Understanding and Applying Trigonometric Operations as an ARE Candidate

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nrespecki

August 27, 2021 21:30

Hey Everyone,

As noted in the recent ARE Update, the calculator provided within the ARE testing application has been updated to better serve candidates. The new features include a history function as well as a more visible and easier to use memory function. 

This new calculator provides all necessary standard calculator functions and no longer includes scientific buttons (sin, cos, tan, etc.). Does this mean as a candidate you are NOT going to need to calculate the angle of a condition using trigonometry?  That is correct, you are NOT going to need to calculate the angle of a condition using trigonometry on the ARE. If you are presented with an angular condition, the necessary angles will be provided within the question.

Does this mean as a candidate you do NOT need to calculate the cosine of an angle as part of a formula, such as calculating lighting levels? That is correct, you are NOT going to need to calculate the cosine of an angle as part of a formula related to calculating lighting levels. For questions such as this, the appropriate value of cos Θ will be provided.

ARE candidates will need to continue to understand trigonometry and be able to appropriately apply given information to architecture related questions.

NCARB continues to author new items for the ARE and replace legacy items. As this has been occurring, we are removing the need for candidates to complete mundane calculations or look up necessary formulas from the reference tab. Newly authored items are written in a way that provides candidates any needed formulas and relevant preliminary values. Candidates will need to continue to be able to demonstrate the ability to appropriately apply the information given while completing standard calculations using the tools provided.

 

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  William Hutch August 29, 2021 19:56

  It would be nice if we got some clarity on it.

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  Yvette Louka November 13, 2021 17:18

  I just tried the NCARB demo exam today and I see the calculator does have the "trig" functions. Did NCARB change this again on the actual test?

  Can someone from NCARB please update and/or clarify this please?

  Are we required or "not" required to calculate angles on the actual test?

  Thank you

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  nrespecki November 15, 2021 14:40

  Yvette,

  We are currently making updates to the enhanced calculator, so the traditional calculator which includes scientific functions is available on the demo and live exams. However, you will not be required to use the sin, cos, or tan functions on the actual exam. 

  Reminder, the tools in the demo exam will always match what you can expect to see on the live exam. 

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  Yvette Louka November 15, 2021 16:28

  Thank you for clarifying.

   

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  Hannah Larsen July 01, 2022 22:46 (Edited July 02, 2022 00:13)

  If this announcement is dated August 2021, WHY is there a trigonometry question in the new PA practice exam that was released by NCARB in May or June 2022? Should I expect to see trig questions or not? Very frustrated at the lack of clarity on this. 

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  Michelle Chew January 14, 2024 02:13 (Edited January 14, 2024 02:14)

  I had a question on my exam in July 2023 that required me to calculate cosine of an angle. cos Θ was not provided. Why is that when you state this above from 2021: Does this mean as a candidate you do NOT need to calculate the cosine of an angle as part of a formula, such as calculating lighting levels? That is correct, you are NOT going to need to calculate the cosine of an angle as part of a formula related to calculating lighting levels. For questions such as this, the appropriate value of cos Θ will be provided.

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