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Your FREE GRE Math Flashcards 2026 – 200+ Cards

Realistic GRE Math Subject Test flashcards across all three content areas — flip, match, type, and quiz yourself on the theorems and formulas that matter.

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Click Study Flashcards above to open the flashcard hub — 200 GRE Math cards you can flip, match, type, or quiz yourself on. Every card is drawn from the ETS GRE Mathematics Subject Test content areas, so you study exactly what the test measures.[1] Pair them with our free practice test and study guide.

GRE Math Flashcard Study Modes

Flip mode moves through cards at your own pace so you can check each definition before turning back. Match is a timed game that pairs terms with definitions. Type shows the definition and asks you to produce the term, so something like Chain rule has to come from memory. Quiz builds multiple choice questions from the same cards when recognition is all you have left.

Free GRE Math flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the ETS GRE Mathematics Subject Test

Why Flashcards Work for the GRE Math Subject Test

Calculus is the heaviest block at 81 cards, and it spans differentiation rules, integral applications, and the tests that decide whether a series converges. Chain rule sits next to application material such as Related rates, where the card is less about a formula than about knowing when to set one up. The convergence cards, Ratio test among them, ask you to hold both the statement and the conditions under which it says nothing. Since this domain holds the most cards, give it the first complete pass and the most repeat rounds.

Additional Topics carries 64 cards and is the widest-ranging part of the deck, pulling probability, counting arguments, and point-set topology into one place. Bayes’ theorem anchors the probability side, and you should be able to state it rather than merely recognize it. Counting questions lean on techniques like Stars and bars, which is easy to name and easy to misapply. The topology cards, Metric space included, reward precise wording, since the definitions here are what later arguments are built on.

Algebra closes the deck with 55 cards drawn from group theory, ring theory, and linear algebra. Subgroup and Coset check whether you can give a clean structural definition instead of an example, which is the difference that shows up under time pressure. Eigenvalue brings in the linear algebra vocabulary that supports determinants, traces, dimension counts, and change of basis. Because these terms stack on one another, work through the group and ring cards before the linear algebra ones.

The GRE Mathematics Subject Test is fast and broad: it rewards instant recall of theorems, definitions, and formulas across about three years of an undergraduate major.[2] Spaced flashcards are the most efficient way to make that knowledge automatic. Used alongside our practice test and study guide, they turn review time into measurable progress.

GRE Math Flashcards by Content Area

The cards are organized by the GRE Mathematics Subject Test’s three content areas. Drill the biggest one first — Calculus is about half the exam — then work through Algebra and the Additional Topics:[1]

GRE Math flashcards by content area
Content areaWhat it covers
Calculus (~50%)Limits, derivatives, integrals, series, multivariable calculus and the vector-calculus theorems
Algebra (~25%)Linear algebra, abstract/group theory, rings and fields, and number theory
Additional Topics (~25%)Real analysis, point-set topology, complex variables, probability, statistics, and discrete math

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

  • Start with Calculus. At 81 cards it is the largest block in the deck, so clearing it first gives you the biggest gain before you touch anything else.
  • Type-drill the near-twins. Root test and Ratio test read alike under time pressure, so typing the term from the definition forces a distinction that Quiz options can quietly hand you.
  • Let Match handle definitions. The short set and topology cards in Additional Topics, Open set among them, pair quickly and reward exactly the fast recognition Match is built to train.
  • Switch to the practice test. Once Algebra cards such as Subgroup and Eigenvalue come back without hesitation, move to full questions where those terms are buried inside the problem.
  • Keep the cadence small. Work one domain per sitting across the 200 cards, retire what you already know in Flip, and close each session with a short Quiz round.

GRE Math Flashcards FAQ

Two hundred free GRE Mathematics Subject Test flashcards, organized across all three content areas — Calculus (single- and multivariable, sequences and series), Algebra (linear algebra, abstract/group theory, and number theory), and Additional Topics (real analysis, topology, complex variables, probability, statistics, and discrete math). They're free with no account required.

GRE Math flashcard bank

All 200 cards, by topic

A reference copy of every card in this deck. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to show it. To study with Flip, Match, Type and Quiz modes and track what you have mastered, use Study Flashcards at the top of the page.

Calculus (81)

Power rule (derivative)
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ddxxn=nxn−1 \dfrac{d}{dx} x^n = n x^{n-1} for any real exponent n n .

Product rule
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(fg)′=f′g+fg′ (fg)' = f'g + fg' .

Quotient rule
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(fg)′=f′g−fg′g2 \left(\dfrac{f}{g}\right)' = \dfrac{f'g - fg'}{g^2} .

Chain rule
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If y=f(g(x)) y = f(g(x)) then dydx=f′(g(x))⋅g′(x) \dfrac{dy}{dx} = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) .

Derivative of eˣ
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ddxex=ex \dfrac{d}{dx} e^x = e^x ; and ddxax=axln⁡a \dfrac{d}{dx} a^x = a^x \ln a .

Derivative of ln x
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ddxln⁡x=1x \dfrac{d}{dx} \ln x = \dfrac{1}{x} ; and ddxlog⁡ax=1xln⁡a \dfrac{d}{dx} \log_a x = \dfrac{1}{x \ln a} .

