Potential Magazine College and Career Organizer 2020 | Page 27

A FEW TIPS:
Write in your test
booklet to help
analyze passages.
Remember: There’s no
penalty for guessing.
MATH &
SCIENCE TIPS
MATH SCIENCE
This section will contain algebra,
geometry, and trigonometry questions that
test not only your math skills but also your
ability to answer the question.
DURATION:
60 minutes for 60 multiple-choice
questions that increase in difficulty
STRATEGY #1:
Use your calculator to multiply decimals and large
number calculations.
STRATEGY #2:
Save time and mental energy by filling in the
answer sheet bubbles all at once—just mark your
booklet as you work.
STRATEGY #3:
This section is not testing science
facts but, rather how well you
synthesize information from tables,
graphs, illustrations, and passages.
DURATION:
40 questions, 35 minutes
7 passages include: 3 charts &
graphs, 3 experiments, and
1 conflicting viewpoint passage
STRATEGY #1:
Look at each passage, and if you know
the subject (for example, biology),
tackle it first. The more familiar you are
with the subject, the less time it should
take.
STRATEGY #2:
Underline the actual question you need to an-
swer—easy problems can be missed if you solve
for x instead of x+y (tricky stuff!). The passages are not in order of difficulty,
so you should tackle the easiest ones first.
STRATEGY #4: For the charts or experiment passages, an-
swer using the figures—if you can’t, then
read the passage to seek the answer.
Know your math formulas—slope, triangle
formulas, order of operations (PEMDAS), etc­­.
Understand math terms like irrational,
difference, prime, quotient, etc.
STRATEGY #5:
Solve by plugging in the answers when
(1) answers are in ascending or descending order,
AND (2) the question asks for a specific
number answer.
STRATEGY #3:
STRATEGY #4:
This is the most time-sensitive test, and
since it is the last section you are probably
pretty drained by this point. If you are
spending too much time on a question,
guess and move on.
STRATEGY #5:
In the conflicting viewpoints section, read
the questions first so you know what to
look for in the passage. It will ask you to
compare and contrast, so underline each
scientist’s main point.
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