IB Math Studies
Test Taking Strategies
Studying for the test.
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Practice every test problem
ever given to you!
Use the formula packet when
practicing to familiarize
yourself with where
everything is located!
Studying for the test.
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Financial Math! For the "we buy “,
"we sell" problem remember to use
the rate for what the bank is
doing.
Be careful of conversions!
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Use:
King Henry Died _ Drinking Chocolate Milk
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Know what is contained in each of
the number sets: reals, rationals,
irrationals, integers and natural
numbers.
Studying for the test.
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For chi-squared, if your value of
chi-squared is greater than the
CRITICAL VALUE you reject the
null hypothesis.
For p-values, the opposite is true.
If your p-value is less than the
SIGNIFICANCE LEVEL, you
reject the null hypothesis.
Studying for the test.
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Remember that a linear
regression always goes through
the mean point ( x , y )
The derivative is = 0 at a
maximum or minimum!!!
CALCULATOR DIRECTIONS
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When using substitution into a
formula, use ( ) around
numerators/denominators
Make sure you can find the
intersection of two graphs with
the calculator
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CALC (2nd TRACE  option 5)
Make sure you know how to find
maxes and minimums using a
calculator.
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CALC (2nd TRACE  option 3 or 4)
CALCULATOR DIRECTIONS
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Make sure you know how to use the
calculator stat functions.
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STAT  Edit
STAT CALC 
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1-Var Stats for L1
2-Var Stats for L1 and L2
LinReg for linear regression
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Use linreg for r as well!
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Know how to run the chi-squared
test in the calculator.
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MATRIX  Edit (put in table without
totals)
STAT  TESTS  X2- Test…
CALCULATOR DIRECTIONS
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Normal Distribution functions!
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DIST (2nd VARS)
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normalcdf(lower, upper, mean, sd)
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Use when given a % in the probelm:
invnorm(% to the left & out of %
form, mean, sd)
Before the test.
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Sleep well the night before.
Eat breakfast.
Eat lunch.
Be hydrated, but not so much
that you float away.
During the test.
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Your calculators have been
cleaned out!
Make sure you are in degree
mode.
Make sure your diagnostics
are turned on.
During the test.
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Start each problem on a new
page.
In Paper 1, always write the
full answer before rounding in
the working box.
Looking at point values…low
point values on Paper 2 items
imply use of the calculator.
During the test.
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If you don't know an
equation/answer...make it up.
Finish the problem using the
made up equation.
Look at the problem: “Show
that” means they want you to
get that answer. And that
answer will most likely be used
in future parts.
During the test.
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Graphing: label the axes!
Make sure you know what a cm
is on our graph paper.
Use the appropriate scale
given in the problem.
Make sure you “show your
work” on the graphs if you get
information from the graph.
During the test.
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If you must draw a Venn
Diagram remember to label
the Universal Set!
Pace yourself! When you read
the exam make a strategy for
how you want to attack the
problems.