Work Strategically

As you’ll see throughout this book, there is often more than one way to solve a problem. Be on the
lookout for the quicker route to the answer. Making such choices requires awareness of the options
and lots of practice.

Locate quick points. Some questions can be done more quickly than others because they require
less work or because choices can be eliminated more easily. If you start to run out of time, look for
these quicker questions.

Set a Target Score. Naturally, you want the best score you can earn to maximize your college
options. But choose a realistic target score that is above the average for the school or schools you
want to attend.

By keeping an eye on which questions you are sure of and which you guessed on, you can monitor
your progress toward this goal. Of course, you shouldn’t stop practicing (or taking the test) when
you reach your target score—but you can be more relaxed and confident.

You can set up  and solve   an  equation    with    or  without the aid of  a   calculator  (the    subject of

chapter 3 ).

You can Pick    Numbers,    for example,    when    answer  choices are algebraic   expressions.    We’ll

look    at  several examples    of  this    approach    in  the “Mathematics    Level   2   Review” chapters.

You can Backsolve,  which   is  often   the quickest    route   to  an  answer  when    the question

describes   an  equation    and the answer  choices are simple  numbers.    To  Backsolve,  generally

start   with    choice  (B) or  (D).    That    gives   you a   2-in-5  chance  that    a   single  calculation will    give

you the answer  (as long    as  you can tell    whether a   larger  or  smaller number  is  desirable). If

you try (B),    you’ll  know    the right   answer  (1) if  (B) is  correct,    or  (2) if  it’s    too high—making (A)

correct.    If  that    calculation isn’t   enough, only    one more    is  needed. Try the middle  number  of

the remaining   three,  (D).    If  it’s    right,  it’s    your    answer. If  it’s    too high    (C) is  correct,    and if  it’s

too low (E) is.

You may be  able    to  “eyeball”   for the answer. Look    at  the figure  provided;   mark    it  up  if  that

helps.  Often,  when    no  figure  is  provided,   just    drawing one will    make    the answer  apparent.