For students who want to attend one of the nine specialized high schools in New York City, the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a crucial step in the application process. The math section of the exam can be particularly challenging, as it covers a wide range of topics and requires students to solve complex problems under time pressure. To succeed on the SHSAT math section, students should have a solid understanding of the essential equations and formulas that are likely to appear on the exam.
While the SHSAT math section does not require advanced math skills, it does test students’ ability to apply basic math concepts to real-world problems. The exam covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, and requires students to demonstrate their ability to solve problems using logic and critical thinking. To do well on the exam, students need to be familiar with the most common formulas and equations in each of these areas, and be able to apply them quickly and accurately.
Overview of SHSAT Math Formulas
The SHSAT Math section tests students on a variety of mathematical concepts, including basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. To perform well on the exam, students must have a strong understanding of these concepts and be able to apply them to solve problems quickly and accurately.
Basic Arithmetic Formulas & Concepts
Basic arithmetic formulas are essential for solving many of the problems on the SHSAT Math section. These formulas include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Students should also be familiar with the order of operations and how to work with exponents and square roots.
An important formula to memorize is the percent proportion
Also, review operations with fractions.
Algebraic Formulas
Algebraic formulas are used to solve equations and inequalities. Students should be familiar with the properties of real numbers, such as the commutative, associative, and distributive properties, and how to solve linear equations and inequalities. They should also be able to work with polynomials, factoring, and solving quadratic equations.
Equation of a Line
where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
Geometry Formulas
Geometry formulas are used to calculate the area, perimeter, volume, and surface area of various shapes. Students should be familiar with the properties of lines, angles, triangles, circles, and other geometric shapes. They should also be able to use the Pythagorean theorem and similar triangles to solve problems.
The sum of the degrees of the angles in a triangle is 180.
The sum of the degrees of the angles in a quadrilateral is 360.
Trigonometry Formulas
Trigonometry formulas are used to calculate the lengths of sides and angles of triangles. Students should be familiar with the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent, and how to use them to solve problems. They should also be able to use the laws of sines and cosines to solve problems involving non-right triangles.
Strategies for Memorizing Formulas
Understanding the Concepts Behind the Formulas
One of the best ways to memorize formulas is to understand the concepts behind them. This will help you remember the formulas more easily and also enable you to apply them to different problems. For instance, if you understand the concept of slope, it will be easier to remember the formula for finding the slope of a line. Similarly, if you understand the Pythagorean theorem, you will be able to remember the formula for finding the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
Creating Flashcards
Another effective way to memorize formulas is to create flashcards. On one side of the flashcard, write the formula, and on the other side, write the meaning of each term in the formula. For example, on one side, you could write “a² + b² = c²” and on the other side, you could write “a and b are the legs of a right triangle, and c is the hypotenuse.” You can use these flashcards to quiz yourself and reinforce your memory of the formulas.
Practicing with Practice Problems
Practice problems are an excellent way to memorize formulas as they help you apply the formulas to different scenarios. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the formulas, and the easier it is to remember them. When practicing with practice problems, make sure to use a variety of problems that require different formulas. This will help you remember each formula and also enable you to apply them to different situations. In summary, to memorize SHSAT math formulas, it is essential to understand the concepts behind the formulas, create flashcards, and practice with practice problems. By using these strategies, you can master the formulas and increase your chances of doing well on the SHSAT math section.
Tips for Applying Formulas Effectively
Reading the Question Carefully
The first step in applying formulas effectively is to read the question carefully. Make sure you understand what the question is asking, and identify which formula or formulas might be relevant to solving the problem. Take note of any special instructions or constraints mentioned in the question.
It’s also important to pay attention to units of measurement. Make sure you convert all units to the same system before applying any formulas. For example, if a question asks for an answer in meters, but the given measurements are in centimeters, you’ll need to convert to meters before applying any formulas.
Eliminating Answer Choices
When you’re stuck on a problem, it can be helpful to eliminate answer choices that you know are incorrect. This can help you narrow down the possible correct answers and increase your chances of guessing correctly.
One way to eliminate answer choices is to plug them into the formula and see if they make sense. For example, if a question asks for the area of a circle with a radius of 5, and one of the answer choices is 50, you can quickly eliminate that choice by plugging it into the formula A = πr^2 and seeing that it doesn’t make sense.
Checking Your Work
Finally, it’s important to check your work after applying a formula. Make sure you’ve used the correct formula and plugged in the correct values. Check your calculations to make sure you haven’t made any mistakes.
If you have time, it can be helpful to double-check your work by solving the problem using a different method. This can help you catch any mistakes you might have missed the first time around.