Derivative of sin x
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ddxsin⁡x=cos⁡x \dfrac{d}{dx} \sin x = \cos x .

Derivative of cos x
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ddxcos⁡x=−sin⁡x \dfrac{d}{dx} \cos x = -\sin x .

Derivative of tan x
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ddxtan⁡x=sec⁡2x \dfrac{d}{dx} \tan x = \sec^2 x .

Derivative of arctan x
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ddxarctan⁡x=11+x2 \dfrac{d}{dx} \arctan x = \dfrac{1}{1 + x^2} .

Derivative of arcsin x
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ddxarcsin⁡x=11−x2 \dfrac{d}{dx} \arcsin x = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}} .

Implicit differentiation
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Differentiate both sides with respect to x x , treating y y as a function of x x (so y y terms pick up a dydx \tfrac{dy}{dx} ), then solve for dydx \tfrac{dy}{dx} .

Limit definition of the derivative
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f′(x)=lim⁡h→0f(x+h)−f(x)h f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \dfrac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h} .

L'Hôpital's rule
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For 00 \tfrac{0}{0} or ∞∞ \tfrac{\infty}{\infty} : lim⁡fg=lim⁡f′g′ \lim \dfrac{f}{g} = \lim \dfrac{f'}{g'} , provided the right limit exists.

Squeeze theorem
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If g(x)≤f(x)≤h(x) g(x) \le f(x) \le h(x) near a a and lim⁡x→ag=lim⁡x→ah=L \lim_{x\to a} g = \lim_{x\to a} h = L , then lim⁡x→af=L \lim_{x\to a} f = L .

Standard limit: sin x over x
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lim⁡x→0sin⁡xx=1 \lim_{x \to 0} \dfrac{\sin x}{x} = 1 .

Standard limit: (eˣ − 1)/x
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lim⁡x→0ex−1x=1 \lim_{x \to 0} \dfrac{e^x - 1}{x} = 1 .

Limit form of e
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lim⁡x→∞(1+ax)x=ea \lim_{x \to \infty} \left(1 + \dfrac{a}{x}\right)^x = e^{a} .

Continuity at a point
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f f is continuous at a a if lim⁡x→af(x)=f(a) \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = f(a) (the limit exists and equals the function value).

Differentiable implies continuous
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If f f is differentiable at a a it is continuous at a a . The converse fails — e.g. ∣x∣ |x| at 0 0 .

Critical point
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A point where f′(x)=0 f'(x) = 0 or f′(x) f'(x) is undefined; candidate for a local max, min, or inflection.

First-derivative test
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At a critical point, f′ f' changing +→− + \to - gives a local max; −→+ - \to + gives a local min.

Second-derivative test
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At f′(c)=0 f'(c) = 0 : f′′(c)>0 f''(c) > 0 means local min; f′′(c)<0 f''(c) < 0 means local max; f′′(c)=0 f''(c) = 0 is inconclusive.

Concavity & inflection point
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f′′>0 f'' > 0 is concave up, f′′<0 f'' < 0 concave down; an inflection point is where concavity changes (often f′′=0 f'' = 0 ).

Mean Value Theorem
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If f f is continuous on [a,b] [a,b] and differentiable on (a,b) (a,b) , some c c gives f′(c)=f(b)−f(a)b−a f'(c) = \dfrac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a} .

Rolle's theorem
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If f f is continuous on [a,b] [a,b] , differentiable on (a,b) (a,b) , and f(a)=f(b) f(a) = f(b) , then f′(c)=0 f'(c) = 0 for some c c in (a,b) (a,b) .

Extreme Value Theorem
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A continuous function on a closed bounded interval [a,b] [a,b] attains an absolute maximum and minimum on that interval.

Intermediate Value Theorem
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If f f is continuous on [a,b] [a,b] and N N lies between f(a) f(a) and f(b) f(b) , then f(c)=N f(c) = N for some c c in [a,b] [a,b] .

Related rates
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Differentiate a relation between quantities with respect to time t t , then substitute known rates to solve for the unknown rate.

Linear approximation
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Near a a : f(x)≈f(a)+f′(a)(x−a) f(x) \approx f(a) + f'(a)(x - a) — the tangent line approximates the function.

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 1
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If F(x)=∫axf(t) dt F(x) = \int_a^x f(t)\,dt then F′(x)=f(x) F'(x) = f(x) .

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, Part 2
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∫abf(x) dx=F(b)−F(a) \int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a) , where F F is any antiderivative of f f .

Power rule for integrals
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∫xn dx=xn+1n+1+C \int x^n\,dx = \dfrac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + C for n≠−1 n \ne -1 ; for n=−1 n = -1 , ∫1x dx=ln⁡∣x∣+C \int \tfrac{1}{x}\,dx = \ln|x| + C .

u-substitution
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Let u=g(x) u = g(x) , du=g′(x) dx du = g'(x)\,dx : ∫f(g(x))g′(x) dx=∫f(u) du \int f(g(x)) g'(x)\,dx = \int f(u)\,du — the chain rule in reverse.

Integration by parts
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∫u dv=uv−∫v du \int u\,dv = uv - \int v\,du . Choose u u by LIATE (log, inverse trig, algebraic, trig, exponential).

