<p>Would it be more beneficial to do all the math sections by hand, without a calculator as you are suppose to figure out the best/fastest way (which supposedly do not need a calc)? Couldn't the calculator just create more problems and make it more difficult?</p>
<p>Who told you that? Don't depend totally on your calculator, but it doesn't help when you have to divide huge quantities by other huge quantities. If you know how to use your calculator, then you can really take advantage of some SAT problems; for example, a graphing calculator can graph any line you give it and find its zeroes, intersection between two other lines, etc. I would not be able to solve some problems as easily if I didn't have a calculator.</p>
<p>Calculators are invaluable. Just know where they will not help you. Do not use your calculator to add 3 + 7.</p>
<p>Seriously though get a graphing calculator(TI-84 PLUS). The Barron's 2400 book teaches you how to use it to your advantage to the fullest. You can take down any graphing calculator with ease. For example, what's the area of a triangle whose sides are the x axis, y axis, and the line 2x-4. I just graphed 2x-4, and the calculator instantly gave me all the values for which it intersects the axises. Sure you could do x and y intercepts to find the values, but a calculator can do it quicker and more efficiently if you know how to use it.</p>
<p>I think I read in Gruber's (several years ago) that every math problem has the "simple" way of answering, e.g., the special trick/logic method that does not need a calculator.</p>
<p>So if you were a certified genius, according to Gruber's, you wouldn't need a calculator to get 800.</p>
<p>On the other hand, my SAT math teacher told me that if you buy a Ti-89 Titanium, and you knew how to use it, you could get 800 without doing any of the "simple" thinking.</p>
<p>But few, if any, use these two extremes.</p>
<p>Unless, you're super uber genius-like, use the calculator on the more difficult problems.</p>
<p>SAT I Math is not that hard at all; relax, clear your head, let the math problem engulf you, and don't make stupid mistakes.</p>
<p>I wish I knew how to use my calculator.</p>