SHSAT Math
Approach Math Question - correct answer •Read through the question.
•Decide whether to do the problem or to skip it for now.
•Make an educated guess.
Skip or not - correct answer •If you can solve the problem relatively quickly and
efficiently, do it.
•If you think you can solve it but it will take you a long time, circle the number in
your test booklet and go back to it later.
•If you have no idea what to do, skip the problem and circle it.
Kaplan Method - correct answer •What is the question?
•What information is provided in the question? In what format do the answers
appear?
•What can I do with the information?
Picking Number - correct answer •Pick a simple number to stand in for the variables,
making sure it follows the criteria stated in the question stem.
•Solve the question using the number(s) you picked.
•Test each of the answer choices using the number(s) you picked, eliminating those
that give you a result that is different from the ones you're looking for.
•If more than one choice remains, pick a different set of numbers.
Backsolving - correct answer When backsolving, always start with the middle
answer choice. If you solve for the one in the middle and it comes out too big, you
can eliminate it and the two larger numbers, and the same if it's too small.
Integers - correct answer Include zero and negative whole numbers.