Integral of eˣ
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∫ex dx=ex+C \int e^x\,dx = e^x + C .

Integral of 1/(1+x²)
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∫11+x2 dx=arctan⁡x+C \int \dfrac{1}{1 + x^2}\,dx = \arctan x + C .

Integral of sin x and cos x
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∫sin⁡x dx=−cos⁡x+C \int \sin x\,dx = -\cos x + C ; ∫cos⁡x dx=sin⁡x+C \int \cos x\,dx = \sin x + C .

Partial fractions
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Decompose a rational function into simpler fractions whose denominators are the factors of the original denominator, then integrate term by term.

Area between two curves
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∫ab[top(x)−bottom(x)] dx \displaystyle\int_a^b \big[ \text{top}(x) - \text{bottom}(x) \big]\,dx , where top ≥ \ge bottom on [a,b] [a,b] .

Volume by disks
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Revolving y=f(x) y = f(x) about the x-axis: V=∫abπ[f(x)]2 dx V = \displaystyle\int_a^b \pi [f(x)]^2\,dx .

Volume by cylindrical shells
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About the y-axis: V=∫ab2πx f(x) dx V = \displaystyle\int_a^b 2\pi x\, f(x)\,dx .

Arc length
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L=∫ab1+[f′(x)]2 dx L = \displaystyle\int_a^b \sqrt{1 + [f'(x)]^2}\,dx .

Average value of a function
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favg=1b−a∫abf(x) dx f_{\text{avg}} = \dfrac{1}{b - a} \displaystyle\int_a^b f(x)\,dx .

Improper integral
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An integral with an infinite limit or an unbounded integrand; evaluate as a limit, e.g. ∫1∞1x2 dx=1 \int_1^{\infty} \tfrac{1}{x^2}\,dx = 1 (converges).

Convergence of ∫ 1/xᵖ from 1 to ∞
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∫1∞1xp dx \int_1^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{x^p}\,dx converges iff p>1 p > 1 .

Geometric series
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∑n=0∞arn=a1−r \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a r^n = \dfrac{a}{1 - r} when ∣r∣<1 |r| < 1 ; diverges when ∣r∣≥1 |r| \ge 1 .

p-series test
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∑n=1∞1np \displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \dfrac{1}{n^p} converges iff p>1 p > 1 . The harmonic series (p=1 p = 1 ) diverges.

nth-term (divergence) test
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If lim⁡n→∞an≠0 \lim_{n\to\infty} a_n \ne 0 , the series ∑an \sum a_n diverges. (If the limit is 0, the test is inconclusive.)

Ratio test
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Let L=lim⁡∣an+1/an∣ L = \lim |a_{n+1}/a_n| : L<1 L < 1 converges, L>1 L > 1 diverges, L=1 L = 1 inconclusive. Best for factorials and exponentials.

Root test
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Let L=lim⁡∣an∣n L = \lim \sqrt[n]{|a_n|} : L<1 L < 1 converges, L>1 L > 1 diverges, L=1 L = 1 inconclusive. Best when an a_n has an nth power.

Integral test
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For positive, decreasing f f with an=f(n) a_n = f(n) : ∑an \sum a_n and ∫1∞f dx \int_1^{\infty} f\,dx both converge or both diverge.

Comparison test
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If 0≤an≤bn 0 \le a_n \le b_n : ∑bn \sum b_n converges ⇒∑an \Rightarrow \sum a_n converges; ∑an \sum a_n diverges ⇒∑bn \Rightarrow \sum b_n diverges.

Limit comparison test
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If lim⁡anbn=c \lim \tfrac{a_n}{b_n} = c with 0<c<∞ 0 < c < \infty , then ∑an \sum a_n and ∑bn \sum b_n converge or diverge together.

Alternating series test
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∑(−1)nbn \sum (-1)^n b_n converges if bn>0 b_n > 0 , bn b_n is decreasing, and bn→0 b_n \to 0 .

Absolute vs conditional convergence
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Absolute: ∑∣an∣ \sum |a_n| converges. Conditional: ∑an \sum a_n converges but ∑∣an∣ \sum |a_n| diverges (e.g. the alternating harmonic series).

Taylor series
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f(x)=∑n=0∞f(n)(a)n!(x−a)n f(x) = \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \dfrac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!}(x - a)^n . With a=0 a = 0 it is a Maclaurin series.

Maclaurin series of eˣ
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ex=∑n=0∞xnn!=1+x+x22!+⋯ e^x = \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \dfrac{x^n}{n!} = 1 + x + \dfrac{x^2}{2!} + \cdots (converges for all x x ).

Maclaurin series of sin x
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sin⁡x=x−x33!+x55!−⋯ \sin x = x - \dfrac{x^3}{3!} + \dfrac{x^5}{5!} - \cdots .

Maclaurin series of cos x
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cos⁡x=1−x22!+x44!−⋯ \cos x = 1 - \dfrac{x^2}{2!} + \dfrac{x^4}{4!} - \cdots .

Geometric (Maclaurin) series of 1/(1−x)
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11−x=∑n=0∞xn \dfrac{1}{1 - x} = \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n for ∣x∣<1 |x| < 1 .

