Digital PSAT 8/9 #1, Math Module 2H, Question 1 (numeracy)

Summary

The speaker advises against overcomplicating math problems with unnecessary algebra, using a gym membership fee example. They suggest subtracting the enrollment fee from the total charge and dividing by the monthly fee to find the number of months. Emphasizing the SAT and PSAT's preference for straightforward solutions, they encourage using basic arithmetic and a calculator for efficiency, highlighting that complex equations aren't always necessary for correct answers.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker emphasizes not to let algebra complicate simple math problems.
• 💡 They suggest treating the problem as a straightforward instruction rather than creating a complex equation.
• 💼 The scenario involves calculating months until a gym member's total charges reach $188, including a starting fee.
• 💸 The strategy involves subtracting the enrollment fee from the total to find the amount charged monthly.
• 🧮 Using basic arithmetic, the speaker demonstrates how to subtract the enrollment fee and then divide by the monthly charge.
• 📉 They arrive at a solution by dividing the remaining amount by the monthly fee, which results in the number of months.
• ✅ The correct answer is confirmed as Choice C, which matches the calculated number of months.
• 🤔 The speaker also mentions an alternative approach of multiplying the monthly charge by a guessed number of months and adding the enrollment fee.
• 📈 This method is suggested as a way to 'guess and check' the answer choices to confirm the correct one.
• 📝 The speaker advises that on tests like the SAT and PSAT, it's more about getting the right answer than using complex algebraic methods.
• 🛣️ They advocate for taking the path of least resistance, which often involves simpler arithmetic, to maximize points on tests.

Q & A

What is the main point the speaker is making about solving math problems?

The speaker emphasizes that sometimes, especially on standardized tests like the SAT or PSAT, it's more efficient to use basic arithmetic and a calculator instead of creating complex algebraic equations.

What is the context of the math problem discussed in the script?

The context is a gym membership fee calculation where a member is charged a starting fee and a monthly fee, and the problem is to determine after how many months the total charges will amount to $188.

What is the starting fee mentioned for the gym membership?

The starting fee for the gym membership is $36.

How much is the monthly fee for the gym membership?

The monthly fee for the gym membership is $19.

What is the total amount the member is charged after a certain number of months according to the problem?

The total amount the member is charged after a certain number of months is $188.

What is the method suggested by the speaker to solve the problem without creating an equation?

The speaker suggests subtracting the enrollment fee from the total amount and then dividing the result by the monthly fee to find the number of months.

How many months will it take for the member to be charged a total of $188 if the speaker's method is used?

Using the speaker's method, it will take 8 months for the member to be charged a total of $188.

What is the alternative method mentioned by the speaker to guess and check the answer?

The alternative method is to multiply one of the answer choices by the monthly fee and add the enrollment fee to see if it equals $188.

Why does the speaker suggest taking the path of least resistance when solving math problems?

The speaker suggests taking the path of least resistance because it can save time and effort, and it's more about getting the correct answer rather than using a specific method.

What is the speaker's opinion on the teaching methods that require creating equations for every problem?

The speaker believes that while teachers may require creating equations for every problem in school, this is not necessary for standardized tests, where the focus should be on getting the right answer efficiently.

What is the speaker's advice for test-takers facing math problems on the SAT or PSAT?

The speaker advises test-takers to use basic arithmetic and a calculator when possible, as this can be simpler and more efficient than creating algebraic equations.