicing and stay curious!

Unraveling the Concept of Decimals for GRE: A Deep Dive

Welcome back to our comprehensive guide on decimals, part of MKSprep’s ongoing series aimed at mastering the quant section of the GRE. As we continue our journey, we will dive into the concepts surrounding decimals, a topic you certainly want to pay attention to for your GRE preparation.

Decimals are a method of writing fractional numbers without using a fraction bar. They are based on powers of 10 and are expressed using the decimal point. To the left of the decimal point are the whole numbers, while to the right are the fractional parts of a whole.

For example, in the decimal number 67.89, 67 is the whole number part, and .89 is the fractional part. The first digit after the decimal point, 8 in this case, represents tenths (1/10), and the second digit, 9, represents hundredths (1/100).

Understanding this basic structure of decimals is crucial because, on the GRE, you might encounter questions that involve converting fractions to decimals, comparing decimal quantities, or performing operations on decimals.

Types of Decimals

There are three main types of decimals: terminating, repeating, and non-terminating non-repeating decimals.

Terminating decimals are those that have a finite number of digits after the decimal point. For example, 0.75 or 3.14.

Repeating decimals have one or more digits that repeat indefinitely. For instance, 0.3333… or 2.6767…

Non-terminating, non-repeating decimals continue indefinitely without repeating a pattern. An example of this is the number Pi (π), which is approximately 3.14159…

Decimal Operations

As with whole numbers, decimals can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided. However, it’s crucial to correctly line up the decimal points when performing these operations. Misaligned decimal points are a common pitfall in GRE decimal questions.

Through this guide, our aim is to ensure you fully grasp the concept of decimals, making it easy for you to tackle any decimal-related question that pops up in your GRE.

In the upcoming parts of this series, we will further explore more complex aspects of decimals, reveal handy formulas, tricks, and shortcuts, and provide tips on time management when dealing with decimal problems. Each part of this series will bring you closer to achieving your desired GRE score.

Stay tuned for the next article, where we will dive into more complex decimal concepts. Keep practicing, and always remember: Your GRE success is our success at MKSprep. Until next time, happy studying!

Decoding GRE Decimals: A Closer Look at Complex Concepts

Welcome back to MKSprep’s comprehensive GRE guide, where we’re exploring the fascinating world of decimals. Having already introduced the basic concepts and types of decimals, let’s delve deeper into more complex aspects. Understanding these will equip you to solve even the most challenging decimal problems on the GRE.

Decimals and Fractions

The relationship between decimals and fractions is intrinsic, and understanding this connection is vital for the GRE. A decimal is simply another way to represent a fraction. For example, the decimal 0.25 is equivalent to the fraction 1/4.

It’s important to be able to convert between these two forms swiftly. For instance, to convert the fraction 3/4 to a decimal, you divide the numerator (3) by the denominator (4) to get 0.75. Conversely, to convert a decimal to a fraction, you would consider the place value of the decimal. For example, 0.75 can be read as 75 hundredths, or 75/100, which simplifies to 3/4.

Decimal Places and Rounding

When dealing with decimals, understanding decimal places is crucial. After the decimal point, the first place is the tenth place; the second is the hundredth place, and so on.

Rounding decimals is another skill you’ll need for the GRE. If you’re asked to round a decimal to a certain place, you’ll look at the digit to the right of that place. If it’s 5 or above, you round up; if it’s 4 or below, you round down. For example, rounding 0.678 to the hundredth place results in 0.68, while rounding it to the tenth place gives you 0.7.

Decimals in Percentages and Ratios

Decimals often appear in the context of percentages and ratios on the GRE. Remember that “percent” means “per hundred,” so 45% can be written as 0.45 in decimal form. Similarly, a ratio such as 3:4 can be expressed as the decimal 0.75 (3 ÷ 4 = 0.75).

As we continue to journey through the world of decimals, remember that each concept, no matter how complex, is a building block to solving GRE problems efficiently. In our next installment, we’ll reveal some effective formulas, tricks, and shortcuts to simplify working with decimals.

Stay tuned for more valuable insights to boost your GRE prep. At MKSprep, we’re committed to your success. Keep practicing, and see you next time!

GRE Decimals Demystified: Formulas, Tricks, and Shortcuts

Welcome back to MKSprep’s GRE preparation series, where we’re exploring the ins and outs of decimals. Having discussed the basic and complex aspects of decimals, it’s now time to unveil some useful formulas, tricks, and shortcuts that can significantly speed up your problem-solving on the GRE.

Decimal Formulas

While there aren’t many specific “formulas” for decimals, there are fundamental principles that you need to remember:

1. Adding & Subtracting Decimals: Line up the decimal points and add or subtract as you would with whole numbers. Fill in any empty spaces with zeros.
2. Multiplying Decimals: Multiply as if they were whole numbers, then count the total number of decimal places in the original numbers. This is the number of decimal places in the answer.
3. Dividing Decimals: If the divisor isn’t a whole number, shift its decimal point to the right to make it a whole number. Shift the decimal point of the dividend the same number of places to the right.

