GAT General flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Synonym

A word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another. In synonym questions, choose the option that matches the stem word's meaning in its given context, including tone and connotation.

Antonym

A word expressing the opposite of another. The correct option must share the stem's part of speech and oppose its exact sense, not merely be unrelated to it.

Analogy bridge sentence

A short sentence linking the two stem words, such as 'a pen is used to write'. Applying the identical sentence to each option tests whether its relationship matches.

Degree analogy

A relationship in which two words differ only in intensity, such as warm and hot. The matching pair must differ in the same direction and by a comparable amount.

Function analogy

A relationship pairing an object with its purpose, such as knife and cutting. The matching pair must show the same object-purpose link, not a reversed or unrelated one.

Part-to-whole analogy

A relationship in which one word names a component of the other, such as wheel and car. The matching pair must keep the same component-to-whole direction.

Contrast signal words

Words such as although, despite, however, yet, and rather that signal a reversal of meaning. They indicate the blank must oppose an idea stated elsewhere in the sentence.

Double-blank elimination rule

In two-blank sentence completion, solve the more predictable blank first, remove every option that fails it, then confirm the second blank fits both grammar and logic.

Main idea

The central claim covering the entire passage. A correct main-idea option must include all major parts of the text without adding ideas the passage never states.

Valid inference

A statement that must be true if the passage is true. Options that are merely likely, interesting, or supported only by outside knowledge are not valid inferences.

Scope rule

A correct answer choice may be narrower than the passage but never broader. Options raising topics outside the passage's boundaries are wrong even when factually true.

Average formula

Average equals the sum of all values divided by the number of values. Rearranged, sum equals average multiplied by count, which solves problems supplying either quantity.

Percent change

Percent change equals new value minus old value, divided by the old value, then multiplied by 100. Always divide by the original amount, never the new one.

Successive percent change

Two consecutive changes of a percent and b percent combine as (1 + a/100)(1 + b/100) − 1, not as a + b. A 20% rise then a 20% fall is a net 4% fall.

Ratio share

If a total T is split in the ratio a to b, the two parts equal aT/(a+b) and bT/(a+b). Adding the ratio terms first gives the number of equal parts.

Combined work rate

When two workers alone need a and b hours, their rates are 1/a and 1/b, so together they finish the job in ab/(a+b) hours.

Average speed rule

Average speed is total distance divided by total time, never the simple average of the speeds. For equal distances at speeds x and y it equals 2xy/(x+y).

Simple interest

Simple interest equals principal times rate times time divided by 100, with the rate as a percent per year. Interest is charged only on the original principal.

Compound interest

Amount equals P(1 + R/100)^T, and compound interest equals that amount minus P. Unlike simple interest, each period's interest is added to the principal.

Pythagorean triples

Whole-number right triangles worth memorising: 3-4-5 and its multiples, 5-12-13, 8-15-17, and 7-24-25. Recognising them avoids lengthy square-root work.

Triangle angle sum

The interior angles of any triangle total 180 degrees and those of any quadrilateral total 360 degrees. A triangle's exterior angle equals the sum of the two opposite interior angles.

Circle formulas

A circle's area is pi times the radius squared, and its circumference is 2 times pi times the radius. Since diameter is twice the radius, circumference also equals pi times diameter.

Conditional statement

A rule of the form 'if A then B'. A guarantees B, but B never guarantees A, so treating the reverse as true is the most common deduction error.

Contrapositive

The logically equivalent reversal of a conditional: from 'if A then B' you may conclude 'if not B then not A'. This inference is valid and often supplies the key deduction.

'Only if' translation

The phrase 'A only if B' means A implies B, making B necessary for A. The phrase 'A if B' reverses this and means B implies A.

Linear arrangement count

The number of different orders for n distinct items in a row is n factorial, the product of all whole numbers from 1 to n. Five items give 120 orders.

Circular arrangement count

The number of distinct seating orders for n distinct people around a round table is (n − 1) factorial, because rotating the whole arrangement creates no new order.

Most constrained element

In grouping or sequencing puzzles, start with the item having the fewest allowed positions or the rule touching the most items, since it forces the rest of the layout.

Block technique

When two items must sit adjacent, treat them as one combined unit while counting arrangements, then multiply by two if their internal order is unrestricted.

Syllogism chain rule

Two universal premises chain: all A are B plus all B are C yields all A are C. From 'some A are B' you can conclude only that some B are A.

'Some' statement limit

A premise using 'some' guarantees at least one member exists but never supports an 'all' or 'no' conclusion. Only universal premises can produce universal conclusions.

Handshake count

In a group of n people where every pair meets once, the number of distinct pairs is n times (n − 1) divided by 2, the division removing double counting.