Desmos Calculator Tips (ep 4): Digital SAT Strategy Guide

Settele Tutoring
12 May 202318:19

TLDRIn this educational video, Mike Satell, founder of Satell Tutoring, presents the fourth installment of his digital SAT strategy series. He focuses on the Desmos calculator's capabilities, emphasizing its integration into the SAT app, eliminating the need for a physical calculator. Satell demonstrates how the Desmos calculator simplifies solving systems of equations, algebraic problems, and visualizing algebraic changes. He advocates for its use in practice to familiarize test-takers with its features, which can significantly reduce errors and save time. The video also touches on how the calculator can be used for guess and check strategies, making complex mathematical problems more manageable.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ˜€ Mike Sattell, founder of Sattell Tutoring, presents a series of videos on strategies for the digital SAT, with this being the fourth episode focused on Desmos Calculator tips.
  • ๐Ÿ“š This video can be watched independently and does not require viewing the previous ones, but subscribing to the channel is recommended for a comprehensive learning experience.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The Desmos calculator is built into the digital SAT platform, eliminating the need to bring a separate calculator, although a simple backup calculator is still advised.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The video emphasizes the importance of practicing with the Desmos calculator to familiarize oneself with its interface and functionalities.
  • ๐Ÿ” Desmos is primarily a graphing calculator that allows real-time visualization of equations, which can be particularly useful for solving complex problems more intuitively.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ The video demonstrates how to quickly graph and solve systems of equations using Desmos, showcasing its efficiency over traditional algebraic methods.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ It highlights the ability to solve for 'x' and visualize changes in equations and graphs, which can be beneficial for guess and check strategies on the SAT.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The video explains how to handle equations with no 'y' variable or equations that are not in the standard 'y = ...' format, emphasizing the calculator's algebraic solving capabilities.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Desmos allows for the use of sliders to test different values and guess and check answer choices, which can be especially helpful for questions without explicit equations.
  • ๐Ÿ“– The video concludes with a review of the key benefits of using Desmos for the SAT, such as its ability to visualize algebra, simplify complex algebraic solutions, and save time during the exam.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of Mike Sattler's fourth video in his series?

    -The main topic is how to use the built-in Desmos calculator for the digital SAT effectively.

  • Why does Mike Sattler recommend subscribing to his channel?

    -He recommends subscribing to see all the other videos and resources that interrelate and provide a comprehensive strategy for improving SAT scores.

  • What type of calculator is the Desmos calculator?

    -The Desmos calculator is a graphing calculator that is built into the digital SAT app.

  • Why does Mike suggest having a simple scientific calculator as a backup during the SAT?

    -He suggests having a simple scientific calculator for backup to handle basic mathematical operations like multiplication, division, or addition, while the Desmos calculator handles more complex tasks.

  • What are some benefits of using the Desmos calculator for the SAT according to Mike?

    -Benefits include ease of use, intuitive interface, real-time graphing of equations, and the ability to visualize algebraic changes, which can reduce the risk of errors and save time.

  • How does the Desmos calculator help with solving systems of equations?

    -The Desmos calculator helps by allowing users to quickly graph and find the points of intersection for systems of equations, which are the solutions.

  • What is a strategy Mike suggests for dealing with equations that have square roots?

    -Mike suggests entering the equation as written into the calculator and using the calculator's functionality to handle the square roots, rather than solving algebraically by hand.

  • How can the Desmos calculator be used to visualize changes to equations?

    -The Desmos calculator allows users to input equations and see how changes to the equations, such as shifts or transformations, affect the graph in real time.

  • What is the advantage of using the Desmos calculator for guess and check strategies on the SAT?

    -The Desmos calculator allows for quick visualization and testing of different values to find the correct answer, making guess and check strategies more efficient.

  • Why is it important to practice using the Desmos calculator before taking the SAT, as per Mike's advice?

