DAT Chem section without calculator

[PreDentalStudent1]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Can some one please please tell me how I can succeed in the Chem section without using a calculator? Are there any tips and tricks that I can learn to prepare myself without the calc? please no sarcastic comments.

 

[sjv]

The numbers given are fairly easy to deal so there really isn't that much to it. Definitely make sure you know how to handle operations with exponents and square roots though.

 

[J777]

And also how to approximate negative logs for pH probs

 

[PreDentalStudent1]

Thank you so much sjv and J777. There is very little information out there regarding special tips for specialized exams such as DAT and ect. Through out my undergraduate study, Ive always relied on my calc. It is difficult to ween myself off of it. Are there any other suggestions from other students who have previously taken the DAT?

 

[youngy]

doing a lot of practice problems will allow you to do simple and more complex problems in your head.

 

[quackwhacker]

Example of type of difficulty of math

The molarity of a 500ml solution of whatever is 4, how many moles of whatever is in the solution?

Then for the logs itll be like given [OH-]=8.6x10-6M, what is the pH? since 8.6 is high number the pOH will be closer to 5 (5.1), so subtract the pOH from the pH and u get 8.9. The answers will be far enough apart you can distinguish the correct value. Like it wont give you 5.2134 and 5.1134, it'll be more like 8.9, 9.1, etc. Those numbers seem close but if you estimate the pOH correctly (knowing its slightly above 5) you can answer the question.

 

[brebsedrets]

Right,Those numbers seem close but if you estimate the pOH correctly, you can answer the question.

 

[customx]

Practice is key. Watch Chad's videos and take his quizzes, you'll get very good at estimating and solving problems without a calculator

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Triflate]

chad teaches you the math you need to know without using a calculator. Also, try converting decimals to fractions or scientific notation. This helps me out a lot because i can easily cancel stuff out when it comes to multiplying/dividing decimals. Watch chad's QR videos to know how to easily convert stuff to scientific notation. You'll get a lot faster once you get the hang of it!