GRE General Test Exams — GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test

1. If z = x + y and x is 2.5 percent of z, where x, y, and z are positive numbers, which of the following is the ratio of y to x?

Answer: C

Explanation:

The ratio of y to x is 39 to 1.

To find the ratio of y to x, we can start by using the equation z = x + y and the information that x is 2.5 percent of z. By substituting the values and solving for the ratio, we determine that the ratio of y to x is 39 to 1.

A) 41 to 1

This option suggests that y is 41 times larger than x. However, based on the calculations derived from the relationships between x, y, and z, this ratio does not hold true, as the actual ratio is found to be lower.

B) 40 to 1

A ratio of 40 to 1 implies that y is 40 times greater than x. While this is a plausible option, it does not align with the calculations derived from the equations provided, which show that the ratio is actually less than this value.

C) 39 to 1

This is the correct ratio of y to x. Given that x is 2.5 percent of z, we can derive y by substituting the values accordingly and simplifying, leading to the conclusion that y is indeed 39 times greater than x.

D) 35 to 1

A 35 to 1 ratio indicates that y is 35 times greater than x. This does not match the calculated ratio, which shows that y actually has a greater comparative value to x than this option suggests.

E) 32 to 1

This option indicates a ratio of 32 to 1, suggesting that y is only 32 times larger than x. The calculations reveal that this is also incorrect, as the actual ratio is significantly higher.

Conclusion

The calculation confirms that the correct ratio of y to x is 39 to 1, as derived from the relationship of x being 2.5 percent of z. All other options misrepresent this relationship, either by overestimating or underestimating the comparative size of y relative to x. Thus, C is the only viable answer.

2. The ocean's heat capacity (the amount of heat needed to change its temperature) is far greater than that of dry land and thus _____ the ocean's seasonal temperature changes.

Answer: B, E

Explanation:

the ocean's seasonal temperature changes are muted and attenuated

The ocean's heat capacity significantly dampens the seasonal temperature fluctuations, resulting in more stable temperatures compared to dry land.

A) reflects

This option is incorrect as reflecting implies bouncing back heat or light without absorbing it. The ocean does not reflect heat changes; instead, it retains and distributes heat due to its high heat capacity.

B) mutes

This option is correct because "muting" refers to reducing the intensity of temperature changes. The ocean's high heat capacity allows it to absorb and store heat, leading to less drastic seasonal temperature changes compared to land.

C) alters

While the ocean can alter temperatures through its currents and heat distribution, this term does not accurately capture the idea of reducing or dampening temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it is not the best choice.

D) determines

This option suggests that the ocean's heat capacity directly dictates temperature changes, which is misleading. While the ocean influences temperature patterns, it does not solely determine them, making this choice incorrect.

E) attenuates

This option is also correct as "attenuates" means to weaken or reduce in force or intensity. The ocean's heat capacity serves to lessen the impact of seasonal temperature changes, aligning with this definition.

F) parallels

This option implies a similarity in temperature changes between the ocean and land, which is not accurate. The ocean's high heat capacity causes its temperature changes to differ significantly from those of dry land.

Conclusion

The correct answers, "mutes" and "attenuates," effectively describe how the ocean's heat capacity reduces the severity of seasonal temperature changes. Other options either misrepresent the ocean's thermal behavior or fail to capture the concept of diminished fluctuations, underscoring the importance of the ocean's role in climate moderation.

3. For Chicago, the daily high temperature is what percent greater than its daily low temperature?

Answer: D

Explanation:

Daily high temperature in Chicago is 70% greater than its daily low temperature.

In Chicago, the daily high temperature exceeds the daily low temperature by 70%. This percentage reflects the significant variation in temperature that can occur within a single day in this city.

A) 14%

This option is incorrect as a 14% difference would suggest a much smaller variation between the daily high and low temperatures. Such a minor percentage would not adequately capture the typical temperature fluctuations observed in Chicago.

B) 41%

A 41% difference indicates a moderate variation between high and low temperatures, but it still underestimates the substantial temperature changes that can occur in Chicago, making it an inaccurate choice.

C) 56%

Although a 56% difference represents a considerable variation, it still falls short of the actual percentage increase observed in the daily high compared to the daily low temperature in Chicago, thus making it incorrect.

D) 70%

This option accurately reflects the significant increase of 70% in the daily high temperature compared to the daily low temperature in Chicago. This percentage effectively captures the typical variations experienced in the region.

