This review is
not meant to be a comprehensive course in the various mathematical topics but
rather is geared to providing the information needed to do well on a test. It
is hoped that there is enough emphasis on mathematical understanding to help
you solve problems and to help you to remember important formulas and
relationships.
After you finish
taking different test sections I suggest that you study the explanations, even
those for the questions that you answered correctly. Many explanations include some mathematics not specifically
included in the review because I feel that the best learning occurs when
students work on the problems themselves and then reflect on their solutions.
I often include
more than one explanation for test answers.
I do this for a few reasons:
(1)
Students vary in their strengths and backgrounds. One student may solve a problem by sketching
a picture, another may prefer to plug in numbers to help them arrive at an "intelligent
guess," while another student may be more comfortable setting up a
proportion or an algebraic relationship.
(2)
Even when you have found a successful method for solving a problem,
other methods may be faster or more efficient.
Many problems that require algebra or geometry can also be solved by
sketching a picture, making a list, or plugging in answer choices.
(3)
By learning alternative solution strategies you will have more solution
methods at your disposal when you encounter new problems. Not only will your score increase, but your
confidence will increase as well.