GRE Quantitative Comparison: An Overview and Practice Questions

Quantitative Comparison questions, a multiple-choice question type, appear in the GRE quant section. In these questions, test takers must compare two quantities, A and B, and determine their relationship to see which is larger, if they are equal, or if a comparison is not possible. Each question contains only 4 answer options. It's important to note that all quantitative comparison questions have the same 4 answer choices, presented in the same order.

GRE Quantitative Comparison questions can come from a variety of math topics tested in the GRE quant section, including algebra, geometry, probability, etc., and concepts from other areas, like rates and ratios, or more complex subjects - permutations and coordinate geometry. In each math section of the GRE, 8 to 9 out of 20 questions are Quantitative Comparison questions. Given that you’ll encounter nearly 18 of these questions, how well you perform on them can heavily influence your overall math score. These questions constitute nearly 40% of the GRE quant section, highlighting their importance in determining your final score. In addition to Quantitative Comparison, problem-solving question types are also a key component of the GRE quant section.

While the format of Quantitative Comparison questions may seem straightforward at first, many higher-level questions are designed to be tricky. As a result, students often miss the correct answer without realising they have been misled. To excel in these questions, you must develop your analytical thinking skills, quick estimation, and mathematical concepts. In this article, we provide in-depth information on GRE Quantitative Comparison, including the types of questions, strategies, and practice questions to help improve your performance. So, let's get started!

Format of GRE Quantitative Comparison Questions

To excel in Quantitative Comparison (QC) questions, it is crucial to understand their format, as this helps you recognize what to expect on the test. These questions require you to compare two given quantities and determine the relationship between them.

Each QC question begins with a question stem, followed by two quantities labelled as Quantity A and Quantity B. Your task is to compare these quantities and decide if one is greater than the other, if they are equal, or if the relationship between them cannot be determined. The question stem provides additional information that applies to both quantities.

The answer choices for every QC question are standardised as follows:

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Not all GRE Quantitative Comparison questions will be as straightforward as the example we are discussing below, but it gives you a clear idea of what these questions look like. These questions can cover any math topic, from number properties to geometry. Therefore, having a solid grasp of general math problem-solving skills is essential.

Let’s now look at a simple example question:

Quantitative Comparison Example:

Given: x=5

Quantity A: 2x

Quantity B: 10

Answer Choices:

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Explanation:

Substitute the value of x into both quantities:

Quantity A: 

2x = 2(5) = 10

Quantity B: 10

Compare the results:

Quantity A = 10
Quantity B = 10

Since both quantities are equal, the correct answer is: C. The two quantities are equal.

One advantage of Quantitative Comparison questions over traditional problem-solving questions is the consistency of the answer choices. Unlike problem-solving questions, which have different answer choices for each question, the answer choices for Quantitative Comparison questions remain the same. This consistency can be a significant time-saver on test day, as you won’t need to read through new answer choices for each question. Memorising these constant answer choices—A for Quantity A is greater, B for Quantity B is greater, C for the quantities are equal, and D for the relationship cannot be determined—will help you work more efficiently.

Understanding this format is crucial for developing effective strategies to tackle these questions.

Now that we’ve grasped what Quantitative Comparison questions entail, let's explore the most important strategies for solving them.

Effective Strategies for GRE Quantitative Comparison

While Quantitative Comparison might seem like a single topic, the questions can test a diverse array of skills. To excel in solving QC questions on the GRE, it's essential to master some specific strategies. Here are the top 8 techniques that will help you tackle these questions effectively:

1. Approximation
2. Plugging in Numbers
3. Matching Operations
4. Looking for Equality
5. Number Sense
6. Elimination
7. Simplification
8. Cross-Multiplication

Now, let’s explore each of these techniques in detail and understand how they can be beneficial.

#1 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Approximation

Approximation is one of the most crucial techniques and a good strategy for solving Quantitative Comparison (QC) questions efficiently. While approximation is generally useful on the GRE, it becomes especially powerful for QC questions where precise calculations are often unnecessary. The GRE focuses more on reasoning and less on performing extensive calculations, so relying on approximation can save you valuable time.

By approximating values, you avoid the tedium of lengthy calculations, which are usually unnecessary for QC questions. Instead, you can make quick comparisons that lead to accurate answers.

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

Let's use approximation to solve the following question:

Quantity A: The area of a square with a side length of 7
Quantity B: 50

Answer Choices:

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

To solve this, you need to approximate the area of the square.

The area of a square is given by side length²
 .
For Quantity A: 
7² = 49

Here, Quantity B is 50.

