High school students often reach for calculators when working on simple math problems like arithmetic. While calculators certainly provide ease in computation, they are not always available to students.

Now that the revised SAT math section is divided into calculator and no-calculator portions, high schoolers need to strengthen their calculator-free math skills. Here are three techniques to help you tackle math questions without electronic support.

Learn about what you will encounter in this section: Before you create a review plan, research the types of no-calculator math questions you will encounter on the revised SAT.

You should be comfortable working with concepts from Heart of Algebra and Passport to Advanced Math areas as well as the Additional Topics in Math. Note that Problem Solving and Data Analysis is not assessed on the no-calculator portion.

Heart of Algebra and Passport to Advanced Math comprise an overwhelming portion of the problems you will face in the no-calculator portion – eight and nine questions, respectively – while the geometry and trigonometry concepts of Additional Topics in Math account for only three problems.

Students who hope to master this math section should focus their study efforts accordingly. For example, if you struggle with linear expressions and proportions, make sure your plan includes time to hone these math skills sans calculator.

Polish your basic math skills: It is critical that you learn to work rapidly with the fundamentals tested in the no-calculator portion. You will have just 25 minutes to answer 20 questions, five of which are grid-ins.

When multiplying fractions, for instance, identify opportunities to divide prior to multiplying so that you simplify and reduce numbers, when possible. Review exponent rules, which may appear in Passport to Advanced Math questions, and refresh your understanding of which pieces of information are necessary to solve a linear equation.

Can you solve a quadratic equation without a calculator? Can you quickly translate between fractions, decimals and percentages?
If you are accustomed to performing a specific operation or step on your calculator, now is the time to practice completing it manually. Remember that simple errors can be particularly costly on the no-calculator section.

Identify multiple approaches to problems: Keep in mind that there may be multiple ways to arrive at the correct answer.
When dealing with variables, for example, you might be able to substitute a placeholder number for x or y. Which of the answer choices, when plugged in to the equation, is correct?

Rounding may also be easier than a straight calculation. For instance, if you need to find 19.5 percent of a number, take 20 percent of that number and then choose the answer closest to your approximated solution.

As you consider the techniques you have successfully used in the past, determine whether each is calculator-dependent. The approaches you choose should be ones that you are comfortable with, as well as ones that will simplify the process of solving a no-calculator problem, rather than further complicate it.

The no-calculator portion of the SAT can seem intimidating. However, keep in mind that the calculations in this section are designed to be simpler and more straightforward than SAT math questions that permit calculators. As long as you understand the content and are prepared to approach each problem in a flexible manner, you will be prepared for test day.