Some questions can be answered more quickly by reasoning and estimating than by using the calculator.
Avoid using it to introduce decimals if you are asked to give an answer as a fraction.
Avoid using it for simple computations that are quicker to do mentally, such as and.
Use it for calculations that you know are tedious, such as long division square roots and addition, subtraction or multiplication of numbers that have several digits.
Most of the questions don't require difficult computations, so don't use the calculator just because it's available.
Here are some general guidelines for calculator use in the Quantitative Reasoning measure: You must use your mathematical knowledge to determine whether the calculator's results are reasonable and how the results can be used to answer a question. For such computations, you can use the calculator provided with your test.Īlthough the calculator can shorten the time it takes to perform computations, keep in mind that the calculator provides results that supplement, but do not replace, your knowledge of mathematics. Sometimes the computations you need to do in order to answer a question in the Quantitative Reasoning measure of the GRE ® General Test are somewhat time-consuming, like long division, or involve square roots.