Quantitative Comparison — The GRE's Unique Question Type

You're given Quantity A and Quantity B. Choose:

A) Quantity A is greater

B) Quantity B is greater

C) The two quantities are equal

D) The relationship cannot be determined

Strategy 1 — Plug in numbers: Try x = 2, then x = -1, then x = 0, then x = 1/2. If the relationship changes, the answer is D.

Strategy 2 — Simplify both sides: Treat it like an equation. Subtract the same thing from both sides. If you can determine which is bigger, you're done.

Strategy 3 — Estimate: You don't need exact values. If A is clearly bigger after rough calculation, pick A.

Trap: Don't assume D just because the problem looks hard. D is only correct when different valid inputs produce different relationships.

Time tip: These should be your fastest questions. Target 60-90 seconds each.

Reference:

Wikipedia: GRE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduate_Record_Examinations