MCAT math

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Columbia09

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While the MCAT is months away for me, I think it's a good idea to start reviewing math concepts. So basically what I need are the basic trig functions, logs, how to multiple by powers of 10^x long division, dividing fractions, etc correct? Also to any recent MCAT veterans, how far away are the approximations between the answers they give you ? Some people say the numbers are close and some say that the numbers are very far apart so if you get an estimate you can easily pick it out.
 
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I think I used multiplication and long division the most on the real thing, but practice the other just in case.

The answers were reasonably spread out (or designed to test for a mistake in your processing), so you shouldn't have any issues with rounding.
 
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Columbia09 said:
While the MCAT is months away for me, I think it's a good idea to start reviewing math concepts. So basically what I need are the basic trig functions, logs, how to multiple by powers of 10^x long division, dividing fractions, etc correct? Also to any recent MCAT veterans, how far away are the approximations between the answers they give you ? Some people say the numbers are close and some say that the numbers are very far apart so if you get an estimate you can easily pick it out.
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Depends. One question the right answer was 0.2 lower than a wrong answer. I got this wrong for approximating. A good idea, I've found, is to look at the answer choices first. Sometimes they're many orders of magnitude off, in which case you can forget your decimals. For answers that are on the same order of magnitude and seem closer together, you have to be really careful with rounding.

I'd suggest knowing important graphical relationships. For example, lots of tests ask you to pick a graph depicting the relationship between two variables. Being familiar with what the graphs of y = x ; y = x^2 ; y = lnx ; y = 1/x ; and y = 1/x^2 look like proves to be really helpful.

And make sure you're comfortable (i.e. super fast and accurate) with exponent rules and scientific notation. Almost 100% guarantee that every single PS section of any test will involve some type of math with either or both of them.
 
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Synapsis said:
Depends. One question the right answer was 0.2 lower than a wrong answer. I got this wrong for approximating. A good idea, I've found, is to look at the answer choices first. Sometimes they're many orders of magnitude off, in which case you can forget your decimals. For answers that are on the same order of magnitude and seem closer together, you have to be really careful with rounding.

I'd suggest knowing important graphical relationships. For example, lots of tests ask you to pick a graph depicting the relationship between two variables. Being familiar with what the graphs of y = x ; y = x^2 ; y = lnx ; y = 1/x ; and y = 1/x^2 look like proves to be really helpful.

And make sure you're comfortable (i.e. super fast and accurate) with exponent rules and scientific notation. Almost 100% guarantee that every single PS section of any test will involve some type of math with either or both of them.
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Yeah, I just made a quick flashcard deck with the major log rules, exponent rules, and approximation values (the first few integer fractions and logs)...it's made my mental math quicker. Also, and I know this sounds a bit crazy at first, I downloaded an iPad game meant for kids or highschoolers or something...there are a ton of mental math apps out there, I just picked the one I thought was the most basic, yet least childish...I think it was Math King or something.
 
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mehc012 said:
Yeah, I just made a quick flashcard deck with the major log rules, exponent rules, and approximation values (the first few integer fractions and logs)...it's made my mental math quicker. Also, and I know this sounds a bit crazy at first, I downloaded an iPad game meant for kids or highschoolers or something...there are a ton of mental math apps out there, I just picked the one I thought was the most basic, yet least childish...I think it was Math King or something.
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log rules meaning, log(ma)= log(m)+log(a)? Exponent as in 2^6*3^7= 6^13? Also did they give you guys crazy things to divide?
 
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Columbia09 said:
log rules meaning, log(ma)= log(m)+log(a)? Exponent as in 2^6*3^7= 6^13? Also did they give you guys crazy things to divide?
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Haha, I'm in the same boat as you (pre-MCAT)...I'm too far out to buckle down and hard-core MCAT study, but I am still trying to max my odds however I can, so I'm reteaching myself mental math skills and study techniques throughout the year. I'll be tackling SN2ed this winter/next fall in prep for a 2014 MCAT :xf:
 
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mehc012 said:
Haha, I'm in the same boat as you (pre-MCAT)...I'm too far out to buckle down and hard-core MCAT study, but I am still trying to max my odds however I can, so I'm reteaching myself mental math skills and study techniques throughout the year. I'll be tackling SN2ed this winter/next fall in prep for a 2014 MCAT :xf:
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lol I'm reteaching myself how to multiple and long division. Place holders man place holders
 
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Columbia09 said:
lol I'm reteaching myself how to multiple and long division. Place holders man place holders
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Nah, man...everything they taught you in ES was a lie. Gotta go the other direction, it's much faster!

Look up Mental Math tricks on youtube...they're a little slow, but pretty useful!
 
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can you guys please post any apps or books that you guys used to prep for MCAT MATH....the math always seems to bog me down?😕
 
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sin(0) = 0 Sin(30)=1/2) sin(45)= rad 2/2 sin(60) = rad 3/2 sin(90) = 1 sin(180) = 0
cos(0)= 1 Cos(30) = rad 3/2 cos(45) = rad 2/2 cos(60) = 1/2 cos(90) = 0 cos(180) = -1

tan = sin/cos

Had to do this for some reason
 
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I would know the sin cos functions, but i've taken the MCAT twice, and i've yet to see some crazy sin functions. Also i've yet to see some crazy logs. But if you've got the time to learn them then yeah I would just to cover all your bases.
 
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They won't ask you the sin of 53 or something like that right and do they keep logs to 10s such as the log10 is 1 or log of 100 is 2
 
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Columbia09 said:
Anyone ?
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They should give you the sin of any number where you are expected to know it.

The only time I came across logs was when turning a [H+] into a pH.



Also: Make sure you know how to find square roots by hand. They don't appear very often, but when they do it is an invaluable skill to have.
 
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Columbia09 said:
It makes me feel like an idiot -_- all those years using the calculator has finally caught up with me.
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I feel ya there! I don't know whether it's helping or anything, but it's making me feel better about my math skills, so there's at least a placebo effect :laugh:
 
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mehc012 said:
Haha, I'm in the same boat as you (pre-MCAT)...I'm too far out to buckle down and hard-core MCAT study, but I am still trying to max my odds however I can, so I'm reteaching myself mental math skills and study techniques throughout the year. I'll be tackling SN2ed this winter/next fall in prep for a 2014 MCAT :xf:
Click to expand...

Yes, wish I had anticipated the challenges I would face without having a calculator to rely on. It would have saved me SO MUCH time.
 
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I know the feel! 🙁 calculator user here.... so having to put extra effort into math for the MCAT.
 
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