Angle differentiation

[vindicate]

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How do you get better at this part of the PAT?

I've tried doing daily set of 30 problems for two weeks but I'm making about no improvement. Still averaging 22/30 (~11/15), where I started two weeks ago.

I know some people like imagining sharp edges for acute angles, or mountains /laptops for obtuse, but thus far, nothing has gotten my score up.

I would appreciate anyone that's flawless at this section to share personal strategies for improving / dealing with problems.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CANgnome]

I did a few achiever tests, and kaplan online test, and so far i only get 1 wrong on average out of all the angle rankings.

I try not to think too much, and go with my innate gut feeling, and that seems to work... 🙄

everyone is different i suppose

 

[ashes2ashes]

what resource are you practicing on? it makes a big difference. I practiced my PAT with cracked Dat and Kaplan.

Kaplans angle ranking is easier compared to the real DAT. Cracked's angle rankings are actually harder in my opinion. So if you are getting 22/30 on Cracked's exams then I think your real score will increase.

One trick I do often employ is to create a 90 angle with my pen or pencil on the different angles and then compare the 2 different angles vs the 1.

 

[Ibraiz]

what resource are you practicing on? it makes a big difference. I practiced my PAT with cracked Dat and Kaplan.

Kaplans angle ranking is easier compared to the real DAT. Cracked's angle rankings are actually harder in my opinion. So if you are getting 22/30 on Cracked's exams then I think your real score will increase.

One trick I do often employ is to create a 90 angle with my pen or pencil on the different angles and then compare the 2 different angles vs the 1.

ashes2ashes, can you please elaborate on your strategy of 90 angle please. I am confused as how to work this strategy.

 

[KittySquared]

I agree that you have to TRUST your first instinct. As soon as your eyes lay on those 4 angles when you click on the next button, you'll probably notice the smallest angle right away. At least I do. Then I find the largest one. Try not to focus TOO much at them and kind of look at all 4 at the same time for gauge.

Secondly, determine the 2 middle sized angles and find which one is larger and yes, try to create a 90 degree angle with them using a pen or your laminated sheet of paper during testing to see which angles are larger.

I would try to create an external angle with one of the lines from the triangle and see where that line in the middle lies. OR if the angles being compared are larger than 90 degrees, I use the 90deg edge of the laminated paper and one of the lines from the angle and block off 90 degrees and compared the small sliver of whatever's left. But usually angles larger than 90 degrees are very easy to compare whereas the stuff smaller than 45 degrees seem to get harder.

Ultimately you really have to find what what works for you. But I'm sure we all wish we had a protractor.

EDIT: If you're really curious as to what I'm talking about or is completely baffled then feel free to PM me and I'll try to come up w a diagram over the wkend and post it... because I have nothing better to do with my kitty time.

 

[vindicate]

ashes2ashes, can you please elaborate on your strategy of 90 angle please. I am confused as how to work this strategy.

essentially what he's saying, is he creates a 90 degree angle off all the diagrams. so you see it on other end. sometimes it's useful, but generally, no.

i prefer dissecting it, that usually works, but not always 🙁

 

[ashes2ashes]

essentially what he's saying, is he creates a 90 degree angle off all the diagrams. so you see it on other end. sometimes it's useful, but generally, no.

i prefer dissecting it, that usually works, but not always 🙁

you are absolutely right that sometimes the 90degree strategy does not work (by the way Ibraiz if there is still confusion after kittysquared's explanation let me know) so it is important to have several strategies under your belt if things don't work out.

Another strategy that can be used is to eliminate answer choices. Always start by looking at the smallest or biggest angle. Usually there are only 2 angles to choose from so concentrate on those. If the smallest angles are too difficult then try the biggest angle and use process of elimination.