@PCAT; Chem Q with Calculations

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ericn2k3

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Is it even practical to even attempt chem question on the PCAT that requires calculations? For example, I know how to do the chem problems in the kaplan chemistry review, however, I can't physically do it fast enough without a calculator. One question would take me like 5 minutes b/c I'll have to do the arithmetic by hand.
 
I dont think the math is very time consuming... You just need to practice using long division and multiplication tables alot, soon enough you will be able to to them in your head.

Some tips are to round numbers for easy calculating, for the Gas constant R. dont use the .0820574 instead use .82 the 4 possible answers will usually be of enough difference from one another that some rounding errors will not affect your answer.

Also try estimating what the asnwer could possibly be, for instance if one answer is 15M and another is .15M, Chances are it is the .15M because basic chemistry states that 15M solutions are very rare and probably would not be ecountered often. Using common sense can reduce the time it takes to answer a question...
 
I dont think the math is very time consuming... You just need to practice using long division and multiplication tables alot, soon enough you will be able to to them in your head.

Some tips are to round numbers for easy calculating, for the Gas constant R. dont use the .0820574 instead use .82 the 4 possible answers will usually be of enough difference from one another that some rounding errors will not affect your answer.

Also try estimating what the asnwer could possibly be, for instance if one answer is 15M and another is .15M, Chances are it is the .15M because basic chemistry states that 15M solutions are very rare and probably would not be ecountered often. Using common sense can reduce the time it takes to answer a question...
all right how about using .1 instead of .082 or is that too much rounding. Thanks
 
the pecent difference between .082 and .01 is 22%.. Which is way too high in my opinion. Do not do that.
 
i think the best thing for you now it to memorize the multiplication table and practice those elementary school problems. like millions of them. I'm sure after that, your arithmetic skills will be much faster. =)

This is what happens when American education allows children to use calculators on their math hwk! =(

The problem with rounding 0.082 to 0.1 is that sometimes the answers are very close together. So using 0.1 may lead you in choosing the wrong ans. I would stick with 0.082, its safer. Prolly 0.08 is a safer number.
 
i think the best thing for you now it to memorize the multiplication table and practice those elementary school problems. like millions of them. I'm sure after that, your arithmetic skills will be much faster. =)

This is what happens when American education allows children to use calculators on their math hwk! =(

The problem with rounding 0.082 to 0.1 is that sometimes the answers are very close together. So using 0.1 may lead you in choosing the wrong ans. I would stick with 0.082, its safer. Prolly 0.08 is a safer number.
haha you know how long i have been practicing math, for a month 2 hrs a day. That is how much i forgot when i started i couldnt even do long division or multiply with decimals etc.. 🙁
 
I don't think they would give you really complex mathematics. Just something you can do in the time they give I suppose? I think they must know about you having to do all the other sections?
 
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