Tricks and Shortcuts

1. Converting Fractions to Decimals: When you see a fraction such as 5/8 on the GRE, knowing it’s equal to 0.625 can save you a lot of time. Try to memorize the decimal equivalents of common fractions.
2. Rounding Decimals: Often, a GRE problem doesn’t require an exact answer. Instead of working with complicated decimals, round them to simpler numbers to make calculations easier. Just remember to round back to the required precision at the end.
3. Comparing Decimals: If you need to compare two decimals, add zeros to the shorter number until they have the same number of digits. For instance, to compare 0.8 and 0.75, consider the first number 0.80. It’s clear then that 0.80 > 0.75.
4. Using the Calculator: The on-screen calculator can handle decimal operations. However, use it sparingly. It’s often faster to solve simpler decimal problems manually.

As we conclude this part, remember that understanding the underlying concepts is crucial, and these shortcuts are meant to supplement, not replace that understanding.

Join us in our next installment, where we’ll discuss general tips and time management strategies for decimal problems on the GRE. With MKSprep, you’re not just preparing for the GRE but gearing up for success. Until next time, keep learning, and keep growing!

Conquering GRE Decimals: Tips and Time Management Strategies

Welcome back to our comprehensive GRE guide on decimals, part of the MKSprep series. Now that we’ve covered the concepts, types, and tricks for handling decimals, it’s time to discuss some general tips and effective time management strategies. These will be instrumental in helping you tackle decimal-related questions efficiently in the GRE.

Decimal General Tips

1. Master Basic Operations: Ensure you are comfortable with basic decimal operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This will form the foundation for solving more complex problems.
2. Estimate When Possible: Not all GRE questions require exact answers. Consider estimating to save time if the answer choices are reasonably spread apart.
3. Remember Your Fraction-Decimals: Memorize the decimal equivalents of common fractions such as 1/2 (0.5), 1/4 (0.25), 3/4 (0.75), and so on. This can save you precious time during the test.
4. Practice: The more you practice decimal problems, the better you’ll understand the nuances and potential traps. Utilize GRE practice resources to familiarize yourself with the types of decimal questions you may encounter.

Time Management Tips

1. Identify Easy Questions: Not all decimal questions on the GRE are complex. Identify and solve the easy ones first to secure those points.
2. Use the Calculator Wisely: While the on-screen calculator is helpful, it can also be a time-drain. Use it judiciously, especially for lengthy calculations or when precision is needed.
3. Skip and Return: If a decimal problem seems too complex or time-consuming, feel free to skip it initially. You can always return to it after completing the less challenging problems.
4. Stay Organized: When performing operations, write clearly and keep your work organized. This can prevent simple mistakes, especially in problems involving multiple steps.

In our final installment, we’ll delve into the types of decimal questions that frequently appear on the GRE, along with illustrative examples. As we move closer to achieving your GRE goals, remember that every concept learned and every practice problem solved takes you one step further on your path to success. Keep practicing, and see you in the next article!

Tackling GRE Decimal Questions: Types and Examples

Welcome back to the final installment of MKSprep’s comprehensive guide on decimals for GRE preparation. We have journeyed through the concepts, tips, tricks, and time management strategies related to decimals. Now, it’s time to implement those strategies as we explore the types of decimal questions you can expect on the GRE, complete with examples and solutions.

Types of Decimal Questions

GRE decimal questions can fall into several categories:

1. Quantitative Comparison: These questions require you to compare two quantities, one of which often involves decimals.
2. Problem-solving: These questions may require arithmetic operations with decimals, conversion between decimals and fractions, or interpreting decimals in word problems.
3. Data Interpretation: These questions may involve understanding decimal values in tables, charts, or graphs.

Example Questions and Solutions

Quantitative Comparison

Question: Compare the following quantities:

Column A: 0.333…

Column B: 1/3

Answer: Quantity A is equal to Quantity B. The decimal 0.333… is the decimal representation of the fraction 1/3.

Problem-solving

Question: What was the original price if a jacket is on sale for $45.75, which is 35% off the original price?

Answer: If $45.75 is 65% of the original price (100% – 35%), you can find the original price by dividing $45.75 by 0.65, which equals $70.38.

Data Interpretation

Question: According to the table below, what is the difference between the average rainfall in April and May?

MonthAverage Rainfall (inches)

April 2.9

May 3.2

Answer: The difference between the average rainfall in April and May is 3.2 – 2.9 = 0.3 inches.

As you prepare for the GRE, remember that each decimal question is an opportunity to apply the concepts, strategies, and time management techniques you’ve learned throughout this guide. At MKSprep, we’re dedicated to your success. Keep practicing, and you’ll master decimals in no time!