GRE Mathematics (GRE Test Preparation) 5th Edition

This book has 280 pages of review followed by 6 practice tests complete with answer key and detailed explanation of answers. All of that is great. However, in the first ten minutes that I looked at the book, I saw two errors. On p. R-69, it talks about the limit as x goes to zero of abs(x) over x. It says the limit does not exist (correct) because the limit from the right is neg. infinity (wrong) and the limit from the left is pos. infinity (wrong). On the 3rd test, the answer on the answer key to #65 is D (wrong) while the detailed answer is A (correct). The book was not adequately reviewed for errors. Also, there is no index.The other problem with the tests themselves is that so many of the questions use terms that are not commonly used in math classes - not even graduate math classes. For example, Which of the following polynomials satisfies an Eisenstein criterion for irreducibility over the rationals? What's an Eisenstein criterion? If this were an actual test question, I believe that the term would have been defined in the problem.Here is another of this type question: what is the height of an algebraic equation? I do believe you can get a Ph.D. in math without ever seeing a reference to the "height" of an algebraic equation. If such a question was on the GRE, I believe that the term would have defined in the question, instead of assuming the test-taker knew what the term meant.To improve this book, the authors should add an index, rigorously review it for errors, and make the questions more in line with real test questions.

Most of the reviews here are negative, but I actually found this to be the most useful of the GRE mathematics books. It's by no means a GREAT book--the exposition itself is barely readable and includes a number of very specific topics that are virtually guaranteed not to appear on the test. But, if you're like me, you're mainly looking for a source of practice problems, and this book has plenty. Some of them are rather difficult and specialized, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Think of it as "mathematical strength training"--lifting heavier weights in practice will make the actual test that much more comfortable. But in all honesty, I felt like the spirit of these problems reflected well the spirit of the actual test, even if the actual content does not.By way of comparison, the Princeton Review book is nicer looking, but its flaws are more serious in my opinion. First is the scarcity of problems--just a single practice test. Also, while many of the test problems are fine, on balance they are too computational and often don't reflect good "mathematical taste" the way the actual GRE does. I can't help but feel this reflects a lack of higher mathematical ability of the author. This suspicion is strengthened by some significant errors in the Princeton review book on standard topics (like Laurent series), and the small number of quality questions having a theoretical flavor.If you're feeling intimidated by the GRE mathematics test and want a gentle, friendly book, then try the Princeton Review. If you're at a more advanced level and want some more serious practice, then I'd recommend this book.

The pros area), There are 6 tests. You need to keep in mind that there aren't many practice tests available.b), The difficulty is high. It covers more than needed in the actual test.The cons area), It is not designed for people who want to get from a 30% into a 70% level. It is for 90% students trying to get a 95% level. There are simply loads of problems that takes too much time and depth of knowledge.b), The format doesn't resemble the actual test. It may not be too relevant if you are studying for knowledge only, but getting used to a standardized test requires much more than knowledge.Summary:If you want to but this book, make sure it is not because you want to cover the basics, but to increase the last 10% of your already 90% level knowledge. Take at least 6 months to prepare if you want to use this. If your goal is overall increase of knowledge, it is great.

Not worth the painThis book sounded great-particularly for its 6 practice tests and the detailed study plan. However, this isn't good if you need to brush up on old calc or abstract algebra that you haven't seen in a few semesters. The book is incredibly long, yet incredibly fast paced. They spent a painful amount on time making sure you knew the simple rules, that really you already knew, but then only gave you a brief mention on the topics that actually stump people. Take for example, multiplication of matrices. They give you super easy square matrices, when in reality the thing that people needed practice on is the non-square matrices. Introducing tough topics with easy examples only is not helpful. Then, on the practice exams, they introduced ideas that we're never mentioned in the review section. So you go through all the pages, get past the typos (was this not reviewed..) and then get hit by literally the hardest exam ever. If anything, it's discouraging. This book might be good for the students that already have their act together and need those tough problems, but for just a review, it was more painful than anything else.

Only one or two of these exams come even close to being valuable for the subject GRE. Anyone's guess how they found the people to write the rest and what the hell they were thinking. Still might be a valuable purchase, considering the dearth of prep material for this test, but the Princeton Review and online review materials come recommended way before this.

Not particularly helpful most of the material is old, poorly formatted and with only partial solution. That said this is as good as it gets.

Unclear explanations, bizarre illogical ordering of the subject review, nonstandard terminology and notation, and lots of typos. Seems more like a rough draft of a guide, rather than the 5th edition of the "most comprehensive guide on the market today".Nevertheless, the 6 practice tests are useful.

I would recommend this book ONLY if you are out of resources to use. The book uses obscure and outdated mathematical vocabulary that most people wouldn't understand. The practice tests in general are extremely difficult and above the level of the actual exams. The review material is completely useless and omits multivariable calculus altogether (!).Go with the Princeton Review if you are looking for a review book. But truthfully, the best review materials are undergraduate textbooks (Stewart, Dummit & Foote, etc.).