Ladies and Gentlemen, regardless of whether you are a math nerd or hate the stuff, there’s a lot of basic old math concepts, definitions, properties and terminology that you need to review, remember and be ready to regurgitate QUICKLY!!!
Pre-Step 1 – Peruse and Review carefully a basic math reference such as in Chapters 8 and 9, pages 343-627 in Barron’s SAT 24th Edition. Be sure to do all the exercise examples carefully in the explanatory sections and observe what works and doesn’t work. Keep track of challenging concepts, problem and page numbers so we can go over them together.
Pre-Step 2– Memorize the directions to the Math Sections of the SAT, especially the Reference Information about Geometric Figures. Know this stuff cold so you can immediately jump into the questions and waste no time during the test.
Pre-Step 3– Review and memorize the following inside-out, upside-down, backwards and forwards. Make charts and diagrams on your bedroom walls, refrigerator doors, etc.
1) Evens, Odds, Negatives, Positives & Primes:
Odd + Odd = ? , but Odd x Odd = ? , O + E = ? , but O x E = ? , etc.
A-(-B )=? , and (-A)(-B) =? , but (-A)(-B)(-C) = ? , Is 1 prime or not ?!
2) Multiplication Tables: Know them forwards and backwards, multiplying and dividing through 12 x 12 and squares through 16 x 16.
For example: What is 11 x 12 = ? What is 108 / 9 = ? What is 15 x 15 = ?
3) Decimal, Fraction, %, Ratio Equivalencies: Know Tenths, Eighths, Fifths, Fourths, Thirds, Halves…..
For example: 1/8 = 1:8 = .125 = 12½% Make a Chart and Memorize!
4) Exponents, Powers & Radicals: Know 2, 3 & 5 powers out to 28, 35 & 54 with all their permutations.
Know how exponents and radicals work and how to manipulate them quickly: e.g.
(24)2 = 23 x 25 = ?, 24 x 22 = ?, 37 / 32 = ?, 43/2 = ?, 5(5-2) = ?, (58)1\2 = ?
Unit Digit of 22000 = ?
When in Doubt Do it Out!: (24)2 = (2x2x2x2) (2x2x2x2) = 28 = 256
5) Right Triangle Formulas and Pythagorean Ratios: Know the Pythagorean Triplets that appear often and remember how to use a ratio box to manipulate the patterns quickly,
e.g. a2 + b2 = c2
a : b : c
3 : 4 : 5
5 : 12 : 13 , etc.
6) Quadratic FOIL (backwards & forwards):
(A + B)2 = (A + B) (A + B) = A2 + 2AB + B2
(A – B)2 = (A – B) (A – B) = A2 – 2AB + B2
(A + B) (A – B) = A2 – B2 , e.g.
If 16Q6R10 – 36S4T8 = -25 and 4Q3R5 + 6S2T4 = 5 then 4Q3R5 – 6S2T4 = ?
REMEMBER: Standardized tests test Standardized Patterns. Learn to Anticipate, Recognize,
Follow and Manipulate those Patterns precisely and you’ll rule the test universe!
:>)
Download the review sheet: 1on1 SAT Basic Math Review