You can see that 49 is close to 50, but slightly less. With this simple approximation, it’s clear that Quantity B is slightly greater than Quantity A.

Thus, the correct answer is: B. Quantity B is greater.

This example demonstrates how approximation helps you quickly determine the relationship between quantities without needing exact calculations.

#2 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Plugging in Numbers

Plugging in numbers is a widely used technique in the GRE, especially when dealing with problems that involve variables and complex expressions. This method simplifies the problem by substituting the variables with specific values that meet the conditions provided in the question.

Important Note: Ensure that the numbers you choose align with any conditions given in the problem. For example, if the question states that the variables are positive integers, you must use positive integers in your substitution. Using incorrect values can lead to incorrect answers.

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

Let a and b be positive integers.

Quantity A: 3a + 2b
Quantity B: 4a + b

Answer Choices:

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

Since a and b are positive integers, you can choose any positive integer values for them to test the quantities. Let's use a = 2 and b = 3:

For Quantity A: 

3a + 2b = 3(2) + 2(3) = 6 + 6 = 12.

For Quantity B: 

4a + b = 4(2) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11.
So, in this case, Quantity A is 12 and Quantity B is 11. Therefore, Quantity A is greater.

To verify consistency, you can try different positive integer values for a and b. For example, using a = 1 and b = 2:

For Quantity A: 3(1) + 2(2) = 3 + 4 = 7.
For Quantity B: 4(1) + 2 = 4 + 2 = 6.
Again, Quantity A is greater than Quantity B.

The advantage of using the ‘plugging in numbers’ technique is that it simplifies complex expressions and helps you quickly determine the relationship between the quantities, especially when dealing with linear and quadratic equations. However, be cautious as this method may not always provide a definitive answer. The limitation of this strategy is that it may not work effectively for all types of problems, especially when the expressions are too intricate or when the results vary with different numbers. If the results vary, or if you get contradictory outcomes, consider that the answer might be C or D, indicating that more information is needed or that the quantities cannot be conclusively compared.

By choosing strategically useful numbers such as 0, -1, 1, -2, 2, 1/2, -1/2, 5, -5, 10, -10, you can efficiently test the quantities and determine the correct answer.

#3 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Matching Operations

Matching operations is another powerful technique for tackling GRE quantitative comparison questions. In this strategy, you perform identical mathematical operations on both given quantities to determine which is greater. These operations can include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. However, remember that you can only multiply and divide by a positive number. The key principle is to apply the same operation to both quantities. Whatever you do to one quantity, make sure to do it to the other.

Here’s an example question where we’ll use this technique:

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

Given that x is a positive integer

Quantity A: 3x+5
Quantity B: 2x+10

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

First, observe that both quantities contain the term x. To simplify the comparison, subtract 2x from both quantities:

Quantity A: 
3x + 5 −2x = x + 5

Quantity B: 
2x + 10 − 2x = 10

Now, compare the simplified quantities:

Quantity A: x+5
Quantity B: 10

Since x is a positive integer, x+5 will always be greater than 10 when x is 6 or more. 
However, for values of x less than 5, the relationship might change. 
Therefore, the correct answer here would be D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

This example illustrates how using mathematical operations can simplify GRE quantitative comparison questions, making them easier to solve.

#4 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Looking for Equality

One of the less popular but effective ways to solve GRE quantitative comparison questions that involve variables is by trying to equate the two given quantities. This technique helps determine if the answer is C (the quantities are always equal) or D (the relationship cannot be determined).

When the given quantities have variables, it’s useful to check if they can be made equal by substituting specific values. If the quantities are equal for all values of the variable(s), then the answer is C. If they are not equal for all values, then the answer is D. Here’s an example to illustrate this technique:

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

x and y are positive integers

Quantity A: 3x² + 2y − 5

Quantity B: x² + 5y + 2

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

First, let's try equating the two quantities by substituting specific values for 
x and y:

1. Let x = 1 and y = 1:

Quantity A:
3(1)² + 2(1) −5 = 3 + 2 −5 = 0

Quantity B:
(1)² + 5(1) + 2 = 1 + 5 + 2 = 8

Since Quantity A is not equal to Quantity B, we cannot conclude the relationship based on this alone. Now, let's try another set of values to check if this holds true for all positive integer values of 
x and y.

2. Let x = 2 and y = 2:

Quantity A:
3(2)² + 2(2) − 5 = 12 + 4 − 5 = 11

Quantity B:

(2)² + 5(2) + 2 = 4 + 10 + 2 = 16

Since Quantity A is still not equal to Quantity B, we continue to check further values to ensure that the inequality persists.

