When does 2 – 2 = 4? When a kid is stressed, the clock is ticking, and there’s only a few minutes left on the SAT. You’d be surprised by how many silly mistakes students make as they race through math problems, scribbling furiously in the margins of their test booklet. 2 – 2 = 4 is a careless, stupid mistake that will cost your child precious points.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution to these simple mistakes: Use a calculator. It’ll drastically cut down on these careless errors, and your child will save valuable time by skipping tedious long division or complex algebra. So why don’t more kids whip out their calculators? Because they’ve been trained at school to always show their work. But there are no gold stars for doing work by hand on the SAT, just points gained or lost. So make sure your child knows that calculators are a definite must-have when it comes to taking the SAT or ACT.
Now, I may get run out of town by local math teachers for my pro-calculator stance, but just as learning the steps and understanding the underlying concepts are important for acing their school math test, knowing how to quickly and accurately use a calculator is just as important on the SAT or ACT. There’s a time and place for everything – and this is the time to get your child pushing those buttons!
Question of the Week
If 9^12 = 9^1 x 9^x, what is the value of x?
a) 12
b) 11
c) 6
d) 4
e) 3
A silly mistake would be choosing choice (a), since 12 = 1 x 12.
The correct answer is choice (b). Using the calculator, 9^12 = 9^1 x 9^11. This can also be solved by knowing the laws of exponents. Exponents are added when the base is the same (12 = 11 + 1).
Weekly Word
Adulations – (n.) Excessive admiration or flattery
Suzy was full of adulations for her English teacher’s new haircut, but the teacher saw through Suzy’s fakery and refused to change Suzy’s essay grade.
College Spotlight
George Washington University
The allure of Washington, D.C., coupled with an intellectually stimulating educational environment, has made GW an increasingly selective school. The school is in the heart of D.C, and a leader in political internships. GW draws students from all over the world. However, beware: GW is one of the most expensive private schools in the country.
Total Enrollment: 15,798
SAT: Reading 590-680, Math 600-690
ACT: 25-30
Most colleges require the submission of one to three recommendation letters, written by teachers, coaches or other professionals that know you as a student. If you really want a teacher to put in a good word for you, a word of advice: ask early.