If you’re preparing for the GRE, you’ve probably noticed that Quantitative Comparison questions are a unique challenge. Unlike traditional problem-solving questions, they ask you to compare two quantities; sometimes even without fully solving for either! To help you efficiently and accurately approach these questions, we have a number of necessary tips to refine your strategy and improve your comfort level on testing day.
1. Understand the Answer Choices First
Every GRE Comparison question has the same four answer choices
(A) Quantity A is greater.
(B) Quantity B is greater.
(C) The two quantities are equal.
The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Knowing this in advance saves precious seconds. Instead of reading through all choices each time, focus immediately on comparing, and only check the options if you’re deciding between (C) and (D).
2. Estimate, Don’t Always Solve
Often, you don’t need to fully calculate exact values. Look for patterns, relationships, and estimations:
- Is one side obviously bigger?
- Does one quantity grow faster than the other?
- Can you eliminate choices by approximating?
GRE questions are designed to test reasoning; not just number crunching.
3. Plug in Smart Numbers
If a problem involves variables without specific values, choose numbers that are:
- Easy to work with (e.g., 2, 5, 10).
- Positive, negative, zero, and fractions if applicable.
- Representative of different cases.
Always test multiple scenarios if possible. A different number might flip the relationship; helping you choose (D).
4. Be Wary of Algebraic Manipulation
It may be tempting to manipulate inequalities or equations, and missteps can happen very easily, especially if you take for granted something you are doing (e.g. if you multiply both sides of an inequality by a negative number, then the inequality has to be inverted).
If you do manipulate, please do so carefully, and revisit the logic of your manipulations at every step.
5. Watch Out for Hidden Cases
Sometimes a relationship looks clear until you consider edge cases:
- Could a variable be zero?
- What about negatives?
- Could a fraction change the outcome?
Always double-check if more than one scenario is possible before locking in your answer.
6. Use Strategic Guessing When Needed
If you’re truly stuck:
- Eliminate clearly wrong options.
- Remember that (D) (“relationship cannot be determined”) is correct only when multiple possibilities exist with the given information.
Never choose (D) just because the question looks complicated!
7. Practice, Practice, Practice
The more Quantitative Comparison problems you solve, the quicker you will start to see the common traps and shortcuts. Timed practice is important, your only goal is to get faster without becoming less accurate.
Final Thoughts
Accomplishing GRE Comparison questions is not about being a wizard in math – it is about using logic, remaining calm, and being strategic. With enough time and effort, along with the right mindset, you will start to look for these difficult questions as a chance to get easy points.
Good luck studying, you can do it!
How The Princeton Review Can Assist With GRE Comparison Questions
If you are serious about understanding GRE Quantitative Comparison questions, The Princeton Review is the solution. Here’s how we help:
1. Strategies for quickly getting to the solutions.
The Princeton Review shows you successful methods for solving Quantitative Comparison questions – from when to estimate, when to plug in numbers, to quickly spotting “cannot determine relationships” traps. The approach is designed to minimize wasted time and maximize accuracy when the pressure is on.
2. Targeted practice and drills.
Courses include drills targeting just Quantitative Comparisons, so you rapidly develop speed and instinct. The questions reflect actual GRE difficulty levels, so you can practice in as realistic a format as possible.
3. Personalized feedback.
Whether in a class with only a few students or in a one-on-one session, you get feedback on your approach to Quantitative Comparisons. The instructors at Princeton Review help you diagnose why you are stuck – and coach you in improving your technique.
4. Intelligent test-taking techniques.
Regarding methods of solving quantitative comparison problems, The Princeton Review teaches the psychology of test-taking – staying calm, understanding pacing, and knowing when to guess. These intangible skills can impact your performance on an intensely competitive and time aware test like the GRE.
5. Score Improvement assurance
Many Princeton Review GRE courses come with a Score Improvement assurance, meaning we are confident that of our training, you’ll see real results. That’s extra motivation to commit to the proven system.
Final Word
Quantitative Comparison questions don’t have to be a hurdle. With smart strategies, lots of practice, and expert guidance from organizations like The Princeton Review, you can tackle these questions efficiently, and boost your overall GRE score.
Get ready to compare, conquer, and crush the GRE!