ACT/SAT Math: Stop Staring and Start Solving!
When it comes to the Math Section of the SAT and ACT, students often think that they will succeed by simply knowing mathematical concepts, but this is not enough to excel. In fact, if you have taken/are taking Pre-Calculus, you have already been taught all the math content that the SAT or ACT covers. We need to know the content as a baseline, but that is not our goal.
If knowing the content is just the beginning, then how do we excel? My advice is simple:
Write SOMETHING down for EVERY question.
The Math Section of these exams are not strictly computational. Even if you had a calculator in your mind, you would need more. You are required to connect within problems, using the information given as puzzle pieces for a grander solution. These pieces can get confusing to think about when you just conceptualize them in thought. When this happens, often students have an impromptu staring match with the problem in their confusion. Instead of staring and letting your thoughts become an incoherent soup in your mind, visualize your thoughts and get started! Let’s write some things down.
What things? Anything. Here are a few ideas:
1. Math from Words
I agree; there are way too many words for a test that is supposed to be about math. Math translations from words are a great way to begin.
Ex 1. A cookie factory’s cost per month is $25 plus $3 for every cookie it produces. How many cookies can the factory produce to keep their monthly costs at $100?
Write this:
Seriously, that’s it. The concept in this problem is modeling linear equations. In order to solve, you first need to take the variable (cookies) and attach it to a mathematical variable (C).
2. A Rule
If you see a concept that you recognize but are not exactly sure how to deal with it, write down a rule that comes to mind!
Ex 2
Write this:
If you write down the product of powers rule, all that’s left to solve the problem is to fill in the information! In this case, a = 3 and b = 5.
3. A Picture/Visualization
Drawing pictures is great for students who are visual learners or who simply like seeing what they’re working with! This works great for word problems or geometry.
Ex 3. Two non-90-degree angles in a triangle are A and B. cos A = . What is sin B?
Write this:
4. The Problem (again?)
If you are completely stuck, do not panic. Even when you can’t think of anything to write down, rewrite the problem again. This at least gets your brain to think about the problem a little deeper.
Ex 4. What are the solutions to
Write this:
Yes, I know, you just wrote the same exact thing. At least it’s in your own handwriting!
There is a reason that you are supposed to have scratch paper during the exam. Whether you are mathematically adept or challenged, you can enhance your test-taking ability by writing down your work and ideas as you solve. Instead of wasting precious exam time staring at a problem, begin to write things down. Your SAT or ACT Math Test score and your test-taking prowess will thank you later.