Yo, I'm gearing up for the PSAT, and I'm wondering if there are any key formulas or concepts I should memorize beforehand, especially for the math section?
Hey there! It's smart to be prepared with some essential formulas and concepts for the PSAT math section. Here's a list of the most important formulas and concepts you should be familiar with:
1. Quadratic formula: For a quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0, the solutions are given by the formula: x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a.
2. Pythagorean theorem: In a right triangle with legs a and b, and hypotenuse c, you have a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
3. Area of a triangle: Area = (base × height) / 2.
4. Area of a circle: A = πr^2, where r is the radius.
5. Circumference of a circle: C = 2πr, where r is the radius.
6. Volume of a rectangular prism: V = length × width × height.
7. Volume of a cylinder: V = πr^2h, where r is the radius and h is the height.
8. Slope-intercept form of a linear equation: y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
9. Vertex form of a quadratic equation: y = a(x - h)^2 + k, where (h, k) is the vertex.
10. Distance formula: Given two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), the distance between them is given by: √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2).
11. Midpoint formula: Given two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), the midpoint is ((x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2).
12. Basic trigonometry: Remember the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent for a given angle in a right triangle: sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse, cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse, tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent.
13. Special triangles: Be familiar with 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 triangles and their side ratios.
14. Systems of linear equations: Methods to solve include substitution, elimination, and graphing.
15. Probability: P(event) = number of favorable outcomes / number of total outcomes.
16. Ratios and proportions: Be comfortable with solving problems involving rates, proportions, and percent increases/decreases.
Memorizing these formulas and understanding the concepts will definitely give you an edge on the PSAT math section. Good luck with your preparation!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.