GRE Math Subject Test – Syllabus, Topics List, And Tips & Tricks

Did you know that only about 50% of test-takers score above 600 on the GRE Math Subject Test? For many, the road to mastering the exam feels more like a puzzle than a study session. Tackling complex algebra, geometry, and tricky fractions can be overwhelming, especially when facing time pressure and multiple-choice questions that all seem deceptively close to the right answer.

The truth is, many students find themselves buried in formulas and practice tests without a clear path forward. You’re not alone if you’ve ever spent hours on a problem, only to choose the wrong answer because of a small mistake. But here’s the good news: with a solid GRE study plan, focusing on the types of questions that appear most frequently, and a smarter approach to reviewing answer choices, the GRE Math test becomes much more manageable.

Components In The GRE Math Topics List

The GRE Math Subject Test covers a wide range of topics that can feel overwhelming at first glance. From algebra to calculus, each subject area tests your understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts. Preparing for such a vast syllabus requires knowing exactly what to focus on.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key topics that make up the GRE Math test:

Topic	Subtopics
Algebra	Basic Algebra:Linear equations, inequalities, and quadratic equations. Polynomials: Factoring, expanding, and simplifying polynomials. Functions: Domain, range, and types of functions. Systems of Equations: Solving simultaneous equations. Inequalities: Working with inequalities, solving, and graphing them.
Geometry	Euclidean Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, and other 2D shapes. Coordinate Geometry: Graphing equations, distance, midpoint, and slope. 3D Geometry: Volumes and surface areas of cylinders, cones, spheres. Transformations: Reflections, rotations, translations, dilations.
Calculus	Differential Calculus: Limits, continuity, differentiation, curve sketching, optimization, related rates. Integral Calculus: Fundamental theorem, definite and indefinite integrals, area under a curve.
Number Theory	Properties of Integers: Divisibility, prime numbers, greatest common divisors, least common multiples. Rational Numbers: Fractions, decimals, and ratios. Modular Arithmetic: Remainders and congruences.
Statistics and Probability	Descriptive Statistics: Mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation.  Probability Theory: Basic rules, conditional probability, independent and dependent events. Distributions: Normal, binomial, and other distributions.
Discrete Mathematics	Set Theory: Unions, intersections, subsets, Venn diagrams. Logic: Propositional logic, truth tables, logical equivalences. Combinatorics: Permutations, combinations, basic counting principles. Graph Theory: Basic graph properties and traversals.
Linear Algebra	Matrices and Determinants: Matrix operations, finding determinants, matrix inverses. Vector Spaces: Basis, dimension, linear transformations. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors: Computation and interpretation.
Trigonometry	Basic Trigonometry: Definitions and properties of sine, cosine, and tangent. Trigonometric Identities: Pythagorean identities, angle sum/difference, double-angle and half-angle identities. Graphs: Period, amplitude, phase shift of sine and cosine. Inverse Functions: Arcsine, arccosine, etc.
Miscellaneous Topics	Complex Numbers: Operations, polar form, De Moivre’s Theorem. Sequences and Series: Arithmetic and geometric sequences, sum of series, convergence/divergence. Vectors: Addition, scalar multiplication, dot product, cross product. Differential Equations: Basic understanding of first-order and second-order differential equations.

How To Prepare GRE Math Subject Test?

Preparing for the GRE Math Subject Test requires more than just brushing up on college math. It’s about mastering a wide range of math topics, understanding the specific types of questions on the Graduate Record Examination, and using the right strategies to tackle the 66 multiple-choice questions drawn from various courses. Since the GRE Math section is part of a standardized test, you’ll need a focused approach to test prep that strengthens both your math skills and your ability to apply them under pressure.

The following strategies will help any test taker get a great score on this challenging section of the GRE.

Master the Key Math Topics

Focus on the list of GRE math topics, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. Use a GRE practice book to target the most frequently tested areas like quantitative reasoning questions and algebraic equations. Systematic preparation ensures you’re ready for the major math subjects covered in the GRE math questions.

2. Take Full-Length Practice Tests

Simulate test conditions with full-length practice tests using official practice resources. This helps build your stamina and time management while familiarizing you with the GRE calculator and the 66 multiple-choice questions you’ll face at the test center.

3. Improve Mental Math Speed

While you can use a calculator, being good at math and quick with mental math can save valuable time. Many gre quantitative reasoning section questions can be solved faster without relying on a calculator.

4. Use Official Practice Questions

Focus on official practice questions to ensure you’re preparing for the actual types of questions on the GRE exam. These questions mirror the test’s format and difficulty, helping you refine your approach.

5. Review GRE Math Formulas Regularly

Keep a handy list of essential GRE math formulas and review them often. Many GRE math questions depend on recalling and applying these formulas quickly and accurately, which is crucial during the timed test.

7 Best GRE Preparation Books To Start With

When it comes to preparing for the GRE Math section, having the right resources can make all the difference. A well-structured practice book will help you sharpen your math skills, understand the types of questions you’ll encounter, and provide you with the strategies needed to succeed. Below are seven of the best GRE preparation books that focus specifically on the math section and are highly recommended for test prep.

1. Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides (Math)

This comprehensive set breaks down each math topic into clear, digestible guides with practice problems and step-by-step solutions.

2. Kaplan GRE Math Workbook

Focused on core math subjects, this workbook offers a large variety of practice questions with detailed explanations to help you build problem-solving skills.

3. Official GRE Super Power Pack

Containing official practice questions from ETS, this is one of the best resources for understanding the exact types of questions that appear on the GRE.

4. Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep

Known for its test-taking strategies, this book includes useful tips for answering quantitative comparison questions along with solid math practice problems.

5. Barron’s Essential GRE Math

Aimed at test takers seeking targeted math preparation, this book focuses on mental math and reviewing key GRE math formulas in an easy-to-follow format.

6. 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems by Manhattan Prep

This massive collection of practice problems is perfect for anyone who wants extensive full-length practice tests and a variety of gre math questions to solve.

7. Magoosh GRE Math

Magoosh’s GRE Math book provides detailed breakdowns of math topics with online access to video tutorials for extra support in understanding challenging concepts.

Conclusion

The GRE Math Subject Test can feel intimidating with its vast range of topics and complex questions, but the right preparation makes all the difference. By focusing on the key areas in the GRE math topics list, practicing regularly, and using effective resources like the ones mentioned, you can tackle the test with confidence.

The most important thing is consistency. Keep reviewing the math concepts, take timed practice tests, and stay familiar with the types of questions you’ll face. Remember, it’s not about cramming everything at once; it’s about understanding the material deeply and applying it effectively under pressure. With a smart strategy, you’ll be well on your way to getting the score you want.

Achieve excellence on the GRE by enhancing your test-taking skills with Ambitio. Our comprehensive preparation tools focus on teaching you effective strategies, time management techniques, and problem-solving skills, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle the GRE with confidence.

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