    -Practicing with the Desmos calculator helps users become familiar with its features and shortcuts, making it second nature to navigate and use effectively during the actual test.

  • What feature of the Desmos calculator does Mike highlight as particularly useful for the SAT?

    -Mike highlights the ability to visualize algebra and compare shapes as particularly useful for the SAT, as it aligns with the way the human brain naturally processes information.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“š Introduction to Desmos Calculator for SAT

Mike Satell, founder of Satell Tutoring, introduces the fourth video in his series on strategies for the digital SAT. He emphasizes the importance of the Desmos calculator, which is built into the SAT app, eliminating the need for a physical calculator. Mike encourages viewers to subscribe for a comprehensive understanding of the strategies. He also mentions that while some viewers might find certain algebraic problems easier to solve by hand, the Desmos calculator is highly recommended for its intuitiveness and efficiency. The video promises quick insights into how to leverage the calculator's basic features to improve SAT scores with minimal practice.

05:01

๐Ÿ“ˆ Graphing and Solving Systems of Equations

This section demonstrates how to use the Desmos calculator to graph and solve systems of equations efficiently. Mike shows that instead of algebraically solving for x and y, the calculator can quickly identify intersection points of equations. He warns about potential traps in the questions, such asๆททๆท† coordinates or presenting misleading answer choices. The video illustrates how to zoom in and out to find the correct intersection points and how to use the calculator's auto-calculation of x and y-intercepts. Mike also advises viewers to always double-check their answers to avoid careless mistakes.

10:03

๐Ÿ”ข Solving Equations with One Variable

Mike addresses a unique situation where an equation with only one variable is presented. He explains that while algebraic manipulation might seem daunting, especially with square roots involved, the Desmos calculator simplifies the process. By entering the equation as is, the calculator can display vertical lines representing the solutions. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors. The video highlights the calculator's ability to handle complex equations and its role as both a graphing and algebra-solving tool.

15:03

๐Ÿ“‰ Visualizing Algebraic Changes and Equivalent Expressions

The video continues with a discussion on how to use the Desmos calculator to visualize changes in equations and identify equivalent expressions. Mike shows how to input functions and use sliders to adjust variables and compare graphs. This็›ด่ง‚ approach allows for a better understanding of algebraic concepts and shapes, making it easier to identify correct answers. He emphasizes the importance of practicing with the calculator to become familiar with its features and shortcuts. The video concludes with a summary of the key benefits of using the Desmos calculator for the SAT, including its ability to graph systems of equations, solve complex algebra, and visualize algebraic concepts.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กDesmos Calculator

The Desmos Calculator is a powerful, web-based graphing calculator that is built into the digital SAT platform, eliminating the need for students to bring their own calculators. In the video, Mike Satell emphasizes the importance of becoming familiar with Desmos for the SAT, as it allows for quick graphing and solving of equations, which can significantly speed up problem-solving and reduce the likelihood of errors. The calculator is praised for its intuitive interface and its ability to handle complex mathematical tasks with ease.

๐Ÿ’กDigital SAT

The Digital SAT refers to the computer-based version of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), which is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The video discusses strategies specifically for the digital format of the SAT, where the Desmos Calculator is integrated, offering unique advantages such as real-time graphing and algebraic manipulation that can be leveraged to improve test performance.

๐Ÿ’กGraphing Calculator

A graphing calculator is an advanced type of calculator that can be used to graph functions, solve complex equations, and perform various other mathematical tasks. In the context of the video, Mike Satell explains how the Desmos Calculator, as a graphing calculator, can visualize equations and their solutions, which is particularly useful for the SAT. It allows students to see the intersection points of equations or the movement of a graph, providing a visual approach to algebra that can be more intuitive than purely algebraic methods.

๐Ÿ’กSystems of Equations

Systems of equations are mathematical problems involving two or more equations with the same set of variables. In the video, Mike Satell demonstrates how the Desmos Calculator can quickly graph and solve systems of equations by finding their points of intersection, which represent the solutions. This method is shown to be more efficient than traditional algebraic techniques, particularly for complex systems that might be prone to human error when solved manually.

