Taking the GRE for grad school? The Quantitative Reasoning section can be intimidating. Here's the real scoop on the algebra.

The GRE is not a high-level math test. It is a reasoning test that uses math as its language.

The algebra tested is primarily what you learned in Algebra 1 and the beginning of Algebra 2.

You will need to be flawless with: solving linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and systems of equations.

You must understand functions and function notation, and be able to interpret graphs of functions.

Word problems are huge. You need to be an expert at translating a story into a solvable algebraic equation.

There is NO trigonometry. There are no logarithms. There is no advanced pre-calculus.

The difficulty of the GRE is not in the complexity of the math, but in the clever and tricky way the questions are worded.

It's about your logical problem-solving ability, not your ability to recall complex formulas.

A rock-solid foundation in basic algebra is far more important than a shaky knowledge of advanced topics. Master the fundamentals.