Overview: Common Strategies
Some math problems on the SAT and ACT present an equation or series, and then give a number of alternative solutions. Like all problems of that type, only one answer is correct. However, besides numerical solutions, there’s an additional choice: usually labeled (E) Not enough information is available to solve this problem.
Enough Info for Geometry Problems
Often, there is a figure included, not necessarily drawn to scale. Adjacent, complementary, or corresponding angles may be labeled. Also, check to make sure similar triangles are not buried in other figures. Practice solving geometry problems long before the test is given, in order to detect the information hidden in such figures. Test questions will ask for applications rather than complicated proofs.
CSI for Arithmetic
Investigate the alternative answers that contain numbers. That way, a cumbersome algebra problem can be turned into arithmetic. If the alternative is right there, there is enough information, especially if the problem is a difficult one. More practice on such problems long before the test will help the investigator spot the hidden clues to the answer.
Algebra Alternatives
Alternative answers to algebra problems on the SAT and ACT test thinking and reasoning skills as much as student knowledge of algorithms. Students solve algebra problems during math homework by repeating strategies and solving the same types of problems. However, the math questions on standardized tests focus on reasoning the correct answer, no matter what way it is solved.
Is That Your Final Answer?
In reality, there are very few problems on the SAT or ACT with not enough information available. When the math problem is difficult, it is tempting but often incorrect to choose that choice. Most of the time, there is more information to go on than the student actually needs. The question stem sometimes will contain irrelevant information, especially if there is a figure included. Read the problem carefully for all instructions, key words, and hidden clues.
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