SSAT Quantitative Section Tips: Boost Your Math Score!
The SSAT quantitative section tests your problem-solving skills, and with the right strategies, you can maximize your score. Here are five key tips to help you work through math questions with confidence!
1. Show Your Work! ✍️
Trying to solve math problems in your head can lead to unnecessary mistakes. Instead, write down each step to stay organized and avoid errors.
Why is this helpful? Writing out your work makes it easier to spot mistakes and double-check your calculations.
What should you do? Show every step, even for simple problems!
Example:
Solve: 45 + 27
45
+ 27
———
72
Even for basic addition, writing it down ensures accuracy and reduces mistakes.
2. Read the Question Carefully & Watch Out for Trick Answers! 🚨
Math questions on the SSAT often include trap answers that look correct but are based on common mistakes. Always read carefully and double-check your work!
Example:
What is half of 50% of 80?
A) 40 ❌ (Common mistake: forgetting to divide by 2)
B) 20 ✅ (Correct answer!)
Step-by-step solution:
50% of 80 = 40
Half of 40 = 20 ✅
By carefully following each step, you can avoid falling for tricky answer choices.
3. Know Your Math Vocabulary! 📚
Understanding math terminology is crucial for solving problems correctly. Pay close attention to words that indicate mathematical operations:
Sum → Add (The sum of 7 and 3 is 10)
Difference → Subtract (The difference between 9 and 5 is 4)
Quotient → Divide (The quotient of 12 and 4 is 3)
If you’re unsure how to approach a question, check for key math terms—they often tell you exactly what to do!
4. Use Estimation to Check Your Answer! 🤔
Estimation is a great way to quickly check if your answer makes sense. If answer choices are far apart, estimating first can help you eliminate incorrect options before solving.
Example:
What is 198 × 5?
Estimation: 198 is close to 200, and 200 × 5 = 1000.
Actual Calculation: 198 × 5 = 990 ✅
Since 990 is close to 1000, you know your answer makes sense!
5. Watch Your Units! 📏
Many SSAT math questions involve units of measurement, so always double-check the units given in the question and the ones in your answer.
Common mistakes: Confusing inches with feet, minutes with hours, or grams with kilograms.
Pro tip: If a question asks for a final answer in a specific unit, make sure you’ve converted correctly!
Example:
If a car travels 60 miles per hour, how far does it go in 30 minutes?
Common mistake: Answering 1,800 miles ❌ (forgetting to convert minutes to hours in the calculation)
Correct answer: Since 30 minutes is half an hour, the car travels 30 miles ✅
Final Thoughts
The SSAT quantitative section doesn’t just test your math skills—it tests your ability to work efficiently and accurately under time pressure. By showing your work, reading carefully, understanding key terms, using estimation, and checking your units, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question that comes your way.
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