E) 90%

While a 90% difference might indicate an extreme fluctuation, it exaggerates the actual temperature variation observed in Chicago. This makes it an incorrect representation of the typical daily temperature range.

Conclusion

The correct answer, 70%, clearly represents the expected increase in daily high temperatures compared to the lows in Chicago, highlighting the city's notable temperature variations. The other options fail to accurately depict this relationship, making them incorrect choices in this context.

4. The author mentions 'maize (Zea mays)' primarily in order to

Answer: C

Explanation:

The author mentions 'maize (Zea mays)' primarily to cite a species that differs from its wild progenitor in the size of some of its plant structures.

The mention of maize serves to illustrate how this domesticated crop has evolved from its wild ancestor, showcasing significant changes in the size of various plant structures, which is a key point in understanding the effects of domestication.

A) acknowledge that domesticated crops with certain features likely originated in similar ecosystems

While this option touches on the origin of domesticated crops, it does not specifically address the author's focus on maize's differences from its wild progenitor. The emphasis is not on ecosystems but rather on structural changes in maize itself.

B) emphasize that domestication of wild plants has resulted in a wide range of now-common food crops

This statement is somewhat relevant but broadens the discussion beyond maize specifically. The author’s intent is not merely to highlight the variety of food crops but to focus on maize's distinct structural modifications resulting from domestication.

C) cite a species that differs from its wild progenitor in the size of some of its plant structures

This option accurately captures the author’s primary purpose in mentioning maize. It highlights the specific differences in size between maize and its wild ancestor, which is crucial for understanding the implications of plant domestication.

D) provide evidence that certain traits shared by many domesticated plants are advantageous

This choice suggests a generalization about traits in domesticated plants rather than focusing specifically on maize. While traits may be advantageous, the author’s mention of maize centers more on its unique structural differences from its wild form.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, is definitive because it directly addresses the author’s specific mention of maize in relation to its differences from its wild progenitor, thus illustrating the concept of domestication. Other options fail to focus on this particular aspect and either generalize the discussion or misinterpret the author’s intent.

5. The passage suggests that ostensible support for Gunn Allen's claim about the Laguna stories that Silko used in Ceremony is provided by which of the following?

Answer: A

Explanation:

Comments that Silko herself has made

The passage indicates that Paula Gunn Allen's claim about the Laguna stories is supported by comments made by Silko herself regarding the source of the stories, which she attributes to Laguna oral tradition. This acknowledgment of the oral tradition by Silko lends credence to the argument that she might have violated clan secrets.

A) Comments that Silko herself has made

This option is correct because it directly relates to Silko's acknowledgment of the Laguna oral tradition as the source of the stories in Ceremony. By admitting to this source, Silko provides evidence that supports Gunn Allen's claim of improper publication of secret clan material.

B) Silko's unusual treatment of the stories in the novel

This option is incorrect as the passage does not discuss any unusual treatment of the stories by Silko. Instead, it focuses on the origins of the stories and how they are presented in Ceremony, rather than any specific treatment that would substantiate Gunn Allen's claims.

C) The fact that print versions of the stories existed well before Silko was born

This option is also incorrect. While the existence of print versions is mentioned in the passage, it is used to argue against the idea that Silko revealed clan secrets. Therefore, it does not provide support for Gunn Allen's claim but rather counters it.

D) The fact that all but two of the stories are taken directly from ethnographic print texts

This option is incorrect because, similar to option C, it undermines Gunn Allen's claim. The passage highlights that most stories in Ceremony were sourced from ethnographic texts, suggesting that Silko was not the one revealing clan secrets but rather repatriating existing artifacts.

E) The unlikelihood that Silko could have recalled anything more than the gist of such stories when writing Ceremony

This option is incorrect as well. The passage does not emphasize the limitations of Silko's memory as a supporting point for Gunn Allen's claim. Instead, it focuses on the documented sources of the stories, which detracts from the assertion that Silko was sharing clan secrets.

Conclusion

The correct answer is supported by Silko's own comments regarding the sources of the stories in her novel, which align with Gunn Allen's concerns about the improper publication of clan material. All other options either misinterpret the passage or highlight aspects that contradict the notion of Gunn Allen's claim being substantiated. Thus, the emphasis on Silko's acknowledgment is crucial in understanding the context of the argument.

6. A circular cylinder has radius r and height h. A second cylinder has radius 2r and height 2h. What is the volume of the second cylinder in terms of V = πr²h?

Answer: D

Explanation:

The volume of the second cylinder is 8V.

The volume of the second cylinder can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a cylinder, which is V = πr²h. Given that the second cylinder has a radius of 2r and a height of 2h, its volume becomes V = π(2r)²(2h) = π(4r²)(2h) = 8πr²h, which is 8 times the volume of the first cylinder (V = πr²h).

A) 2V

This option is incorrect because when calculating the volume of the second cylinder, we find that it is significantly larger than just double the volume of the first cylinder. The volume is determined by both the radius and height, both of which are doubled, leading to a much larger result.

B) 4V

While this option might seem plausible since the radius is doubled, it does not account for the doubling of height as well. The calculation shows that the volume actually increases by a factor of 8 due to both dimensions being multiplied, making this option incorrect.

C) 6V

This option is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct relationship between the dimensions of the two cylinders. The volume increase is not a simple addition, but rather a multiplicative effect from both the radius and height changes, leading to a total volume of 8V instead.

D) 8V

This is the correct option. The volume of the second cylinder, calculated with its doubled radius and height, results in a total volume that is 8 times greater than the first cylinder's volume, confirming that the correct answer is indeed 8V.

E) 16V

This option is incorrect because it overestimates the volume of the second cylinder. The relationship between dimensions does not lead to a volume that is 16 times greater; it is important to accurately account for both the increase in radius and height, which collectively result in only an 8-fold increase.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D) 8V, as the volume of the second cylinder is derived from the formula for cylinder volume, considering both the radius and height doubling. All other options fail to accurately reflect the mathematical relationship between the dimensions, which shows that the volume increases by a factor of 8, not 2, 4, 6, or 16.

7. Select the two answer choices that complete the sentence: Researchers comparing test subjects' ability to interpret facial expressions found that while some expressions were easy to interpret, others were difficult because they were so _____ the person making the expression.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Expressions were difficult because they were so idiosyncratic to the person making the expression.

Facial expressions can vary significantly from person to person, making some expressions more idiosyncratic and harder to understand for observers. This idiosyncratic nature can lead to confusion or misinterpretation in social interactions.

A) habitual for

This option suggests that expressions are difficult to interpret because they are routine or typical for the person. However, habitual expressions are generally easier to recognize, as they are often repeated and thus become more familiar to observers. Therefore, this choice does not fit the context of the difficulty in interpretation.

B) customary for

Similar to option A, "customary" implies that the expressions are standard or common for the individual. Customary expressions are typically more recognizable and understood by others, making this choice incorrect in the context of why some expressions are hard to interpret.

C) idiosyncratic to

Expressions that are idiosyncratic to an individual are unique and specific to that person, making them challenging for others to interpret. This uniqueness can stem from personal experiences or cultural differences, which can obscure the intended meaning, thus making this option the correct choice.

D) opaque to

While "opaque" suggests that something is unclear, it does not specifically relate to the individual nature of the expressions being discussed. Opaque could imply a general lack of clarity rather than a personal uniqueness, which does not accurately capture the reason for the difficulty in interpretation.

E) inoffensive to

This option indicates that expressions are gentle or not likely to cause offense. However, inoffensive expressions do not inherently contribute to difficulty in interpretation; in fact, they may be easier to read. Thus, this choice is not relevant to the context of the question.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "idiosyncratic to," highlights how personal uniqueness in facial expressions can hinder their interpretation by others. In contrast, all other options focus on aspects that either imply familiarity or lack relevance to the individual nature of expressions, thus failing to explain the complexity of interpreting certain facial cues effectively.

8. Select the two answer choices that complete the sentence with the same meaning: Researchers comparing subjects' ability to interpret facial expressions found that some expressions were difficult because they were so _____ to the person making the expression.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Certain facial expressions were difficult because they were so idiosyncratic to the person making the expression.

Some expressions were difficult for researchers to interpret because they were unique or peculiar to the individual exhibiting them, hence the term "idiosyncratic."

A) habitual for

This option suggests that the expressions are common or routine for the individual; however, this does not convey the uniqueness or peculiarity implied in the context of the question. Therefore, it does not align with the meaning required to complete the sentence.

B) customary for

While "customary" implies that the expressions are typical or conventional for the person, it lacks the specific connotation of individuality found in "idiosyncratic." Thus, it does not accurately reflect the intended meaning in the context of the research findings.

