Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
October 1, 2020 by Mike Bergin

Modeling as a Math Skill

Critics of standardized tests often paint those assessments as aloof from everyday exercises of knowledge and learning, conveniently ignoring the primacy of reading and written communication in most activities. That’s right: tests like the SAT and ACT evaluate the kind of reading and writing skills that matter in school, work, and life. Math, however, seems to be more of a disconnect; how often do you need trigonometry or geometric theorems in your non-scientific day-to-day?

However, tests like the SAT and ACT do assess math skills and knowledge that matter beyond high school, from broad conceptual quantitative literacy to creative problem solving. One more oft-overlooked skill that carries into real life is modeling, the application of math skills to answer questions about real world situations. What are some common examples of modelling?

  • How much does a shirt with a retail price of $40 cost during a 30%-off sale?
  • How long will a trip of 500 miles take at an average speed of 60 mph?
  • How many square feet of wallpaper is required to cover the walls of two 10×12 rooms?

Life doesn’t get more real than that, which is why modelling means so much. In fact, mathematician John Berry describes mathematical modelling as among “the most quoted generic skills that should be developed as an outcome of a programme of mathematics in school, college and university.”

The SAT and ACT both test modelling heavily through word problems. The ACT presents Modeling as a separate Reporting Category, but doesn’t feature questions that only evaluate modeling. Instead, the ACT bases the Modeling score on achievement on those Higher Math and Essential Skills questions that involve producing, interpreting, understanding, evaluating, and improving models. The SAT also presents modeling as an overarching skill set rather than a discrete question type or subscore. The College Board’s stated philosophy is that questions on the Math Test “are designed to mirror the problem solving and modeling you’ll do in college math, science, and social science courses, the jobs that you hold, and your personal life”

What should test takers and teachers alike know about solving modeling problems? Rachel Levy in American Scientist describes a process in which problem solvers “make assumptions, choose a mathematical approach, get a solution, assess the solution for usefulness and accuracy, and then rework and adjust the model as needed until it provides an accurate and predictive enough understanding of the situation.” If this sounds like the process people use every day to deal with problems, you get the point. Modeling is all about real life, which is either refreshing or scary, depending on your perspective. Don’t over-complicate the modeling process, and avoid unhelpful abstraction or excessive calculation. Deal with modeling math problems the way all obstacles in life should be overcome: quickly, easily, and accurately!

math problem solving

Previous articleBe Calculator Smart on Test DayNext article Fast FAFSA Facts
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Early Testing Game Plan for the Class of 2025
  • What Does ‘Smart’ Mean in the 21st Century
  • How to Read Percentiles
  • Do SAT & ACT Subscores Matter?
  • Evaluating College ROI

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

  • You have no idea what you can "survive" until you have no choice!
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    You have no idea what you can "survive" until you have no choice!
  • Get up and try again.
    by chariotlearning 5 days ago
    Get up and try again.
  • Be patient when becoming someone you haven
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    Be patient when becoming someone you haven't been before.
  • It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
    by chariotlearning 4 hours ago
    It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
  • Being intelligent is not a felony but may get you in trouble anyway ;)
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    Being intelligent is not a felony but may get you in trouble anyway ;)
  • Do not waste time thinking about what you could have done differently. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and
    by chariotlearning 1 week ago
    Do not waste time thinking about what you could have done differently. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and
  • Set goals that are *almost* out of reach.
    by chariotlearning 2 weeks ago
    Set goals that are *almost* out of reach.
  • Decide. Commit. Succeed.
    by chariotlearning 2 days ago
    Decide. Commit. Succeed.

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Upcoming Events

  1. SAT/ACT Extended Class – Summer Mornings 2022

    July 6 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  2. SAT/ACT Online Flipped Class – July 2022

    July 6 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  3. Practice SAT – Brighton (7/8/22)

    July 8 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  4. Practice ACT – Pittsford Library (7/12/22)

    July 12 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  5. SAT/ACT Extended Class – Summer Evenings 2022

    July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

View All Events

Testimonials

I think Chariot Learning is a first class business, and we will be recommending you to friends in the future.

Fern, Pittsford mom

Read more testimonials...
© 2022 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.