The Patterns

Three numbers in a row have hidden structure. Use it.

Find the max or min by pushing against the constraints.

Fractions hide easier numbers underneath. Convert and conquer.

Every absolute value hides two cases. Pull them apart.

Convert everything to the same unit FIRST. Then solve.

Different rules for different ranges. Find your zone first.

Factoring beats the quadratic formula. Look for it first.

Same base? Use the laws. Different base? Find a common base.

Inequalities flip when you multiply by negatives. Don't forget.

Distance, midpoint, slope — the three coordinate-geometry workhorses.

Every triangle gives you 4 facts for free. Use them.

All circle questions reduce to: radius, π, and one shortcut.

Mean is the balance point. Median is the middle. They're different — and the GRE knows it.

SD measures spread, not size. Shifting doesn't change it — stretching does.

Probability is just careful counting divided by careful counting.

When things work together, add their rates — not their times.

d = rt. Three variables, two given, one to find.

Which combination of restrictions pins down the unique answer?

Repeating decimals follow rules. Once you see them, the answer is automatic.

f(x) is just a recipe. Follow the recipe with the input you're given.

Volume and surface area are just formulas. Match the shape to the formula.

The percentages in each band are given. You just identify the band.

When the count is small, list them. When it's big, use the formulas.