Radius of convergence
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The value R R such that a power series ∑cn(x−a)n \sum c_n (x-a)^n converges for ∣x−a∣<R |x - a| < R ; often found by the ratio test.

Partial derivative
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∂f∂x \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x} differentiates with respect to x x , treating the other variables as constants.

Gradient vector
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∇f=(∂f∂x, ∂f∂y) \nabla f = \left( \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial x},\ \dfrac{\partial f}{\partial y} \right) ; it points in the direction of steepest increase of f f .

Directional derivative
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Duf=∇f⋅u D_{\mathbf{u}} f = \nabla f \cdot \mathbf{u} , where u \mathbf{u} is a unit vector — the rate of change of f f in the direction u \mathbf{u} .

Lagrange multipliers
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To extremize f f subject to g=c g = c , solve ∇f=λ∇g \nabla f = \lambda \nabla g together with the constraint.

Second-partials (Hessian) test
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With D=fxxfyy−fxy2 D = f_{xx} f_{yy} - f_{xy}^2 : D>0,fxx>0 D > 0, f_{xx} > 0 min; D>0,fxx<0 D > 0, f_{xx} < 0 max; D<0 D < 0 saddle; D=0 D = 0 inconclusive.

Double integral over a rectangle
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∬Rf dA=∫cd ⁣ ⁣∫abf(x,y) dx dy \displaystyle\iint_R f\,dA = \int_c^d \!\! \int_a^b f(x,y)\,dx\,dy — an iterated integral (Fubini's theorem).

Green's theorem
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∮C(P dx+Q dy)=∬D(∂Q∂x−∂P∂y)dA \displaystyle\oint_C (P\,dx + Q\,dy) = \iint_D \left( \dfrac{\partial Q}{\partial x} - \dfrac{\partial P}{\partial y} \right) dA .

Stokes' theorem
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∮CF⋅dr=∬S(∇×F)⋅dS \displaystyle\oint_C \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{r} = \iint_S (\nabla \times \mathbf{F}) \cdot d\mathbf{S} — relates a line integral to the curl over the bounded surface.

Divergence theorem
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∬SF⋅dS=∭V(∇⋅F) dV \displaystyle\iint_S \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{S} = \iiint_V (\nabla \cdot \mathbf{F})\,dV — flux through a closed surface equals the integral of the divergence.

Line integral of a scalar field
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∫Cf ds=∫abf(r(t)) ∣r′(t)∣ dt \displaystyle\int_C f\,ds = \int_a^b f(\mathbf{r}(t))\,|\mathbf{r}'(t)|\,dt .

Conservative vector field
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F=∇φ \mathbf{F} = \nabla \varphi for some potential φ \varphi ; then line integrals are path-independent and ∇×F=0 \nabla \times \mathbf{F} = \mathbf{0} .

Separable differential equation
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dydx=g(x)h(y) \dfrac{dy}{dx} = g(x)h(y) : separate to dyh(y)=g(x) dx \dfrac{dy}{h(y)} = g(x)\,dx and integrate both sides.

First-order linear ODE
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y′+P(x)y=Q(x) y' + P(x)y = Q(x) : multiply by the integrating factor μ=e∫P dx \mu = e^{\int P\,dx} , so (μy)′=μQ (\mu y)' = \mu Q .

Exponential growth/decay ODE
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dydt=ky \dfrac{dy}{dt} = ky has solution y=y0ekt y = y_0 e^{kt} — growth if k>0 k > 0 , decay if k<0 k < 0 .

Second-order linear homogeneous ODE
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ay′′+by′+cy=0 ay'' + by' + cy = 0 : solve the characteristic equation ar2+br+c=0 ar^2 + br + c = 0 ; roots give erx e^{rx} solutions.

Curvature of a circle
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A circle of radius r r has constant curvature κ=1r \kappa = \dfrac{1}{r} .

Telescoping series
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A series whose partial sums collapse, e.g. ∑(1n−1n+1)=1 \sum \left( \tfrac{1}{n} - \tfrac{1}{n+1} \right) = 1 .

Pythagorean trig identity
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sin⁡2θ+cos⁡2θ=1 \sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1 ; dividing gives 1+tan⁡2θ=sec⁡2θ 1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta .

Double-angle formulas
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sin⁡2θ=2sin⁡θcos⁡θ \sin 2\theta = 2\sin\theta\cos\theta ; cos⁡2θ=cos⁡2θ−sin⁡2θ=1−2sin⁡2θ \cos 2\theta = \cos^2\theta - \sin^2\theta = 1 - 2\sin^2\theta .

Algebra (55)

Eigenvalue
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A scalar λ \lambda with Av=λv A\mathbf{v} = \lambda \mathbf{v} for some nonzero v \mathbf{v} ; found from det⁡(A−λI)=0 \det(A - \lambda I) = 0 .

Eigenvector
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A nonzero vector v \mathbf{v} whose direction is unchanged (up to scaling) by A A : Av=λv A\mathbf{v} = \lambda \mathbf{v} .

Characteristic polynomial
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p(λ)=det⁡(A−λI) p(\lambda) = \det(A - \lambda I) ; its roots are the eigenvalues of A A .

