<p>Is there a difference between the math on the SAT test and the math that I've learned throughout middle/highschool? (Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, etc.) Cause I do just fine in school, but I end up choking when it comes to the SATs. </p>
<p>I'm re-taking the SATs in December and I am so anxious to raise my math score. </p>
<p>I want to raise my math score so badly. I would have my wisdom teeth removed without novocaine if I could raise my score 100 points in exchange. That's how desperate I am. </p>
<p>Is there any special, secret form of studying that I could do to raise it? Or some sort of method I could use? Please give me suggestions. Book suggestions are welcome, too, but I'm not really sure if I'll be able to get my hands on em in time/at all considering there are only around 3 bookstores on Guam- where I live.</p>
<p>Practice tests , Practice tests , AND practice tests. This is the best way to raise math and Writing scores . And Blue Book practice test first.
I don’t know lots of helpful Math Books since I didn’t use because I didn’t need them, But I would advice you not to get Barron’s. Your math score is very low that Barron’s math would seem VERY VERY challenging.</p>
<p>I share your pain. Although my score isn’t as low, I too want to raise my math score by at least 100 points. Apart from the usual advice of study and practice, if you can get your hands on a Gruber’s Math book that would benefit you. its not desperately needed i just think it good for math prep.</p>
<p>The good think about having a low score is that there is a lot of room for improvement, much more than say a person who gets 750. </p>
<p>Tip that i found useful is to do 1 or 2 full SAT math test non-timed. This will show you which math topics you are falling down in. Take your time through each question and answer them to the best of your abilities. If you have no clue how to solve the question circle the question, and take a guess. If when you’re finished you see scored much higher than 490 it means you can do the questions just not in the time given for a usual math section, so then you should focus on working quickly but accurately. If you got in the same 400 range then that means you have some math skills that need refreshing.</p>
<p>I didn’t even get into AP Calculus and I scored a 670-710 on practice tests. I think you have to memorize some formulas like y = mx + b. That definitely is on at least 1 question from the practice tests I took. Lots of the Algebra ones forced me to plug in because I do not know how to solve them otherwise. For example:</p>
<p>If n is a positive integer and 2^n + 2^(n+1) = k, what is 2^(n+2) in terms of k. </p>
<p>Ok, so try plugging in a simple number like 3:<br>
2^[3] + 2^([3]+1) = k</p>
<p>8 + 16 = k, k = 24</p>
<p>You want the second part of the equation in terms of k now:
2^([3]+2) = 24</p>
<p>2^5 = 24, 32 = 24</p>
<p>Now you know that the ratio of the second equation [2^(n+2)] to k (24) is 4/3</p>
<p>Check the answer choices:
(A) (k-1)/2<br>
(B) 4k/3 </p>
<p>@DMA-
I’m definitely going to work hard on practice tests till the big day. Thanks for all the encouragement and advice- it really helped! c:</p>
<p>@Praying- Woah. I get it. I actually understood that. I think I hear angels singing (…or since it’s math… anGLES singing! HA. Sorry, I have a pun problem.). I wish I had you in my calculator! Thank you so much! :D</p>
<p>Here’s how you can do this algebraically:
2^n + 2^(n+1) = k; Use a^(b+c) = a^b * a^c to separate 2^(n+1)
2^n + (2^n)(2^1) = k; Factor out 2^n
2^n(1+2^1) = k;
2^n(3) = k;
2^n = k/3</p>
<p>2^(n+2) in terms of k:
2^(n+2) = 2^n * 2^2;
2^n * 4; Substitute k/3 for 2^n
k/3 * 4
= 4k/3
Answer is (B)</p>
<p>As you practice with the blue book, and then as you take the real thing, there is one other thing to keep in mind. If you would be thrilled to get those 100 points and you are starting with a 490, then I promise that this is the best thing you can do to help your cause:</p>
<p>SLOW DOWN! I mean it! Slower than you think! Stop trying to finish sections. Stop omitting early questions because you think they are taking too long. Those questions at the end of sections are a bad use of your time.</p>
<p>If you want me to be more specific, look at the charts here: </p>
<p>@Jeffery- Oh, I see. So, I should separate the equation before I solve for it. I was never any good at problems like this, but I actually understand how you did it! Thank you! :]</p>
<p>@Pckeller- I did skip quite a few questions for being time-consuming. That was probably panic and stupidity on my part. Thanks for the chart! c: I’ll remember that. I don’t particularly find the thought of ripping out my teeth all that pleasant either. Thank you! :] I’ll work on slowing it down!</p>