Adults of a certain age may remember their math teachers telling them that they needed mental math because they wouldn’t always have a calculator in their pocket. As it turns out – they were wrong! With smartphones, we always have easy access to a calculator. So, why does the SAT have a No Calculator section?
The No Calculator section actually goes beyond quick calculations and tests fundamental concepts. But, that doesn’t mean the section isn’t daunting for students who are used to using a calculator in math class. Here are some tips for getting prepared for the SAT No Calculator section.
1. Focus on the concepts.
Keep in mind that this is a conceptual section. The test is, in many cases, asking you to understand the way a problem works more than it is asking you to calculate something. If you find yourself doing extensive calculations, take a step back and try to look for a different route.
2. Sketch graphs and figures.
Understanding the graph of a function can make many questions easier. Your sketch doesn’t have to be perfect or take a long time to create. Getting a general sense of a figure or graph can provide clues to the correct answer.
3. Jot down any calculations.
While strong mental math skills are beneficial, we can’t always catch errors for calculations we do in our heads. If you need to, jot down a quick calculation to make sure your work is correct. This is especially useful when the problem has things like negatives or fractions.
4. Focus on fractions.
Many students are more comfortable working with decimals, but decimal operations can be tricky to perform without a calculator. Try keeping your work in fractions on the No Calculator section. It’s easier to multiply by a reciprocal than it is to divide by a decimal.
5. Practice!
The best way to get comfortable with the No Calculator section is to practice it! Make sure you’re giving yourself opportunities to practice so that you know what to expect on this section.
The bottom line—don’t stress! The No Calculator section is doable, and with practice, you’ll know just what to expect. Contact us to learn more about getting support for the SAT.
