The Importance of Mental Math Practice for the GRE

When taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), mental math practice can prove to be an essential skill for tackling challenging questions. In this article, we will explore why mental math practice is crucial and how it can benefit your performance on the GRE.

One of the primary reasons mental math practice is necessary is that calculators may not always be available or practical to use. For instance, if a question asks about the unit digit of 31,000, you won't have access to a calculator with enough memory to store such a large number. Similarly, finding the square root of a large number can be an arduous task without a calculator.

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Another area where mental math practice is useful is in solving right triangles. Imagine having to find the hypotenuse of a triangle with sides 51 and 31 - this requires quick mental calculations to arrive at the correct answer. Compound interest problems are another example of situations where mental math skills come into play.

In some cases, the sum may be too large to multiply on paper, making an approximate answer sufficient. However, in other instances, you may need to provide an exact solution. This is where mental math practice can help you develop your problem-solving skills and avoid careless mistakes.

The GRE calculator, which appears on-screen during the exam, has limited functionality compared to a traditional calculator. It may take longer to use than a physical calculator, and its restrictions can slow down your work pace. Therefore, it's essential to know when to use the calculator strategically to maximize your time effectively.

Fortunately, the GRE calculator offers some useful features that make it more functional. You can transfer answers from the display to the answer box with precision, save and recall answers using the MR, MC, and M+ keys, and perform basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Moreover, you have the option to hide or show the on-screen calculator during the quantitative reasoning sections of the exam. This flexibility can be beneficial in avoiding distractions and conserving screen space for more critical calculations.

In conclusion, mental math practice is a vital skill to possess when taking the GRE. By developing your problem-solving abilities through mental math exercises, you can overcome the limitations of calculators, stay focused, and achieve better results on the exam.

Gre mental math practice