Essential PSAT Math Formulas

Hey everyone, I'm trying to compile a list of essential math formulas for the PSAT. Which formulas should I absolutely know and have memorized before taking the test? Any help is appreciated!

Hi there! It's great that you're preparing for the PSAT and want to make sure you have the essential math formulas down. Here's a list of some important math formulas and concepts that you should definitely know before taking the test:

1. Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2 (for right triangles)

2. Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a)

3. Slope-intercept form of a linear equation: y = mx + b

4. Point-slope form of a linear equation: y - y1 = m(x - x1)

5. Distance formula: d = √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)

6. Midpoint formula: M((x1 + x2) / 2, (y1 + y2) / 2)

7. Area of a triangle: A = (1/2)bh

8. Area of a rectangle: A = lw

9. Area of a circle: A = πr^2

10. Circumference of a circle: C = 2πr or C = πd

11. Volume of a cylinder: V = πr^2h

12. Volume of a rectangular prism: V = lwh

13. Volume of a sphere: V = (4/3)πr^3

14. Sum of the interior angles of an n-sided polygon: (n - 2) x 180°

15. Average: (sum of terms) / (number of terms)

16. Probability: (number of successful outcomes) / (total possible outcomes)

17. Percent change: ((new value - original value) / original value) x 100%

18. Permutations and combinations formulas (you don't need to know the exact formulas, but understand the concepts)

Keep in mind that the PSAT will provide you with some of the basic geometric formulas (such as the area and circumference of a circle), so you won't have to memorize those. However, it's still a good idea to be familiar with them, as well as any others that may come up in the problems, so that you can draw on them quickly. Good luck with your PSAT preparation!