<p>This is probably my largest sticking point on the math portion of the SAT. I can most likely get a consist 600+ SAT score by simply doing all the E and M questions(hoping that I get most of them correct) and then simply omitting the Hard ones. </p>
<p>But if I want to consistently get 700+ I would have to answer and correctly answer at least 2/3's of the Hard questions. I've found that taking practice tests of the math sections doesn't really help me because most of the math Hard questions test me on concepts rather than me knowing tricks. And bundled into that is the design of the question, which is intended to trick you. I would have to answer most of these questions correctly, which I am finding hard to believe because I'm consistently missing 3-4 questions on the math section every time. Man... it just seems so out of reach... any tips that have helped you guys?</p>
<p>it is your Math knowledge that’ll help you answer hard questions, not tricks. i personally believe there’s no such thing as a “hard” question in SAT Math if you have enough knowledge.</p>
<p>Here are some tips to help you:</p>
<p>(1) You need to start focusing on Level 4 Problems. Keep practicing them, and redoing them every few days until you can get each one right ON YOUR OWN. Do not move to Level 5 Problems until you start doing better with the level 4 Problems.
(2) Make sure you know all the basic and more advanced SAT specific math strategies. These still work on many hard problems. For example, picking numbers is a better strategy than doing algebra on a really hard problem. Even though it’s much more time consuming, most students get tricked when they attempt an algebraic solution.
(3) Know the triangle rule and how to use the special triangles correctly. These types of questions are Level 4 or 5, but are very quick and easy if you know what you’re doing.
(4) As you’re practicing hard questions, try to understand why the method you are using are working. By developing a deeper understanding of the underlying math, you will increase your mathematical maturity. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>break the problem down. Alot of times, those level 5 triangle problems, for example, will deal with those 60,30,90 degree triangles. A lot of them arent really hard, you just have to see the obvious clues they give u.</p>