The GRE quantitative section is often referred to as the Mathematics section. It tests your basic understanding of arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Knowledge of more advanced mathematics is not required in this section of the GRE. Most of the questions in the Quantitative Ability section are of high school level and are intended to just show how well you understand elementary mathematics. Typically, the GRE quantitative section contains 28 total questions from the following fields:
 

The Quantitative Comparison section requires you to be able to reason quickly and accurately about two quantities provided. Along with your math knowledge this section will require a sense of logic.

The Data Analysis section is a test of interpretation of graphs, charts and tables. Though most of these questions are not tough, they will require you to analyze the question in detail.

The Discrete Quantitative Comparison section involves traditional computational skills, and includes arithmetic, algebra, and geometry concepts you have learned in school. You will need to know the necessary facts and formulae for this section.

• Arithmetic operations
• Powers
• Operations on radical expressions
• Estimation
• Percent
• Absolute value
• Properties of numbers (e.g. divisibility, prime numbers, odd and even integers)
• Factoring

• Rules of exponents
• Factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions
• Understanding concepts of relations and functions
• Solving first and second degree equations and inequalities
• Solving simultaneous equations
• Setting up equations to solve word problems
• Applying basic algebra skills to solve problems

• Parallel lines
• Circles and their inscribed central angles
• Triangles
• Rectangles
• Other polygons
• Area
• Perimeter
• Volume
• Pythagoras theorem
• Angle measure in degrees
• Simple coordinate geometry (including slopes, intercepts, and inequalities)

• Elementary probability
• Basic descriptive statistics
• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Range
• Standard deviation
• Percentiles
• Interpretation of data in graphs and tables
• Line graphs
• Bar graphs
• Circle graphs
• Frequency distributions

Geography of the Quantitative Section

45 minutes
28 questions
•13 – 15 Quantitative Comparisons
•8 – 10   Problem Solving
•4 – 6     Chart Questions (2-3 charts)

Sample Gre quantitative section test 1