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Lesson: qc01

Key facts about Quantitative Comparisons

What’s Tested:
  • Your understanding of the principles, concepts, and rules of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
  • Your ability to devise intuitive and unconventional methods of comparing quantitative expressions
  • Your ability to visualize numerical relationships and geometric shapes
  • Your ability to convert verbal information into mathematical terms
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Areas Covered: Any of the Quantitative Reasoning cover the same mix of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry as Problem Solving questions. Quantitative Comparison directions are similar to the following. The “Notes” are the same as for Problem Solving questions:
Directions: Each of the following questions consists of two quantities, one in Column A and one in Column B. You are to compare the two quantities and choose whether

(A) the quantity in Column A is greater;
(B) the quantity in Column B is greater;
(C) the quantities are equal;
(D) the relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Common Information: In a question, information concerning one or both of the quantities to be compared is centered above the two columns. A symbol that appears in both columns represents the same thing in Column A as it does in Column B.
Notes:
  • All number used are real numbers.
  • All figures lie on a plane unless otherwise indicated.
  • All angle measures are positive.
  • All lines shown as straight are straight. Lines that appear jagged can also be assumed to be straight (lines can look somewhat jagged on the computer screen).
  • Figures are intended to provide useful information for answering the questions.
However, except where a figure is accompanied by a “Note” stating that the figure is drawn to scale, solve the problem using your knowledge of mathematics, not by visual measurement or estimation.
In this book, the four choices For answering Quantitative Comparisons are labeled (A), (B), (C), and (D). On the computer-based GRE, they won’t be lettered, but they’re always listed in the same order as they are here.

Other Key Facts

There are only four answer choices, and they’re the same for all Quantitative Comparison questions.
  • All information centered above the columns applies to both columns. Some Quantitative Comparisons will include centered information; others won’t.
  • The same variable (such as x) in both columns signifies the same value in both expressions.
  • As in Problem Solving questions, figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, so don’t rely solely on the visual appearance of a figure to make a comparison.
  • Quantitative Comparisons are not inherently easier or tougher than Problem Solving questions, and their level of difficulty and complexity varies widely, as determined by the correctness of your responses to previous questions.
  • You’ll make fewer calculations and solve fewer equations for Quantitative Comparison questions than for Problem Solving questions. What’s being tested here is mainly your ability to recognize and understand principles, not your ability to work step-by-step toward a solution.
  • Calculators are prohibited, but scratch paper is provided.
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