Trace
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The sum of the diagonal entries of a square matrix; it equals the sum of the eigenvalues (with multiplicity).

Determinant of a 2×2 matrix
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det⁡(abcd)=ad−bc \det \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} = ad - bc . It equals the product of the eigenvalues.

Invertible matrix conditions
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An n×n n \times n matrix is invertible iff det⁡A≠0 \det A \ne 0 iff rank =n = n iff its columns are linearly independent iff 0 0 is not an eigenvalue.

Rank of a matrix
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The dimension of the column space (= dimension of the row space) = number of pivots in row echelon form.

Rank–nullity theorem
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For T:V→W T : V \to W , rank⁡(T)+nullity⁡(T)=dim⁡V \operatorname{rank}(T) + \operatorname{nullity}(T) = \dim V .

Kernel (null space)
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The set of vectors v \mathbf{v} with Av=0 A\mathbf{v} = \mathbf{0} ; its dimension is the nullity.

Linear independence
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Vectors are linearly independent if the only solution to c1v1+⋯+ckvk=0 c_1\mathbf{v}_1 + \cdots + c_k\mathbf{v}_k = \mathbf{0} is all ci=0 c_i = 0 .

Basis
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A linearly independent set that spans a vector space; every vector is a unique linear combination of basis vectors.

Dimension
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The number of vectors in any basis of a vector space — an invariant of the space.

Diagonalizable matrix
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A=PDP−1 A = PDP^{-1} for a diagonal D D ; possible iff A A has n n linearly independent eigenvectors (guaranteed if all eigenvalues are distinct).

Vector space axioms
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A set closed under vector addition and scalar multiplication satisfying associativity, commutativity, a zero vector, additive inverses, and the distributive/identity laws over a field.

Spectral theorem
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A real symmetric matrix is orthogonally diagonalizable: it has real eigenvalues and an orthonormal basis of eigenvectors.

Orthogonal matrix
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A square matrix with QTQ=I Q^{\mathsf T} Q = I (columns orthonormal); it preserves lengths and det⁡Q=±1 \det Q = \pm 1 .

Dot product
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u⋅v=∣u∣∣v∣cos⁡θ=∑uivi \mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} = |\mathbf{u}||\mathbf{v}|\cos\theta = \sum u_i v_i ; zero means the vectors are orthogonal.

Cross product
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u×v \mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v} is orthogonal to both, with magnitude ∣u∣∣v∣sin⁡θ |\mathbf{u}||\mathbf{v}|\sin\theta (the area of the parallelogram they span).

Linear transformation
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A map T T with T(au+bv)=aT(u)+bT(v) T(a\mathbf{u} + b\mathbf{v}) = aT(\mathbf{u}) + bT(\mathbf{v}) ; every such map (between finite-dim spaces) is given by a matrix.

Image (range) of a linear map
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The set of all outputs T(v) T(\mathbf{v}) ; its dimension is the rank, and it equals the column space of the matrix.

Cramer's rule
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For Ax=b A\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{b} with det⁡A≠0 \det A \ne 0 : xi=det⁡Aidet⁡A x_i = \dfrac{\det A_i}{\det A} , where Ai A_i replaces column i i with b \mathbf{b} .

Group (definition)
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A set with an associative operation, an identity element, and an inverse for each element. Abelian if the operation is also commutative.

Abelian group
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A group whose operation is commutative: ab=ba ab = ba for all elements. Example: the integers under addition.

Order of an element
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The smallest positive n n with an=e a^n = e (the identity); it divides the order of the group.

Order of a group
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The number of elements in the group. By Lagrange's theorem, every subgroup's order divides it.

Lagrange's theorem
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In a finite group G G , the order of any subgroup H H divides ∣G∣ |G| ; the quotient ∣G∣/∣H∣ |G|/|H| is the index [G:H] [G:H] .

Cyclic group
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A group generated by a single element: G=⟨a⟩={an} G = \langle a \rangle = \{ a^n \} . Every group of prime order is cyclic.

Subgroup
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A subset that is itself a group under the same operation — closed, contains the identity, and contains inverses.

Normal subgroup
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N⊴G N \trianglelefteq G when gN=Ng gN = Ng (i.e. gNg−1=N gNg^{-1} = N ) for all g g ; exactly the condition to form the quotient G/N G/N .

Quotient group
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G/N G/N : the group of cosets of a normal subgroup N N , with (aN)(bN)=abN (aN)(bN) = abN . Its order is ∣G∣/∣N∣ |G|/|N| .

Coset
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For a subgroup H H , a left coset is gH={gh:h∈H} gH = \{ gh : h \in H \} . Cosets partition the group into equal-size blocks.

Group homomorphism
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A map ϕ:G→H \phi : G \to H with ϕ(ab)=ϕ(a)ϕ(b) \phi(ab) = \phi(a)\phi(b) . An isomorphism is a bijective homomorphism.

Kernel of a homomorphism
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ker⁡ϕ={g:ϕ(g)=eH} \ker\phi = \{ g : \phi(g) = e_H \} — always a normal subgroup of G G ; ϕ \phi is injective iff the kernel is trivial.

First isomorphism theorem
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For ϕ:G→H \phi : G \to H , G/ker⁡ϕ≅im⁡ϕ G/\ker\phi \cong \operatorname{im}\phi .