๐Ÿ’กAlgebraic Manipulation

Algebraic manipulation refers to the process of transforming algebraic expressions or equations through various mathematical operations to simplify them or to solve for a variable. The video highlights how the Desmos Calculator can perform algebraic manipulations, such as solving for a variable or finding the minimum value of a function, with greater ease and accuracy than manual methods. This can be particularly beneficial for complex algebraic problems on the SAT.

๐Ÿ’กX and Y-Intercepts

The X and Y-intercepts are points where a graph of an equation crosses the X-axis (X-intercept) or Y-axis (Y-intercept). In the video, Mike Satell shows how the Desmos Calculator can automatically calculate these intercepts, which can be crucial for solving certain types of SAT questions. Understanding and identifying these points quickly can save time and reduce the risk of errors during the test.

๐Ÿ’กFunction Notation

Function notation is a way of expressing a function, typically using a letter (like 'f' or 'g') to represent the function and another letter (like 'x') to represent the input. In the video, Mike Satell uses function notation to input equations into the Desmos Calculator, which allows for easy manipulation and visualization of the functions. This notation is particularly useful for understanding how changes to a function, such as shifting its graph, affect its properties.

๐Ÿ’กGuess and Check

Guess and check is a problem-solving strategy where one makes an educated guess and then checks if it leads to the correct solution. In the context of the video, Mike Satell discusses how the Desmos Calculator can be used to apply the guess and check strategy effectively by quickly testing different values or expressions to find the correct answer. This method is especially helpful for questions where the solution is not immediately obvious and requires exploration.

๐Ÿ’กSlider

A slider in the Desmos Calculator is a user interface element that allows for the input of a variable value to be adjusted dynamically. In the video, Mike Satell demonstrates how sliders can be used to explore different values of a variable within an equation, which can help in finding equivalent expressions or understanding how changes in one part of an equation affect the overall graph. Sliders provide a visual and interactive way to experiment with variables and their impact on mathematical functions.

๐Ÿ’กVisualize Algebra

Visualize algebra refers to the process of using graphical representations to understand and solve algebraic problems. The video emphasizes the Desmos Calculator's ability to visualize algebraic concepts, which can make abstract mathematical ideas more concrete and easier to grasp. By graphing equations and seeing how they change, students can develop a deeper understanding of algebra and improve their problem-solving skills on the SAT.

Highlights

Introduction to Desmos Calculator Tips for the digital SAT by Mike Satell, founder of Satell Tutoring.

Recommendation to subscribe for a comprehensive view of SAT strategies.

Advantage of Desmos calculator being built into the digital SAT platform, eliminating the need to bring a separate calculator.

Suggestion to keep a simple scientific calculator as a backup for basic calculations.

Emphasis on practicing with Desmos calculator for familiarity with its interface and functions.

Highlight of Desmos as a graphing calculator that visualizes equations in real time.

Tip on using Desmos for complex math problems to save time and reduce errors.

Strategy for quickly graphing and solving systems of equations using Desmos.

Advice on avoiding algebraic solutions for systems of equations and using Desmos for efficiency.

Technique for solving equations without a y variable by graphing vertical lines.

Explanation of how Desmos handles equations with square roots and the visualization of x-intercepts.

Guidance on using function notation in Desmos to graph and analyze transformations of functions.

Method for visually verifying the minimum value of functions using Desmos' graphing capabilities.

Use of sliders in Desmos to guess and check for equivalent expressions by comparing graphs.

Discussion on the importance of visualizing algebraic concepts to overcome abstract thinking challenges.

Encouragement to explore additional Desmos features and resources from other tutors for deeper understanding.

Conclusion emphasizing the Desmos calculator as a powerful tool for the digital SAT that simplifies complex math.