Tricky SAT: Two Examples Of Your Confusion in SAT Math

by Craig · 5 comments

**UPDATE 15 MARCH 2012** A great commenter told me that my first SAT question in the video below is ambiguous. I totally agree with her. So, instead of updating the video, I’ll just update the question here: “By approximately what percent OF HIS ORIGINAL WEIGHT would Craig have to gain back to get to his original weight?” It’s funny, because now that I think about it, it might make MORE sense to ask by what percent of his NEW WEIGHT, leading to ~50%, but the point of the video is the same (IE. Recognize what a silly person might think and try to eliminate those answer choices before rocking the math.)**

Okay, so I need to be 100% clear right now. I am super, super, duper, excited about today’s lesson. Normally, in these videos, I just give you some information on HOW to do certain things. Today, I’m going to really break down some tricky questions and show you a KILLER SAT strategy for doing well. My words on this page will be light, because the video speaks for itself, but I do need to introduce it so you and the engines know what I am talking about.

If the SAT was simply a math, reading, and writing test, you would have to do complex math problems and analyze poetry. But it is not, and you don’t. If I wanted to test your arithmetic, I’d ask: What is 1 + 1? But, the SAT doesn’t want to test your arithmetic. The SAT wants to test your logic and reading comprehension, and it does that through math.

Because that has been established, it is important for you to see WHERE the SAT attempts to mislead you so you can constantly move in a smart, dedicated way towards you goal. This is a mixture of strategy and technique, and in this revealing video, I show you exactly how the SAT writers attempt to confuse you.

How did you like this shorter post? It’s an experiment in amazing, I know. Comment below and let me know what you think. Thanks!

If you want to increase your SAT from the comfort of your home, why don't you consider studying in my online SAT class? I am not only a SAT blogger, I am also a SAT private tutor. Why don't you see how I can help you ace the SAT.

  • Your question is wrong

    Please just get to the point. We don’t need to know about the reason you’re posting this video or how you’re giving things away for free when it’s normally “your service” that you charge for.

    Also your question about losing weight is incorrect because your wording is so ambiguous.

    10% of what? His original weight? The weight after he lost 25% of his original weight?
    Furthermore, the question asks what percent to get back to his original weight? Percentage of what? Of his original weight? Percentage of his current weight after losing 25% and then another 10%?

    The answer is completely different depending on how you interpret the term “percentage.” SAT questions would never be this unclear.

    Let’s say he started at 100 pounds. Then after 25% loss, he’s at 75 lbs. Another 10% loss would be either 67.5 lbs or 65 lbs depending on how you interpret 10% (of what).

    But let’s say you meant he’s now at 67.5 lbs. What percent to get back to original weight? He needs 32.5 lbs to get back to his original 100 lbs.

    32.5/67.5 = 48.1% (oh crap! Wasn’t that one you crossed out?)

    But no, you assume that it’s 32.5% of his original weight…yet you assume it’s 10% off the 75 lbs (not the original 100 lbs).

    You need to be much more clear.

    One suggestion is to get rid of the annoying sales pitch at the beginning and end too. Students won’t want to sit through that to get to the actual content.

  • http://www.craiggonzalestutoring.com Craig

    Hi “Your Question is Wrong”.

    Thanks for the comment, even if it is a bit brusk.

    I’ll start with the question:

    (1) The question clearly states “his NEW WEIGHT was decreased by an additional 10%”

    Maybe you missed that, because you mentioned that I did not clarify that? Please watch the video again and let me know if that makes sense. (You can put it on silent and fast-forward to miss my explanation and reason-why, if you like)

    So, if he starts at 100 LBS, and we follow the words I wrote:

    Lose 25%, so we are at 75 LBS

    Then, lose 10% of his NEW WEIGHT [as is clearly mentioned in the question] (75LBS) so we are at 67.5

    –

    Now, I can see the ambiguity in the final sentence, so thank you for that. It may have been stronger with “…what percent of the original weight …”, but the lesson is still sound.

    There are many times when the “obvious” answer is wrong. I hope the students who watch this lesson get that.

    (2) As for your sandwiched critique on my business method, I appreciate your concern for my well-being. I will definitely take that into consideration.

    Cheers.

    CG

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