Symmetric group Sₙ
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The group of all permutations of n n elements; it has n! n! elements and is non-abelian for n≥3 n \ge 3 .

Cyclic group Z mod n
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Z/nZ \mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z} : integers under addition mod n n ; the order of element k k is n/gcd⁡(n,k) n/\gcd(n,k) .

Ring (definition)
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A set with addition (an abelian group) and an associative multiplication that distributes over addition. With unity it has a multiplicative identity 1 1 .

Integral domain
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A commutative ring with unity and no zero divisors: ab=0⇒a=0 ab = 0 \Rightarrow a = 0 or b=0 b = 0 .

Field
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A commutative ring with unity in which every nonzero element has a multiplicative inverse (e.g. Q,R,C \mathbb{Q}, \mathbb{R}, \mathbb{C} ).

Ideal
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A subgroup I I of a ring under addition that absorbs multiplication: rI⊆I rI \subseteq I for all r r in the ring.

Quadratic formula
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For ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2 + bx + c = 0 : x=−b±b2−4ac2a x = \dfrac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} .

Discriminant
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b2−4ac b^2 - 4ac : positive gives two real roots, zero one (repeated) root, negative two complex-conjugate roots.

Vieta's formulas (quadratic)
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For ax2+bx+c=0 ax^2 + bx + c = 0 : the roots sum to −b/a -b/a and multiply to c/a c/a .

Rational Root Theorem
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Any rational root p/q p/q of an integer polynomial has p∣ p \mid constant term and q∣ q \mid leading coefficient.

Factor theorem
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(x−r) (x - r) is a factor of p(x) p(x) iff p(r)=0 p(r) = 0 (i.e. r r is a root).

Logarithm rules
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log⁡(xy)=log⁡x+log⁡y \log(xy) = \log x + \log y ; log⁡(x/y)=log⁡x−log⁡y \log(x/y) = \log x - \log y ; log⁡(xk)=klog⁡x \log(x^k) = k\log x .

Change of base formula
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log⁡ax=log⁡bxlog⁡ba \log_a x = \dfrac{\log_b x}{\log_b a} .

Exponent rules
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xmxn=xm+n x^m x^n = x^{m+n} ; (xm)n=xmn (x^m)^n = x^{mn} ; x−n=1xn x^{-n} = \dfrac{1}{x^n} ; x0=1 x^0 = 1 .

Euclidean algorithm
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Find gcd⁡(a,b) \gcd(a,b) by repeated division: gcd⁡(a,b)=gcd⁡(b, a mod b) \gcd(a,b) = \gcd(b,\, a \bmod b) until the remainder is 0.

Fermat's little theorem
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If p p is prime and p∤a p \nmid a , then ap−1≡1(modp) a^{p-1} \equiv 1 \pmod{p} ; equivalently ap≡a(modp) a^p \equiv a \pmod{p} .

Euler's theorem (number theory)
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If gcd⁡(a,n)=1 \gcd(a,n) = 1 , then aφ(n)≡1(modn) a^{\varphi(n)} \equiv 1 \pmod{n} , where φ \varphi is Euler's totient.

Euler's totient φ(n)
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The count of integers in {1,…,n} \{1, \dots, n\} coprime to n n . For a prime p p , φ(p)=p−1 \varphi(p) = p - 1 .

Chinese Remainder Theorem
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If the moduli are pairwise coprime, a system x≡ai(modni) x \equiv a_i \pmod{n_i} has a unique solution mod ∏ni \prod n_i .

Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
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Every integer >1 > 1 factors uniquely into primes (up to order).

Modular arithmetic
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a≡b(modn) a \equiv b \pmod{n} means n∣(a−b) n \mid (a - b) ; arithmetic is done with remainders mod n n .

Additional Topics (64)

Newton's method
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xn+1=xn−f(xn)f′(xn) x_{n+1} = x_n - \dfrac{f(x_n)}{f'(x_n)} — iterates toward a root of f f .

Epsilon–delta definition of a limit
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lim⁡x→af(x)=L \lim_{x\to a} f(x) = L means: for every ε>0 \varepsilon > 0 there is δ>0 \delta > 0 with 0<∣x−a∣<δ⇒∣f(x)−L∣<ε 0 < |x - a| < \delta \Rightarrow |f(x) - L| < \varepsilon .

Euler's formula
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eiθ=cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ e^{i\theta} = \cos\theta + i\sin\theta ; so eiπ+1=0 e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0 .

Heron's formula
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Triangle area =s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c) = \sqrt{s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)} , where s=a+b+c2 s = \tfrac{a+b+c}{2} is the semi-perimeter.

Open set
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A set in which every point has a neighborhood (an open ball) contained entirely in the set.

Closed set
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A set whose complement is open; equivalently, it contains all of its limit points.

Closure of a set
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The smallest closed set containing A A ; equals A A together with its limit points.

Compact set (Heine–Borel)
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In Rn \mathbb{R}^n , a set is compact iff it is closed and bounded; in general, every open cover has a finite subcover.

Connected space
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A space that cannot be split into two disjoint nonempty open sets; intervals in R \mathbb{R} are connected.

