Math

Click here for video tips on how to ace the PSAT's Math section.
The PSAT Math section is split into two parts, each 25 minutes long. There are two kinds of questions:

  • Multiple-Choice: You'll be given a problem with five possible answers. The PSAT contains 28 questions of this type.
  • The math gridGrid-In Questions: This part is probably closer to the Math tests you've been taking in school. You're given a problem that can have one or more answers, and you will write your answers in a grid with four boxes.You put one number in each box and then fill in the same number in the corresponding oval below the box.

To do well on the Math section, you should have a basic knowledge of:

  1. Numbers and arithmetic operations
  2. Algebra and functions
  3. Geometry and measurement
  4. Data analysis, statistics and probability

Calculators

You are encouraged to bring a calculator to the PSAT. Click here for some suggestions and guidelines on using calculators from the College Board.

Strategies for the PSAT's Math section:

  • Read the questions carefully and determine their level of difficulty. Sometimes the difficult questions are deliberately misleading, and you may be tempted to pick an answer that seems correct but turns out to be wrong. Make sure you understand what's being asked.
  • Do the multiple-choice questions first.
  • If a question stumps you from the start, don't waste time on it. Concentrate on problems that you know how to solve; and if there's time remaining, go back to the challenging questions.
  • On the tougher multiple-choice questions, try substituting one of the numbers in the answer for the variable. Use a number in the middle first, so you'll know which way to go if it doesn't work.
  • As this video emphasizes, use the process of elimination... and your common sense:

  • On the Grid-in, because there is no minus sign on the grid, all answers must be positive numbers. You are not penalized for wrong answers on the Grid-in, so use your best guess if you're not sure.
  • Easier questions generally will give you all of the information you need to solve the problem. That kind of information may be harder to find in more difficult questions, so look carefully.

This video contains lots of good tips and strategies for taking the Math section of the PSAT: