All GRE Math Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #12 : Geometry
"O" is the center of the circle as shown below.
A
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The radius of the circle
B
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3
Quanitity A is greater
Quantity B is greater
The relationship cannot be determined
The two quantities are equal
Quantity B is greater
We know the triangle inscribed within the circle must be isosceles, as it contains a 90-degree angle and fixed radii. As such, the opposite angles must be equal. Therefore we can use a simplified version of the Pythagorean Theorem,
a2 + a2 = c2 → 2r2 = 16 → r2 = 8; r = √8 < 3. (since we know √9 = 3, we know √8 must be less); therefore, Quantity B is greater.
Example Question #1 : How To Find The Length Of A Radius
Which point could lie on the circle with radius 5 and center (1,2)?
(3,4)
(–3, 6)
(3,–2)
(4,–1)
(4,6)
(4,6)
A radius of 5 means we need a distance of 5 from the center to any points on the circle. We need 52 = (1 – x2)2 + (2 – y2)2. Let's start with the first point, (3,4). (1 – 3)2 + (2 – 4)2 ≠ 25. Next let's try (4,6). (1 – 4)2 + (2 – 6)2 = 25, so (4,6) is our answer. The same can be done for the other three points to prove they are incorrect answers, but this is something to do ONLY if you have enough time.
Example Question #1 : How To Find The Length Of A Radius
A circular fence around a monument has a circumference of feet. What is the radius of this fence?
This question is easy on the whole, though you must not be intimidated by one small fact that we will soon see. Set up your standard circumference equation:
The circumference is feet, so we can say:
Solving for , we get:
Some students may be intimidated by having in the denominator; however, there is no need for such intimidation. This is simply the answer!
Example Question #22 : Geometry
Circle has a center in the center of Square .
The area of Square ABCD is .
What is the radius of Circle ?
Since we know that the area of Square is , we know , where is the length of one of its sides. From this, we can solve for by taking the square root of both sides. You will have to do this by estimating upward. Therefore, you know that is . By careful guessing, you can quickly see that is . From this, you know that the diameter of your circle must be half of , or (because it is circumscribed). Therefore, you can draw: