{"id":4411,"date":"2022-03-24T19:43:09","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T19:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.testgeek.com\/blog\/?p=4411"},"modified":"2022-03-24T19:43:11","modified_gmt":"2022-03-24T19:43:11","slug":"what-math-is-on-the-psat-nmsqt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.testgeek.com\/blog\/what-math-is-on-the-psat-nmsqt\/","title":{"rendered":"What Math is on the PSAT\/NMSQT?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Like the SAT, the PSAT includes a reading test, a writing test, and a math test. In this post, we’re going to give you the rundown about what math to expect on the PSAT, and how you can master these skills before test day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PSAT, or “preliminary” SAT, is considered by many to be a “practice” version of the real SAT. However, like Allen Iverson, we’re not interested in talking about practice – we know the PSAT is important, and we\u2019re here to give it the respect it deserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We want you to feel this level of confidence when you show up to take the PSAT.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While not used on college applications, a good score on the PSAT can open doors for financial aid and scholarship opportunities. For example, the PSAT is used as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. For more information on how to become a National Merit Scholar, visit this link.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the PSAT Math Section <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How long is the PSAT? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The entire PSAT is two hours and 45 minutes long. There is a five-minute break after the reading section (the first section of the test), and a five-minute break before the calculator-optional portion of the math test, which is the final section of the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the math section, there are two test portions. You are not allowed to use a calculator on the first section, but you are permitted to use an approved calculator on the second section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section of Test<\/strong><\/td>Time Allowed<\/strong><\/td>Multiple Choice Questions<\/strong><\/td>Grid-In Questions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Math – No Calculator Allowed<\/td>25 minutes<\/td>13<\/td>4<\/td><\/tr>
Math – Calculator Optional<\/td>45 minutes<\/td>27<\/td>4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Keep in mind that once the no-calculator section ends, you won’t be able to access it while completing the calculator-optional math section.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How is the math PSAT structured? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many questions are standalone questions; some questions will be in groups and will focus on a set of graphs, charts, or tables (Example: “Questions 9-11 refer to the following information”).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most questions are multiple-choice. You’ll choose the best answer out of the four choices that are provided. There is no penalty for guessing, so if you don’t know an answer, you’re better off marking down one than leaving the question blank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also four “grid-in” questions. You’ll write in a numeric answer for these questions. Some grid-in questions can have more than one right answer. For more information on grid-in questions, visit this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What resources are provided on the math PSAT?  <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The SAT provides a list of everyday formulas (pictured below), as well as scratch paper inside the test booklet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While it\u2019s awesome that you don\u2019t have to memorize these formulas before the test, you also don\u2019t want this to be the first time you\u2019ve ever seen this material. It\u2019s a good idea to take some time before the test to learn about these formulas and how to use them effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need to bring your own #2 pencils and erasers (two should be enough). You can also bring a calculator to use on the calculator-optional portion of the test if you would like, but it has to be an approved calculator (follow this link to view the SAT\/PSAT Calculator Policy<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out this link to learn more about what resources are provided.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes SAT math and PSAT math different?  <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the tests are fairly similar. There aren’t major differences in content or structure. The College Board, which is the organization that oversees the SAT and PSAT, would tell you that the PSAT is slightly <\/em>less difficult than the SAT, but that both tests are assessing the same skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are small structural differences, such as how many questions are on each section, how much time you have, and the scoring of the tests. Finally, you\u2019ll want to note that the PSAT is only offered once a year (usually in October), while the SAT is offered several times throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here to see a breakdown of the key differences between the SAT and the PSAT. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kinds of questions are on the PSAT math test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like the SAT, there are four types of math questions on the PSAT, divided into the following categories: Heart of Algebra, Problem-Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, and Additional Topics in Math. We’ll cover each one in detail below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, we like to put example questions in these blog posts. We’re not going to do that here because it would take up quite a bit of space. This post would end up being more clunky and awkward than I was when I took the PSAT as a teenager – and nobody wants to see that. But we do want you to have good practice material – and you can access plenty of it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart of Algebra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are 16 “Heart of Algebra” questions on the PSAT. This section tests your ability to solve linear equations and systems. Some questions are straightforward, while others are asked as word problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few things this section could cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n