3. Let x=0 and y=0:

Quantity A:

3(0)² + 2(0) − 5 = −5

Quantity B:

(0)² + 5(0) + 2 = 2

Again, Quantity A is not equal to Quantity B.

Based on these checks, it is clear that the quantities are not equal for different values of x and y. Therefore, we can conclude that the relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

#5 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Number Sense

The previous strategies we've discussed involve systematic, repeatable techniques. However, the Number Sense strategy is different. It leverages your intuitive understanding of numbers and their relationships to solve problems quickly. This strategy can sometimes give you the answer almost immediately, but it requires practice and a strong sense of how numbers work.

Here’s an illustration of this strategy at work:

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

Given y > 3

Quantity A: (6y+2) / 4
​Quantity B: 3

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

If you look at the question here, you can see that since y > 3, 6y > 18. Let’s break it down:

Considering Quantity A: 
(6y+2) / 4

​Since y > 3, we know 6y > 18. Adding 2 gives 6y + 2 > 20. So,

(6y+2) / 4 > 20 / 4 = 5.

Thus, Quantity A is always greater than 5.

Considering Quantity B:

Quantity B is simply 3.

Since (6y+2) / 4 is greater than 5 for all y > 3, and 5 is greater than 3, it’s clear that Quantity A is always greater than Quantity B.

Therefore, the answer is A.

This problem can be solved without plugging in specific numbers or performing detailed calculations if you have a good sense of how numbers work. With enough practice, you'll be able to identify such patterns and relationships quickly. For instance, understanding that certain operations or transformations on a variable will always yield a result greater than a constant can help you make quick and accurate comparisons.

Another aspect of number sense is recognizing patterns that allow for immediate conclusions. For example, if Quantity A involves a term plus a positive constant and Quantity B is that constant, you can instantly determine that Quantity A is greater without further calculation. This skill will significantly reduce the time spent on the quant section during the test.

#6 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Elimination

Elimination is a powerful technique for solving GRE quantitative comparison questions by ruling out impossible answer choices. This method involves using logical reasoning or simplifications to eliminate answer choices that cannot possibly be correct. By narrowing down the options, you can simplify the problem and often arrive at the correct answer more efficiently.

Here’s an example of how to use elimination effectively:

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

a and b are positive integers.

Quantity A: a² + b²

Quantity B: 2ab

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

To apply elimination, consider different scenarios or values for a and b:

1. If a = 1 and b = 2:

Quantity A: 1² + 2²  = 1 + 4 = 5

Quantity B: 2 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 2 = 4

Here, Quantity A (5) is greater than Quantity B (4).

2. If a = 2 and b = 2:

Quantity A: 2² + 2² = 4 + 4 = 8

Quantity B: 2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 2 = 8

Here, Quantity A (8) is equal to Quantity B (8).

3. If a = 3 and b = 1:

Quantity A: 3² + 1² = 9 + 1 = 10

Quantity B: 2 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 1 = 6

Here, Quantity A (10) is greater than Quantity B (6).

In all cases tested, Quantity A can be greater, equal to, or less than Quantity B depending on the values of a and b. Therefore, you can eliminate options A and B, and the correct answer is D.

This approach helps you test specific scenarios to determine if one quantity consistently meets or exceeds another, or if both quantities are sometimes equal.

#7 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Simplification

Simplification involves reducing expressions to their simplest forms to make comparisons easier. This technique can be particularly useful when dealing with complex expressions or algebraic formulas. By simplifying each quantity, you can more easily determine their relationship.

Here’s an example of how to use simplification:

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

Quantity A: (2x² + 6x + 4) / (x+2)
Quantity B: x+4

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

To simplify Quantity A, perform polynomial division:

Simplify Quantity A:

Divide 2x² + 6x + 4 by x+2:
(2x² + 6x + 4) / (x+2)​ = 2(x2 + 3x + 2) / (x+2)​ 
= 2(x + 1)(x + 2) / (x+2)​ 
= 2(x + 1)
= 2x + 2

So, Quantity A simplifies to 2x + 2.

Compare with Quantity B:

Quantity B is x + 4.

Subtract Quantity B from Quantity A:
(2x + 2) - (x + 4) = (x - 2)
The result x − 2 tells us that:

If x > 2, Quantity A is greater.
If x < 2, Quantity B is greater.
If x = 2, both quantities are equal.

