What is GAMSAT Maths?
GAMSAT Maths should be an important part of your GAMSAT preparation as it is the language of analysis used by science. Whilst ACER GAMSAT says that this involves 40% chemistry, 40% biology and 20% physics, maths is always used to interpret data and thus GAMSAT Section 3 is largely a science-themed problem solving exercise.
Stimulus material for GAMSAT chemistry, biology and physics are presented in formats including text, mathematical equations, graphs, tables and diagrams. Maths is the language of analysis used by science and ACER now only provides 2 A4 pieces of paper or a whiteboard for the entirety of 75 questions in GAMSAT Section 3. This means that mental maths is a valuable GAMSAT skill more than ever before.
What Maths is in the GAMSAT?
Simple Maths
- Adding/subtracting fractions and decimals
- Multiplication/division with fractions and decimals
- Estimation and rounding: working with multiples of 10
- Order of operations
- Surds addition/subtracting and multiplication
Basic Algebra
- Changing the subject of an equation
- Rearranging and manipulating equations
An example:
Scientific Notation
This is everywhere in the GAMSAT. It is important that you are comfortable with manipulating decimals and increasing/decreasing their powers as this is the language of science.
It can be used in interpreting GAMSAT graphs, in calculating half-lives, the rate of reactions or the speed of a particular object.
Unit Conversions
Learn to convert between various units quickly and efficiently. Ensure that you do many practice questions so that you master this important GAMSAT maths skill.
E.g. from m/year to cm/s
Log Laws
- Often requires student to interpret graphical representation of data. The form of the graphs or axis units will often skew the data in such a way that allows for misinterpretation.
- GAMSAT often have log graphs to plot rates of change. They are different from normal graphs because the scale(s) are not spaced evenly. In this example comparing the output of two factories the y axis numbers are 1, 10, 100, 1000
- GAMSAT log graphs can often be difficult and it is important you become familiar with these types of graphs!
Index Laws and Powers
Dimensional Analysis
This is the process of converting a value from one unit/set of units to another.
- What are the starting units?
- What are the units we wish to obtain?
- What are the conversion factors we can use to get from the starting units to desired units?
The basics:
| Fundamental Dimension | Symbol | SI Base Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | M | kilogram (kg) | Measures the amount of matter in an object |
| Length | L | metre (m) | Measures distance or displacement |
| Time | T | second (s) | Measures duration or intervals |
| Electric Current* | I | ampere (A) | Measures the flow of electric charge |
| Physical Quantity | Formula / Definition | Dimensional Formula | SI Derived Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | Velocity ÷ Time | LT-2 | m/s2 |
| Force | Mass × Acceleration | MLT-2 | N (Newton) |
| Momentum | Mass × Velocity | MLT-1 | kg·m/s |
| Work / Energy | Force × Distance | ML2T-2 | J (Joule) |
| Pressure | Force ÷ Area | ML-1T-2 | Pa (Pascal) |
| Frequency | 1 ÷ Time | T-1 | Hz (Hertz) |
| Electric Charge | Current × Time | IT | C (Coulomb) |
| Electric Potential | Energy ÷ Charge | ML2T-3I-1 | V (Volt) |
| Resistance | Voltage ÷ Current | ML2T-3I-2 | Ω (Ohm) |
| Torque | Force × Distance | ML2T-2 | N·m |
| Moment of Inertia | Mass × Distance² | ML2 | kg·m2 |
| Angular Velocity | Angle ÷ Time | T-1 | rad/s |
Half-life, Radioactive and Exponential Decay
The formula will almost always be given. Learn how to implement it within the question context.
Intepreting Graphs
- Gradient of graphs
- Logarithmic graphs
- Ternary and quaternary graphs
- Proportionality
- Straight line graphs, gradients and intercepts
- Curved graphs
Why is Maths needed for the GAMSAT?
Maths is needed for the GAMSAT as it is a predominantly problem-solving exercise. This means that GAMSAT Section 3 questions will often require you to interpret verbal information, recognise patterns and reason through data. Maths present itself in chemistry, biology and physics questions, for example, in manipulating equations or interpreting logarithmic graphs.
You need to be able to use fairly quick maths to logically reason through a series of questions.
GAMSAT ‘Biology’ – can relate to graphs, interpreting heart rate/flow rates
GAMSAT ‘Chemistry’ – requires to translate algebraic equations into graphs to extrapolate information form the data provide. ACER GAMSAT often uses logarithmic expressions and scales to catch out weaker candidates. Topics such as acid-base reactions and rate laws may require simple algebraic manipulation and careful calculations.
GAMSAT ‘Physics’ – Every single stem you encounter in physics is likely going to require mathematics. This includes having a basic understanding of work, energy and power equations and manipulating algebraic equations, using signification notation, converting between different units, e.g. from m/day to mm/second.
I hate Maths. Do I really need this?
Unfortunately, you will have to force yourself to like it if you want to do really well in GAMSAT Section 3. Maths exists everywhere – in tables, graphs and in data interpretation which is the basis of the GAMSAT exam.
Start your study early, or get in touch with a tutor to start your studies early. If you work through the outline of GAMSAT maths needed for the exam in the article above and ensure that can do this quickly and efficiently, then you will be more than well-prepared for the GAMSAT exam.
You can absolutely do it!
Other GAMSAT Section 3 Resources
How to achieve 100th percentile in GAMSAT Section 3 – https://gamsatscience.com/how-to-achieve-100th-percentile-in-gamsat-section-3/
Top 10 Tips to ace GAMSAT Section 3 – https://gamsatscience.com/top-10-tips-to-ace-gamsat-section-3/
Sample GAMSAT Section 3 Practice Questions – https://gamsatscience.com/practice-gamsat-section-3-questions/
