WELCOME TO MATH
For many, the Math Test is scarier than the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Test (despite that test’s daunting name). Why is that? One theory is that most of
us read and write all the time, whereas most of us are not solving equations all
the time. Math feels more foreign. That’s one theory, at any rate. Another theory
is that math was invented by vampires and ghouls.
The Math Test’s difficulty is a result of unfamiliarity. If we say “addition,”
you say “No prob, Bob.” If we say “inverse proportionality,” you scream in
terror. But if you can get comfortable with the concepts, the Serpent loses 97
percent of its power. That’s the goal of this chapter, to introduce you, or
reintroduce you, to most of the concepts included on the Math Test.
We are not going to reteach the basics like addition and subtraction. If you
need a refresher on arithmetic, we recommend you go talk to your math teacher.
Direct contact with a good teacher is far more useful than anything we can tell
you, but be sure to wear rubber gloves. What we will do is show you the
concepts that are most often included on the test and some test-savvy ways to
tackle those types of questions.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
We are going to discuss some relatively advanced subjects, especially those in
the Passport to Advanced Math section. If you are shooting for a high math
score, we recommend that you learn the material in these sections, especially if
your day-to-day math experience is limited to grocery shopping. You will learn
helpful vocabulary and be able to recognize tricky problems immediately on the
test so if—despite our expert guidance—you do happen to decide they’re
impossible, you can skip them without wasting time. (Of course you’ll need to
fill in an answer choice for every question. For more on guessing and math, see
page 324.)
Why is it a “passport”? Because with it, you’re going to be going places. Ha ha.
—Samantha
One thing to look out for is vocabulary. “What?!” you say. “More vocab?”
Yup. Sorry. One of the Serpent’s oldest tricks is to throw you off by including the
mathiest words available. We will help you out by putting tricky math words in
boldface type.