So, the answer depends on the value of x. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

#8 Quantitative Comparison Strategy – Cross-Multiplication

Cross-multiplication is a technique used primarily when dealing with fractions or ratios. By cross-multiplying, you can simplify the comparison of two fractions and determine their relative sizes.

Here’s an example of how to use cross-multiplication:

GRE Quantitative Comparison Example:

Quantity A: (3x + 5) / (2x − 3)
Quantity B: (2x + 7) / (x + 1)

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Solution:

To compare these fractions, cross-multiply:

Cross-Multiply:

(3x + 5) / (2x − 3) vs (2x + 7) / (x + 1)
​
Cross-multiplying gives:

(3x + 5)(x + 1) vs (2x + 7)(2x − 3)

Expand both products:

For Quantity A:

(3x + 5)(x + 1) = 3x² + 3x + 5x + 5 = 3x² + 8x + 5

For Quantity B:

(2x + 7)(2x − 3) = 4x²  − 6x + 14x −21 = 4x²  + 8x − 21

Subtract the left side from the right side:
(3x² + 8x + 5) - (4x²  + 8x − 21) = -x² + 26

The result -x² + 26 tells us that:

• If x is small, the result might be positive or negative, affecting which quantity is greater.
• Generally, if x is large, -x2  will dominate, making Quantity B larger.

Therefore, the relationship depends on x, so the correct answer is D.
So, those are the top 8 crucial strategies for mastering GRE quantitative comparison questions. Remembering and applying these techniques will help you solve QC questions more efficiently and accurately on test day.

GRE Quantitative Comparison Practice Questions with Answers and Explanations

Enhance your GRE preparation with these carefully crafted Quantitative Comparison practice questions. Each question is designed to test different strategies and concepts, and includes a detailed explanation, strategy used, and tips to help you improve.

1. Practice Question Strategy: Approximation

Quantity A: The area of a circle with radius 8
Quantity B: 200

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
To find the area of a circle, use the formula πr2 . For a circle with radius 8:

Area = Π × 8² = 64Π

To simplify, approximate Π as 3.14:
64 × 3.14 = 200.96

So, the area of the circle is approximately 200.96, which is greater than 200. Hence, Quantity A is greater than Quantity B.

Correct Answer: A. Quantity A is greater.

Tip: Approximate calculations can simplify comparisons without exact computations.

2. Practice Question Strategy: Plugging in Numbers

Quantity A: 2x² + 5x when x=2
Quantity B: 3x² + x when x=2

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
Substitute x = 2 into both expressions:

For Quantity A:

2(2² ) + 5(2) = 2 × 4 + 10 = 8 + 10 = 18

For Quantity B:

3(2² ) + 2 = 3 × 4 + 2= 12 + 2 = 14

Quantity A evaluates to 18 and Quantity B evaluates to 14. Thus, Quantity A is greater.

Correct Answer: A. Quantity A is greater.

Tip: Substituting specific values can make it easier to compare algebraic expressions.

3. Practice Question Strategy: Matching Operations

Quantity A: 3x + 4
Quantity B: 2x + 6

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
To compare these, subtract 2x from both quantities:

For Quantity A:

3x + 4 − 2x = x + 4

For Quantity B:

2x + 6 − 2x = 6

Thus, Quantity A simplifies to x + 4, and Quantity B simplifies to 6. The relationship depends on x:

• If x > 2, x + 4 > 6, so Quantity A is greater.
• If x < 2, x + 4 < 6, so Quantity B is greater.

Correct Answer: D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Tip: Use consistent operations on both sides to simplify comparisons.

4. Practice Question Strategy: Looking for Equality

Quantity A: 4x + 5
Quantity B: 2x + 15

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:

To determine if the quantities are equal, set them equal to each other:
4x + 5 = 2x + 15

Subtract 2x from both sides:
2x + 5 = 15

Subtract 5 from both sides:
2x = 10

Divide by 2: x=5

So, if x = 5, the quantities are equal. For other values of x, the relationship changes.

Correct Answer: C. The two quantities are equal.

Tip: Equate expressions to check for equality directly.

5. Practice Question Strategy: Number Sense

Quantity A: (3x−4)/2, when x > 6
Quantity B: 1

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:

Since x > 6, 3x − 4 is greater than 3 × 6 − 4 = 14. Thus:
(3x − 4) / 2 > 14/2 = 7

Since 7>1, Quantity A is greater than Quantity B.

Correct Answer: A. Quantity A is greater.

Tip: Use your understanding of numbers to make quick comparisons.