Continuous image of a compact set
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If f f is continuous and K K is compact, then f(K) f(K) is compact (closed and bounded).

Continuous image of a connected set
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The continuous image of a connected set is connected — the basis for the Intermediate Value Theorem.

Metric space
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A set with a distance d d satisfying d≥0 d \ge 0 (and =0 =0 iff equal), symmetry, and the triangle inequality d(x,z)≤d(x,y)+d(y,z) d(x,z) \le d(x,y) + d(y,z) .

Cauchy sequence
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A sequence whose terms get arbitrarily close to each other; in a complete space (like R \mathbb{R} ) every Cauchy sequence converges.

Bolzano–Weierstrass theorem
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Every bounded sequence in Rn \mathbb{R}^n has a convergent subsequence.

Supremum (least upper bound)
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The smallest number ≥ \ge every element of a set; the completeness of R \mathbb{R} guarantees it exists for any bounded-above set.

Uniform continuity
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One δ \delta works for all points at once: for every ε \varepsilon there is δ \delta with ∣x−y∣<δ⇒∣f(x)−f(y)∣<ε |x - y| < \delta \Rightarrow |f(x) - f(y)| < \varepsilon .

Complex modulus
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For z=a+bi z = a + bi , ∣z∣=a2+b2 |z| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} — its distance from the origin in the complex plane.

Complex conjugate
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a+bi‾=a−bi \overline{a + bi} = a - bi ; note zzˉ=∣z∣2 z\bar z = |z|^2 .

Polar form of a complex number
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z=r(cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ)=reiθ z = r(\cos\theta + i\sin\theta) = re^{i\theta} , where r=∣z∣ r = |z| and θ=arg⁡z \theta = \arg z .

De Moivre's theorem
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(cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ)n=cos⁡(nθ)+isin⁡(nθ) (\cos\theta + i\sin\theta)^n = \cos(n\theta) + i\sin(n\theta) .

nth roots of a complex number
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z=reiθ z = re^{i\theta} has n n roots r1/nei(θ+2πk)/n r^{1/n} e^{i(\theta + 2\pi k)/n} , k=0,…,n−1 k = 0,\dots,n-1 — equally spaced on a circle.

Cauchy–Riemann equations
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f=u+iv f = u + iv is analytic where ∂u∂x=∂v∂y \dfrac{\partial u}{\partial x} = \dfrac{\partial v}{\partial y} and ∂u∂y=−∂v∂x \dfrac{\partial u}{\partial y} = -\dfrac{\partial v}{\partial x} .

Analytic (holomorphic) function
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A complex function that is complex-differentiable on an open set; equivalently it satisfies the Cauchy–Riemann equations with continuous partials.

Cauchy's integral theorem
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If f f is analytic on and inside a simple closed contour C C , then ∮Cf(z) dz=0 \displaystyle\oint_C f(z)\,dz = 0 .

Permutation P(n, k)
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Ordered arrangements: P(n,k)=n!(n−k)! P(n,k) = \dfrac{n!}{(n-k)!} .

Combination C(n, k)
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Unordered choices: (nk)=n!k! (n−k)! \dbinom{n}{k} = \dfrac{n!}{k!\,(n-k)!} . Also (nk)=(nn−k) \binom{n}{k} = \binom{n}{n-k} .

Binomial theorem
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(x+y)n=∑k=0n(nk)xn−kyk (x + y)^n = \displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} x^{n-k} y^{k} .

Permutations with repeated items
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Arrangements of n n items with repeats n1,n2,… n_1, n_2, \dots : n!n1! n2!⋯ \dfrac{n!}{n_1!\,n_2!\cdots} .

Circular permutations
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Seating n n distinct objects around a circle (rotations the same): (n−1)! (n - 1)! arrangements.

Stars and bars
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Nonnegative integer solutions of x1+⋯+xk=n x_1 + \cdots + x_k = n : (n+k−1k−1) \dbinom{n + k - 1}{k - 1} .

Inclusion–exclusion
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∣A∪B∣=∣A∣+∣B∣−∣A∩B∣ |A \cup B| = |A| + |B| - |A \cap B| ; extends to more sets by alternating added and subtracted intersections.

Pigeonhole principle
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If n n items go into m<n m < n boxes, at least one box holds ≥⌈n/m⌉ \ge \lceil n/m \rceil items.

Probability of an event
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P(E)=favorable outcomestotal outcomes P(E) = \dfrac{\text{favorable outcomes}}{\text{total outcomes}} for equally likely outcomes; always between 0 and 1.

Addition rule of probability
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P(A∪B)=P(A)+P(B)−P(A∩B) P(A \cup B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A \cap B) ; for mutually exclusive events the intersection is 0.

Independent events
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A A and B B are independent iff P(A∩B)=P(A) P(B) P(A \cap B) = P(A)\,P(B) .

Conditional probability
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P(A∣B)=P(A∩B)P(B) P(A \mid B) = \dfrac{P(A \cap B)}{P(B)} , for P(B)>0 P(B) > 0 .

Bayes' theorem
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P(A∣B)=P(B∣A) P(A)P(B) P(A \mid B) = \dfrac{P(B \mid A)\,P(A)}{P(B)} .

