Calculus is one of the toughest areas in all of the SATs. If you are preparing for the SATs, chances are that you have already taken many Calculus classes in high school and college. You should have an idea of how difficult Calculus can be, even for a Calculus major who has not taken many AP Calculus courses. However, you should know that Calculus is not easy and will still be difficult for even Calculus majors to take.
The reason that Calculus can be so hard is because the concepts are very complicated and each answer choice depends on the previous answer. For example, when you have to find the derivative of a function, finding out which direction you should turn and where to turn is very important information. There are so many details that have to be worked out before you can accurately find the answer. If you try to find the answer without first thinking about the solutions, then you are likely to get it wrong.
That is why it is so important to practice answering multiple choice questions with a graphing calculator beforehand. You can buy some inexpensive graphing calculators at your local electronics store or you can use a brand name product that costs a lot less. Practice using your calculator to find the answers to all of the questions on the exam. It is best to do this after you finish studying for the exam. Doing this a few days before the exam allows you enough time to get all of your problems correct.
What kinds of things should you focus on when preparing for a Calculus multiple choice test? The first thing that you need to think about is your timing. You need to be sure that you spend enough time studying for the exam before you do the practice tests. One of the ways that Calculus students become excellent at answering multiple choice questions is by spending enough time practicing each answer choice. This makes perfect sense because the more you practice the better your chances are of passing.
Another way to become an excellent Calculus multiple choice test taker is to find an answer that works for each question. If you are having trouble answering a question and you have no idea what to do, find an answer that works for you. For example, if you are having a tough time getting an answer for the second multiplication question, find an answer that can work for you. Then write down that answer in your textbook or in your head so that when you come to take the multiple choice test later, you will have it ready.
Lastly, practice makes perfect. Spend some time practicing your answers on the calculator simulator. Use the calculators on your computer for practice as well. This is just as important as using the answers on the test or in your textbook, because the more you practice the better your preparedness will be for the real exam.
When you finally get to take your Calculus multiple choice test, have a good attitude. If you have a good attitude, you will be more likely to succeed. If you do not have a good attitude, then you might be more likely to fail. Both attitude and preparation play an important role in your success when taking Calculus.