Following a YouTube channel: the Tested Tutor, I found these tricky phrases for the GRE. They are quite useful, especially for those who are in the first stages of their preparation



1. Consecutive: Consecutive means in a row. If the questions says Consecutive integers then it is 1, 2, 3, but it can also be cosecutive multiple of 6, in that case it is: 6,12,18 etc..

2. Distinct: If you see word Distinct, then all the number must be different. If this word is not in the question that means all the number can be same, ie, ’a set of three numbers with a median of 30’, here you are allowed to have all the same numbers.

3. Integer/Number: If the question uses a word integer then it can be +2, −2, 0, Remember Zero is an integer. On the other hand if the question says Number then it can be 0, 0.5, −2, 0.7 anything.

4. For Every: ’For every. . . ’ tells that there is a ratio coming up. For example:’For Every man in the room there were three children and two women’ means that the ratio of men to children to women is 1 : 3 : 2.

5. Non-negative: This means greater or equal to zero, if you see this word that means the question wants you to consider the possibility of zero too. On the other hand positive number does not include Zero.

6. Must/Could: Must means the answer should be right in all cicumstances, on the other hand Could means, maybe for one value the answer is right but for another value it is wrong.

7. Odd/Even: Zero is even. Negatives can be odd or even too. So -2 is even and -3 is odd. Example: If y is a non-negative even integer, is y^2 > y.

8. No Fewer Than: This means Greater than or equal to or ≥.

9. No More Than: This means Less than or equal to or ≤.

10. Positive: Always remember Zero is not Positive, and if the question says something like: If y is an integer, here you need to be very careful that integer could be anything positive,negative and zero.

11. Prime: Remember 1 is not prime number and 2 is the only even prime number. Negative number cannot be prime.