MATH GRE NOTES

1. To compare two fractions, cross-multiply. The larger product will be on the same

side as the larger fraction.\ Example: Given 5/6 vs. 6/7 Cross-multiplying gives 5 * 7 vs. 6 * 6 or 35 vs. 36. Now 36 is larger than 35, so 6/7 is larger than 5/6 2. Taking the square root of a fraction between 0 and 1 makes it larger. Example: 1/4= 1/2 and 1/2 is greater than 1/4. Caution: This is not true for fractions greater than 1. 3. Squaring a fraction between 0 and 1 makes it smaller. 4.

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8. The number of integers between two integers inclusive is one more than their difference. For example: The number of integers between 49 and 101 inclusive is (101 49) + 1 = 53. To see this more clearly, choose smaller numbers, say, 9 and 11. The difference between 9 and 11 is But there are three numbers between them inclusive9, 10, and 11one more than their difference.
9. The remainder is r when p is divided by k means p = kq + r; the integer q is called the

quotient. For instance, The remainder is 1 when 7 is divided by 3 means 7 = 3 2 + 1. Dividing both sides of p = kq + r by k gives the following alternative form p/k = q + r/k.
10. A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.

For example, 135 is divisible by 3 because the sum of its digits (1 + 3 + 5 = 9) is divisible by 3.