Desmos Calculator Tips (ep 4): Digital SAT Strategy Guide
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
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ฑ The video emphasizes the importance of practicing with the Desmos calculator to familiarize oneself with its interface and functionalities.
- ๐ Desmos is primarily a graphing calculator that allows real-time visualization of equations, which can be particularly useful for solving complex problems more intuitively.
- ๐ The video demonstrates how to quickly graph and solve systems of equations using Desmos, showcasing its efficiency over traditional algebraic methods.
- ๐ฏ 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.
- ๐ ๏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.
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ 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
๐ 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.
๐ 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.
๐ข 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.
๐ 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. This็ด่ง 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
๐กDesmos Calculator
๐กDigital SAT
๐กGraphing Calculator
๐กSystems of Equations
๐กAlgebraic Manipulation
๐กX and Y-Intercepts
๐กFunction Notation
๐กGuess and Check
๐กSlider
๐กVisualize Algebra
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.