Very few of us have been gifted with any kind of math genius. But there are some areas you can focus your attention on that'll help improve you SAT math score.
Very few of us have been gifted with any kind of math genius. Indeed, for many of us math can sometimes be like an unsolvable puzzle.The good news is that you don't need to be a math whizz to improve your SAT score.To do this, simply focus your energy on becoming familiar with the most-tested SAT math concepts. Once you've done this, you'll have safeguarded yourself from being caught off-guard of unprepared on the day.
Triangles are tested a lot on the SAT. You should know the Pythagorean
Theorem, Triangle Inequality Theorem, the special right triangles
(45-45-90 and 30-60-90), along with the properties of isosceles and
equilateral triangles.Other plane geometry concepts to review include
parallel and intersecting lines, angles, circles, and polygons.
No, I don't mean the kinds of relationships you have with family or friends, I'm talking about ratios and proportions.A ratio is a relationship between two things. Given a ratio and one
“real world” number, you can always set up a proportion to solve for the
other missing “real world” number. Sometimes you will need to do this
for similar triangles in geometry and sometimes in algebraic word
problems.Know the difference between values, ratios, and percents. The SAT test-makers value being able to move easily between percents, fractions, and decimals.
Recognizing number properties will save yo precious time test day. Number
properties rules include odds and evens, prime numbers, and the order of
operations. You can pick numbers to help you remember the rules.Don't use involved algebraic equations by picking numbers for
variables. Avoid picking 0 or 1 because these numbers have their own special properties.Another quick tip: Translate the words in the question into math so that you can solve more easily. Remember that ”of” means to multiply.
Instead of y = mx + b, you might see something such as f(x) = mx + b. It’s
helpful to think of a function as simply replacing the “y” with a symbol
called “f(x).” The SAT may also present made-up symbol functions; pay
attention to any definitions you are given and expand accordingly.
To make friends with your exponents, remember: When you multiply two terms with the same base, you can add the
exponents. When you divide two terms with the same base, you can
subtract the exponent of the numerator from the exponent of the
denominator. And when you raise an exponent to another power, you
multiply the exponents. Look for ways to simplify exponents by rewriting
numbers in terms of their exponents.