in and seeing if they work. If you choose this method, start with B or C and
determine whether you should try a smaller or larger answer choice. (Answer
choices go from least to greatest.)
SKIP AND COME BACK
We explained skipping and coming back on page 33, but this is an exceptionally
helpful strategy on the Math Test. Give yourself the chance for second (and third
and fourth) reads, and do not allow your frustration with a particular problem to
throw you off.
All math questions are created equally. That’s not to say they’re equal in difficulty, but they’re all worth the same amount of points. Soit’s a great idea to skip the hardest ones and come back after you’ve done all the easy ones.
—Samantha
IF YOU HAVE TIME, RE-SOLVE TOUGH QUESTIONS WITH
A DIFFERENT METHOD
This is just a great way to ensure you’ve done it correctly. If you solved it first
by constructing an equation, try plugging in and see if you get the same answer.
ON PRACTICE TESTS, PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ERRORS
When practicing, the kind of errors you make matters more than the number of
errors. If you got some percentage problems wrong, you know what to study that
week!
SPEAKING OF WHICH, TAKE PRACTICE TESTS*
*Fun game: Try to count the number of times we’ve told you to take practice tests.
—SamanthaIf you haven’t already, get ahold of the College Board’s The Official SAT Study
Guide or download the practice tests found at khanacademy.org/sat. Now! Go do
it now! Then take a practice Math section. We’ll meet you afterward to talk
about the not-so-optional optional Essay.