Topics Covered on SAT II Math 2

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
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<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I am signed up to take the SAT 2 Math Level 2 exam this June. I am a junior currently enrolled in AP Prep Precalculus. My class has not covered the following topics yet:</p>

<p>-Parametric Equations
-Polar Coordinates
-Conic Sections
-Sequences/Series
-Heron's Formula
-Probability (I mean I learned this in junior high, but not particularly advanced)
-Permutations/Combinations
-Angle between two lines</p>

<p>Our schools start/end a bit later in the year so we don't get through as much before the test dates. :/ I am willing to self-study these topics, but was just wondering how important they are for the test and what parts of these subjects are tested on (i.e. do we have to know the focus/directrix). How prominent are these particular topics in the test? I am generally good at math, but am worried about being tested on information that I haven't been introduced to yet.</p>

<p>Also, if there are any general tips regarding the test that would be really nice. I am using "Dr. Chung's Sat Subject Test Math Level 2" and Barrons to study (FYI).</p>

<p>Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it! Good luck to all who are testing :) </p>

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<p>Hey there.</p>

<p>I’m in a similar position as you. Sophomore in PreCalc (not honors, I skipped Algebra 2 on my own but they didn’t let me take Honors PC) and I’ve been taking SAT Math II classes to help me prepare for the test. We take practice tests similar to the actual test every week. I’ll go through each of your concerns to the best of my ability.</p>

<p>Parametric Equations:
Out of 6 practice tests, I’ve encountered one parametric equation question. In case you didn’t know, your calculator can graph parametric equations. Mode-Down 3-Right 1-Enter (assuming you’re using a TI). You’ll notice that your “x” becomes a “T” and you have to input 2 equations. I’m not too familiar with parametric equations myself, but I got the question right just by graphing it. Little knowledge is required of parametric equations.</p>

<p>Polar Coordinates: Only about 2 or 3 questions in of 6 tests. They key is to know that polar coordinates take the form (r,theta). Not a difficult concept to learn, so I recommend you take a look at it so you at least have an idea of what you’re doing. They generally give you a polar coordinate and ask which answer choice is in the same direction but twice the length of the given coordinate.</p>

<p>Conic Sections: At least 2 or 3 conics questions per practice test. They don’t ask to find the directrix or focus or anything so specific, but you should know vertex form of a parabola, minor/major axes for hyperbolas and ellipses, and possibly find the equation of a line tangent to a circle </p>

<p>Sequences/Series: Same as conics. Some questions will ask you to solve a summation (∑) You can often simply plug in the numbers given into your calculator. Math-0 on your calculator will get you there. You should be familiar with arithmetic sequences/series and infinite geometric series. Its a fairly simple concept that shouldn’t take too long to learn.</p>

<p>Heron’s Formula: It can be extremely helpful to find the area of any triangle. I’ve used it a few times on each test. If you’re interested, I can give you a program for your calculator (assuming again its a TI) that allows you to plug in variables and solves for the area of a triangle using Heron’s formula. If not, its as simple as memorizing and knowing how to apply the formula.</p>

<p>Probability/permutations/combinations: OK, this is where stuff isn’t so easy. Probability requires a good understanding of the problem and the ability to critically apply what you know about it, especially for the questions you’ll see on this test. Your calculator can calculate combinations and permuations, but the key is knowing how to use them to solve the problem. I see around 2 of these types of problems on every test. This is one to study and learn well.</p>

<p>Angle Between 2 lines: This is a fairly specific question, but it does show up occasionally. You can use vectors to solve for the angle, but it is often a pain. I honestly don’t know an easy way to do this.</p>

<p>General Tips: My teacher says if you can eliminate one answer choice, you should guess. Remember, you can miss 3 and still not get any points docked off your raw score. A raw score of around 45 will get you an 800.</p>

<p>I hope this helps!</p>

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<p>@guy1013‌ Thank you so much for such a detailed response. Good luck on your test!</p>

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<p>Are there any matrices on the test?</p>

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<p>@staratzenith1997 Yes, but rarely, and only at an elementary level. You pretty much only need to know what a matrix is, that you can add/subtract matrices of the same size, and that you can multiply a matrix by a constant. I don’t remember if Math II tests anything on determinants or matrix multiplication, but might be worth knowing anyway.</p>

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<p>is logic still being tested in math ii? Stuff like: If he studies, he will pass the course. If he did not pass the test, he did not study.</p>

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<p>I think so…? Then again, the only things you need to know are that A–>B is equivalent to ~B–>~A, and that if A–>B and B–>C, then A–>C.</p>

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<p>what about the complicated stats with µ and z scores and stuff?</p>

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<p>@sparkl3‌ Get Barron’s. It will explain whatever is on the test. </p>