<p>I noticed that on this site, the math scores seem to be alot higher than the other scores on the SAT. For me, I think that math is my greatest problem (aka the one section i can never get an 800 on). Is there any reason why this is? I heard that math is the easiest to improve on, and if this is true, are there any really good ways to study for it?</p>
<p>It is, statistically, the easiest section because you don’t need to know a lot of math to do well on it, and most answer choices can be confirmed or proven wrong–by reasoning, logic, and/or calculator–whereas grammar rules and vocabulary have to be known and aren’t always deducible through reasoning.</p>
<p>The first thing you need to do is to know every single math topic tested. This shouldn’t be difficult if you’ve covered algebra, geometry, and trigonometry (or pre-calculus) in your school. One or two math sections should be enough to grasp what this is (I assume you already know the topics that are tested in general). Then, it is a simple process of doing practice sections over and over again (different ones, and even the same ones–try to approach problems in multiple ways or something). This way you’ll learn to recognize what different problems want you to do mathematically, and you’ll build something like an instinct.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. That would also explain why the curves are always so much harsher on the math sections of the SAT. Your advice on trying a problem different ways is interesting - i’ll have to try it. I have always noticed that there are usually much easier ways of doing a math problem than the way they initially seem (i.e. the problems where you can subtract whole equations instead of figuring out the values of the variables first). I’ve taken a few different math practice tests, so i guess i’ll keep going with the blue book. If i finish that, do you recommend i try out any other books? And what do you think of the strategy of picking numbers for a complex problem?</p>
<p>Picking numbers has never failed me. However, be careful to test out multiple numbers. I can remember many times where I was given a complex problem and the answer choices were expressions, so I had to figure out how one variable related to another. I use the number 1 for ease, but doing so gave me an answer that was correct when using 1 but not any other number. So be sure to pick a number like 4 or something. (Btw, these questions usually occur at the end of math sections, just like on the June SAT.)</p>
<p>I don’t recommend plugging in numbers because:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>it doesn’t help you understand the math concept(s) tested (obviously when you are taking the real SAT, that doesn’t matter, and therefore you should do it if it is your last resort, but taking the easy way out on practice questions is useless studying)</p></li>
<li><p>you may not get the right answer.</p></li>
<li><p>sometimes it, as a method, takes longer for you to figure out the answer</p></li>
<li><p>it means you are inconsistent in your mathematical reasoning</p></li>
</ol>
<p>if you are going to plug in numbers (when you are taking the test for real), use a number with a decimal, like 4.6.</p>
<p>I find plugging in numbers the most effective and simple way to solve some math problems. I finish math sections in 12-15 min, including during the actual SAT, and like I said, it will give you the right answer if you know how to do it correctly.</p>
<p>I think plugging in numbers is a great way to get a quick answer that is guaranteed to be correct, if the problem is read correctly (i.e. all real numbers or integers greater than 1, etc.). If it’s all real numbers, just use a decimal (like 3.5) and its opposite (-3.5). You should be able to get a good answer if you pick numbers that aren’t excluded by the wording of the problem.</p>
<p>If math is much harder for you than the other sections, then it’s probably because you’re approaching the problems correctly.</p>
<p>Here’s what I mean:</p>
<p>Normally, when doing math, the most important thing is to understand the concepts at play. You’re supposed to be thorough with your work so that you can see everything visually, track down the source of any error, and solidify the mathematics in your mind. Taking shortcuts usually just cheats you out of a valuable learning experience.</p>
<p>The SAT math section, however, is ALL ABOUT shortcuts. Most of the skill you need is just pressing the right buttons on your graphing calculator, especially the trig buttons and whatever function your calculator has for automatically solving equations – [F2] –> [1] if you use a TI-89 Titanium, for instance. Typing a formula on your calculator and just copy/pasting, each time with a different number plugged in, is also a great way to be absolutely certain of your answers as you go through them the second and third times around.</p>
<p>In the SAT math section, just like the essay, you need to do everything opposite to the way you learned to solve math problems and write essays. On the essay, quality and factual correctness go out the window. The formula is all that matters. In the math section, you absolutely must sacrifice quality of work for quickness and accuracy, even if it means rapidly guessing until you get the answer right.</p>
<p>I do have a habit of trying to solve things the “right” way, so i’ll use more shortcuts in the future. The only thing with shortcuts is that all my silly mistakes seem to be from the problems on which i use them. I take special care to review an answer i get on harder questions on the SAT. Is this a good strategy, or am I just wasting valuable time?</p>
<p>I think it’s a good strategy if you’re not running out of time for the last questions in the section. If your double-checking is preventing you from finishing, then mark the questions you want to check, go on to finish the section, and then check all the marked questions.</p>
<p>Well, I really wouldn’t recommend much of the previous advice - I mean there are going to be quite a few questions where plugging in numbers is absolutely useless, furthermore such an approach is very prone to give you rather inconsistent performances. Also, graphing calculators are rather useless for the SAT I (they can be quite helpful on the Math II subject test) and you will never see a problem which requires trig to be solved. If you’re going to spend time working on improving your SAT math score you might as well actually learn the math, and if you’re going to do that I’d highly recommend The Art of Problem Solving Volume I. If you work through it you should find the SAT extraordinarily easy, as in anything other than a 800 would be a shock. Of course that’s not to say that you should do the entire book, just read over the material and try a few of the easier problems (unless of course you get hooked!). But not only will this nearly gurantee you a 800 it will also teach you math in way that will leave you with some understanding of what is really going on, rather than just memorizing a bunch of tricks.</p>
<p>Practice tests!! Seriously, they ask the same things over and over-just take all the practice math sections in the Blue Book and find what works for you. I took most of the practice sections the week before the SAT and I got an 800 even though I have always found math to be my most difficult and troubling section.</p>