Expected value
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E[X]=∑xi pi E[X] = \sum x_i\, p_i (discrete) or ∫xf(x) dx \int x f(x)\,dx (continuous) — the long-run average outcome.

Variance
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Var⁡(X)=E[(X−μ)2]=E[X2]−(E[X])2 \operatorname{Var}(X) = E[(X - \mu)^2] = E[X^2] - (E[X])^2 ; the standard deviation is Var⁡(X) \sqrt{\operatorname{Var}(X)} .

Linearity of expectation
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E[aX+bY]=aE[X]+bE[Y] E[aX + bY] = aE[X] + bE[Y] — true even when X X and Y Y are not independent.

Binomial distribution
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P(X=k)=(nk)pk(1−p)n−k P(X = k) = \binom{n}{k} p^k (1-p)^{n-k} ; mean np np , variance np(1−p) np(1-p) .

Poisson distribution
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P(X=k)=λke−λk! P(X = k) = \dfrac{\lambda^k e^{-\lambda}}{k!} ; both mean and variance equal λ \lambda .

Uniform distribution on [a, b]
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Density 1b−a \dfrac{1}{b-a} ; mean a+b2 \dfrac{a+b}{2} , variance (b−a)212 \dfrac{(b-a)^2}{12} .

Normal distribution
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The bell curve N(μ,σ2) N(\mu, \sigma^2) ; about 68%, 95%, 99.7% of values fall within 1, 2, 3 standard deviations of the mean.

Central Limit Theorem
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The sample mean of many independent identically distributed variables is approximately normal, regardless of the original distribution.

Mean, median, mode
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Mean = average (sensitive to outliers); median = middle value (resistant); mode = most frequent value.

Triangle inequality
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∣x+y∣≤∣x∣+∣y∣ |x + y| \le |x| + |y| ; in a metric space, d(x,z)≤d(x,y)+d(y,z) d(x, z) \le d(x, y) + d(y, z) .

Cauchy–Schwarz inequality
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∣u⋅v∣≤∣u∣ ∣v∣ |\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v}| \le |\mathbf{u}|\,|\mathbf{v}| , with equality iff the vectors are parallel.

Distance formula
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Between (x1,y1) (x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2) (x_2, y_2) : (x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2 \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} .

Equation of a circle
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(x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2 (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2 — center (h,k) (h, k) , radius r r .

Slope of a line
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m=y2−y1x2−x1 m = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} ; parallel lines share m m , perpendicular slopes multiply to −1 -1 .

Sum of interior angles of a polygon
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An n n -sided polygon has interior angles summing to (n−2)⋅180∘ (n - 2)\cdot 180^\circ .

Volume of a sphere
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V=43πr3 V = \dfrac{4}{3}\pi r^3 ; surface area 4πr2 4\pi r^2 .

Volume of a cylinder
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V=πr2h V = \pi r^2 h ; a cone is one-third of that, 13πr2h \tfrac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h .

Arithmetic sequence
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Constant difference d d : an=a1+(n−1)d a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d ; sum Sn=n2(a1+an) S_n = \dfrac{n}{2}(a_1 + a_n) .

Geometric sequence
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Constant ratio r r : an=a1r n−1 a_n = a_1 r^{\,n-1} ; finite sum Sn=a11−rn1−r S_n = a_1\dfrac{1 - r^n}{1 - r} .

Convergence of a sequence
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an→L a_n \to L if for every ε>0 \varepsilon > 0 there is N N with ∣an−L∣<ε |a_n - L| < \varepsilon for all n>N n > N .

Set: union, intersection, complement
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A∪B A \cup B (in either), A∩B A \cap B (in both), Ac A^c (not in A A ). De Morgan: (A∪B)c=Ac∩Bc (A \cup B)^c = A^c \cap B^c .

Cardinality / countability
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A set is countable if it bijects with a subset of N \mathbb{N} . Q \mathbb{Q} is countable; R \mathbb{R} is uncountable.

Graph theory: handshake lemma
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In any graph, the sum of all vertex degrees equals twice the number of edges.

Mathematical induction
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Prove a base case, then assume P(k) P(k) and prove P(k+1) P(k+1) ; together these establish P(n) P(n) for all n≥ n \ge the base.

Law of total probability
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For a partition {Bi} \{B_i\} : P(A)=∑iP(A∣Bi) P(Bi) P(A) = \sum_i P(A \mid B_i)\,P(B_i) .

Floor and ceiling functions
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⌊x⌋ \lfloor x \rfloor is the greatest integer ≤x \le x ; ⌈x⌉ \lceil x \rceil is the least integer ≥x \ge x .

Numerical: trapezoidal rule
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Approximates ∫abf \int_a^b f by trapezoids: h2[f0+2f1+⋯+2fn−1+fn] \dfrac{h}{2}\big[f_0 + 2f_1 + \cdots + 2f_{n-1} + f_n\big] , with h=b−an h = \tfrac{b-a}{n} .

References

  1. 1.ETS. “GRE Subject Tests — Mathematics Test Content and Structure.” ETS. ↑
  2. 2.ETS. “GRE Mathematics Test Practice Book.” ETS. ↑
  3. 3.ETS. “About the GRE Subject Tests.” ETS. ↑
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