C) idiosyncratic to

This choice is correct as it indicates that the expressions are distinctive or unique to the individual, making them difficult for others to interpret. It captures the essence of how personal variations in expression can hinder understanding, aligning perfectly with the context of the research.

D) opaque to

The term "opaque" implies that the expressions are unclear or difficult to understand, but it does not specifically address the personal uniqueness of the expressions. Thus, it fails to convey the same meaning as "idiosyncratic" in the context of the sentence.

E) inoffensive to

This option does not relate to the ability to interpret facial expressions at all. It suggests that the expressions do not cause offense, which is unrelated to the difficulty in interpretation discussed in the question.

Conclusion

The option "C) idiosyncratic to" is definitively correct as it conveys the unique nature of expressions that can hinder their interpretation. The other options either do not reflect the necessary uniqueness or are unrelated to the context of interpreting facial expressions, thus failing to complete the sentence with the same meaning effectively.

9. The _____ of the folktales in this collection does not inhibit the conveyance of important lessons; indeed, the didactic effect would be lost if the stories were more protracted.

Answer: B, D

Explanation:

The simplicity and brevity of the folktales in this collection do not inhibit the conveyance of important lessons.

The simplicity and brevity of the folktales in this collection enhance their ability to convey important lessons effectively. If the stories were longer or more complex, their didactic effect would diminish.

A) gaiety

Gaiety refers to a state of being cheerful or lively. While this could describe the tone of some folktales, it does not directly relate to the effectiveness of conveying important lessons. Thus, gaiety does not fit the context of the question.

B) simplicity

Simplicity is crucial in these folktales as it allows the lessons to be understood easily and quickly. The straightforward nature of the stories ensures that the didactic effect remains intact, making this option a strong candidate for the answer.

C) whimsy

Whimsy pertains to playful or fanciful behavior or ideas. Although some folktales may contain whimsical elements, this characteristic does not specifically address the effectiveness of conveying lessons. Therefore, whimsy does not align with the context of the question.

D) brevity

Brevity is a significant aspect of these folktales, as shorter narratives help maintain the focus on the essential lessons. The effectiveness of the stories hinges on their concise nature, making brevity an appropriate answer.

E) sobriety

Sobriety refers to seriousness or gravity. While some folktales may convey serious messages, sobriety does not inherently support the idea that important lessons are effectively conveyed in a brief manner. Thus, it is not relevant in this context.

F) economy

Economy in storytelling refers to the efficient use of words and ideas to convey a message. Although this is a relevant concept, it overlaps with brevity and simplicity. However, it does not independently emphasize the direct conveyance of lessons as well as simplicity and brevity do.

Conclusion

The simplicity and brevity of the folktales are vital for their didactic effectiveness, allowing important lessons to be conveyed without unnecessary complexity. Other options either do not address the core issue of lesson conveyance or do not apply to the context as effectively as simplicity and brevity do. Therefore, these two answers are definitively correct.

10. List S contains 25 distinct integers from 0 to 50 inclusive. List T is formed by adding 50 to every integer in S. List R merges S and T. Quantity A: the median of R. Quantity B: twice the median of S.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The two quantities are equal.

The median of List R, which consists of 25 integers from List S and their corresponding 25 integers from List T (where each integer in S has been increased by 50), will be equal to twice the median of List S. This is due to the symmetrical nature of the integers in List T relative to their counterparts in List S.

A) Quantity A is greater.

This option suggests that the median of List R is greater than twice the median of List S. However, since List T is simply List S shifted upwards by 50, the distributions remain symmetrical, making this option incorrect.

B) Quantity B is greater.

This option posits that twice the median of List S exceeds the median of List R. Given that the median of R is derived from values that are symmetrically paired with those in S, this statement does not hold true.

C) The two quantities are equal.

This option correctly identifies that the median of List R will equal twice the median of List S. Each integer in S has a corresponding integer in T that maintains the necessary balance, confirming this equality.

D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

This option implies a lack of clarity regarding the relationship between the two quantities. However, the structured formation of Lists S and T provides a clear basis for determining their medians, making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

The conclusion is that the medians of Lists R and S are related through a consistent mathematical transformation, leading to the finding that they are equal. As such, the choice indicating equality is the only correct answer, while all other options misinterpret the relationship established by the construction of the lists.