Why do some MCAT reviews have "math" in the title?

[JohnnyMath]

There are some from:

Kaplan math reviews (ISBN#: 0743241118)
Princeton Review MATH and Physics (ISBN #: 0375427953)


There's no math on the MCAT...from what I understand...what's the point of these reviews? Is it a phishing scam or something? I know there are no calculators on the MCAT. Do these books like go over methods for simplifying quick arithmetic and rounding in chem and physics?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Reckoner]

Do these books like go over methods for simplifying quick arithmetic and rounding in chem and physics?

Yes

 

[Redpancreas]

A phishing scam...Umm, no?

All it is is what exactly you already said:
"Simplifying quick arithmetic and rounding in chem and physics"

While some companies have chapters dedicated to these shortcuts (which come natural to a lot of us) other companies (like Berkeley) just integrate the math/rounding stuff in each chapter.
Also, you would do well knowing a bit of trig for some physics.

 

[JohnnyMath]

A phishing scam...Umm, no?

All it is is what exactly you already said:
"Simplifying quick arithmetic and rounding in chem and physics"

While some companies have chapters dedicated to these shortcuts (which come natural to a lot of us) other companies (like Berkeley) just integrate the math/rounding stuff in each chapter.
Also, you would do well knowing a bit of trig for some physics.

Well, it's on a website, so idk if they wanted my cc number to screw with me and no such book exist. I was just curious. I also found alternatives on a "legit" site, so I guess that justifies the carrier's ethos.

I just find it fascinating that they would have whole books dedicated to this. Even if you're really strong in math, and worked as a tutor for math for elementary and middle schoolers for a long time (at Kumon), so you have a knack for arithmetic and the ins and outs of teaching math even to a caveman, would you still need these books?

Also, I'm very comfortable with trig. I can prove a lot of identities, have the unit circle memorized on and can recall values for any of the 6 trigonometric functions on demand at any time, so working with angles and vectors in physics is no big deal for me.

 

[Redpancreas]

I just find it fascinating that they would have whole books dedicated to this. Even if you're really strong in math, and worked as a tutor for math for elementary and middle schoolers for a long time (at Kumon), so you have a knack for arithmetic and the ins and outs of teaching math even to a caveman, would you still need these books?

The Princeton one is actually the Physics book for Princeton. I can't speak for the Kaplan book having never used it but it sounds like a purely math tips and tricks book. If it is, I wouldn't buy it. Most of the math tricks are very intuitive in my opinion.

 

[Ismet]

The ISBN number you gave for the Kaplan book is a book of practice tests. Nothing to do with math.

 

[Lambda Phage]

MCAT math includes multiplying and dividing exponents, basic algebra, manipulating equations, etc. All of those things will help you do well in the physical sciences section.

 

[JohnnyMath]

MCAT math includes multiplying and dividing exponents, basic algebra, manipulating equations, etc. All of those things will help you do well in the physical sciences section.

So if I have a strong background in math, proofs, tutoring, etc. is it a waste of time and money to get them?

I know all about log rules, algebraic manipulation, exponent rules, trig identities, etc.

 

[Lambda Phage]

So if I have a strong background in math, proofs, tutoring, etc. is it a waste of time and money to get them?

I know all about log rules, algebraic manipulation, exponent rules, trig identities, etc.

It might not be a bad idea to brush up if money is no concern, otherwise don't bother. If you can do the aforementioned accurately and quickly, you'll be fine.