No Calculator Section Advice?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

Does anyone have time management advice for the new SAT no calculator section? I do quite well on the calculator section but I always run out of time on the no calculator. How can I prepare for it given how few released exams there are, and are there any tricks I can use to solve the problems faster?

Background: I only signed up for the new SAT to improve my math section score because I am planning to major in STEM. On the old SAT I had a 710 and I need a 750 on the new one to beat that. I usually get between a 730-760 on the new practice tests, the difference usually being how many I guess wrong on the no calculator section. I am taking the June administration of the test.

2

@velmah I think just the fact that knowing that every question (on the non-calculator section) can be solved fairly quickly without a calculator should help. If you find yourself spending too much time doing tedious calculations or algebra on one problem, that should signal to you that there is probably a better way.

As with the old SAT, there are a few tricks that can help on certain problems (e.g. plugging in numbers for certain variables if you are allowed to, plugging in the answer choices, guess-and-check…). I generally don’t employ these tricks myself unless I know it’ll save me time.

3

Here are a few more tips for speedy no-calculator math:

  1. Always divide before you multiply to keep numbers small (e.g., cancel common factors before multiplying fractions).
  2. Memorize the decimal equivalents of common fractions (1/5, 2/5, 1/6, 5/6, 1/8, 3/8, 5/8, etc.)
  3. Use elimination instead of substitution for systems of linear equations.
  4. Memorize multiplication tables through the 15 table.
  5. Memorize the squares of integers through 15^2.
  6. Memorize all common Pythagorean triples.
  7. Memorize all special triangles.
  8. If you have any weaknesses in pencil arithmetic of fractions, decimals, or negative numbers, get an elementary/ middle school math book and DRILL.
  9. Do all calculations in school and daily life without a calculator. You can check them with a calculator afterwards if necessary.
4

Thanks for the advice! I think part of my problem is getting flustered when I hit a hard one so just remembering that they can all be solved quickly has been helpful.

5

Knowing that it is no calculator you should work with rounding numbers up to easier numbers to work with. Like if you’re trying to do .75/.25, you can do 75/25 which is 3.

Also if you’re doing a long-drawn out steps to a problem you’re most likely doing it wrong need to re-look at the problem to see a better approach. Think very simple. Looking at answers helps. That’s all I got, lol. With more practice you’ll get better at it because you’ll be more used to thinking of solving without a calculator.