6. Practice Question Strategy: Simplification

Quantity A: (4y−2) / 2
​Quantity B: 2y − 1

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
Simplify Quantity A:

(4y − 2) / 2 = 2y − 1

​Quantity B: 2y − 1

Thus, Quantity A is identical to Quantity B.

Correct Answer: C. The two quantities are equal.

Tip: Simplify expressions to see if they are equal.

7. Practice Question Strategy: Elimination

Quantity A: x² + 3x + 2
Quantity B: x² + 5x + 4

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
Subtract x2 from both quantities:

For Quantity A:

x² + 3x + 2 − x² = 3x + 2

For Quantity B:

x² + 5x + 4 −x² = 5x + 4

Compare 3x + 2 to 5x + 4:
5x + 4 − 3x − 2 = 2x + 2
Since 2x+2 is positive for x > 0, Quantity B is greater.

Correct Answer: B. Quantity B is greater.

Tip: Eliminate common terms to simplify the comparison.

8. Practice Question Strategy: Cross-Multiplication

Quantity A: 2x / (x + 1)
​Quantity B: 3/2
​
Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
Cross-multiply to compare:

2x × 2 = 3 × (x+1)

4x = 3x + 3

Subtract 3x:
x = 3

For x > 3, 2x / (x + 1)​ will be greater than 3/2

Correct Answer: D The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Tip: Cross-multiplication helps compare fractions without direct division.

9. Practice Question Strategy: Working with Inequalities

Quantity A: x+3 when x<2
Quantity B: 5

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:
If x < 2, then x + 3 < 2 + 3 = 5. 

Thus, Quantity A is less than Quantity B.

Correct Answer: B. Quantity B is greater.

Tip: Use inequalities to determine if one quantity is consistently greater or lesser.

10. Practice Question Strategy: Absolute Values

Quantity A: ∣x−2∣
Quantity B: ∣2−x∣

Answer Choices:
A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Answer and Explanation:

Since ∣x − 2∣ = ∣2 − x∣ for any value of x, both quantities are always equal. This is because the absolute value of a number is always non-negative and measures the distance from zero, making ∣a − b∣ equal to ∣b − a∣.

Thus, the correct answer is that the two quantities are equal.

Correct Answer: C. The two quantities are equal.

Tip: When dealing with absolute values, remember that ∣a − b∣ is always equal to ∣b − a∣. This can simplify comparisons and help you quickly determine the relationship between quantities.

Download GRE Quantitative Comparison PDF to practice questions later.

Tips for answering Quantitative Comparison Questions

Successfully tackling Quantitative Comparison questions on the GRE requires strategic thinking and a thorough understanding of various techniques. Here are some essential tips to help you approach these questions with confidence:

1. Understand the Answer Choices: Quantitative Comparison questions always have the same set of answer choices. It's crucial to be familiar with them, particularly the last option: "The relationship cannot be determined from the information given." Avoid selecting this option if you can clearly determine the relationship between the two quantities through computation. Additionally, if you identify that one quantity is definitively greater, ensure you correctly select the corresponding answer without confusing the first two choices.
2. Minimize Computations: Avoid wasting time on unnecessary calculations. Focus on simplifying, transforming, or estimating the given quantities only as needed to make the comparison. This will save valuable time during the test.
3. Be Cautious with Geometric Figures: Geometric figures provided in the questions may not be drawn to scale. If any part of the figure is not fully determined by the given information, try redrawing it while keeping the determined aspects fixed. Then examine the possible variations in lengths or angles to aid your comparison.
4. Plug-in Numbers: When dealing with algebraic expressions, substitute simple numbers for the variables to compare the resulting quantities. Use a variety of numbers, including zero, positive and negative numbers, fractions, and decimals. If different numbers yield different results, choose "The relationship cannot be determined from the information given."
5. Simplify the Comparison: For algebraic or arithmetic expressions that are hard to compare directly, simplify the expressions step-by-step. Start by setting up a comparison with Quantity A followed by a placeholder (?), and then Quantity B. 

Quantity A   ?      Quantity B

This placeholder represents the relationship which could be greater than (>), less than (<), equal to (=), or undetermined. Simplify the comparison step-by-step until the relationship is clear. For example, you might find that the placeholder represents equal to (=). Understanding and practicing this strategy can greatly improve your efficiency and accuracy on test day.

To conclude, mastering these strategies will greatly enhance your ability to tackle GRE Quantitative Comparison questions with confidence and efficiency. Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with different techniques are key to improving your performance. For personalized guidance and support, connect with our counsellors at Kanan International. Good luck with your preparation, and may you achieve your desired score on the GRE!