SAT Math Study Guide

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Getting off on the right foot with your SAT studying is all-important. With all the demands on your time — school, work, sports, family, and friends — you can’t afford to make any missteps when you are preparing for the exam. Having an SAT Math study guide will help you to efficiently and effectively get your preparation underway. First, you’ll want to accurately assess your readiness for the exam and estimate how much time you’ll need to study. Then, you’ll want to set up a reasonable and attainable study schedule. Finally, you’ll want to decide which study resources will help you reach your goal of getting a great SAT score, especially on the Math section.

In this article, we’ll discuss the many factors you’ll need to consider to create an effective math study guide. We’ll cover basic information about the digital SAT, then focus on the topics covered in the Math section. Next, we’ll look at the first steps to take in developing your math study guide. Finally, we’ll look at some useful tips for maximizing your SAT Math score.

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

Let’s begin by discussing some basic facts about the digital SAT.

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Know the Facts About the Digital SAT

The length of the digital SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes. You may take the exam at school or at a test center. The exam is administered using Bluebook, an app that you must download ahead of time. You may use your own computer (PC or Mac), iPad, or a school desktop, laptop, or Chromebook. Note that when you are taking the SAT via Bluebook, all other features on the computer are locked down for the duration of the exam.

Along with the establishment of the digital SAT came some other notable changes to the exam. You are now allowed to use a calculator for all math questions. You may bring your own (approved) calculator or you may use the (online) Desmos calculator available at Bluebook. The College Board, the makers of the SAT, also overhauled the Reading and Writing section. Finally, the exam is now computer-adaptive.

KEY FACT:

The digital SAT allows calculator use on all math questions.

Next, let’s discuss the 2 sections of the digital SAT.

Overview of the Digital SAT

The digital SAT, often referred to as dSAT, has two main sections:

Reading and Writing: There are 2 modules in this section. Each module contains 27 questions, and you have 32 minutes to complete each module. Reading passages are shorter than those on the paper-and-pencil SAT, and each passage asks just one question. You also will be asked a large number of questions about grammar, punctuation, and writing.
Math: There are 2 modules in this section. Each module contains 22 questions, and you have 35 minutes to complete each module. Multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices, are about 75% of questions. The remaining 25% of questions are “student-produced response” questions, which are essentially fill-in-the-blank questions.

KEY FACT:

The Math section has 44 total questions, and you have 70 minutes to complete it. The Reading and Writing section has 54 total questions, and you have 64 minutes to complete it.

Just knowing how many math questions are on the SAT is not enough. Of critical importance is the section-adaptive nature of the SAT. Let’s discuss that now.

What Does It Mean that the SAT Is Section-Adaptive?

A section-adaptive test bases the difficulty level of questions in module 2 on whether a student answered questions correctly in module 1. Let’s look at how section-adaptivity works, using the Math section as an example.

In Math module 1, you answer a mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions. After you finish module 1, the computer scores your responses. If you score about 60% or higher, module 2 will present more difficult questions. Answering these more difficult questions correctly will earn you more points. Conversely, if your module 1 score is lower than about 60%, you will be presented with easier questions in module 2. The downside is that answering these easier questions correctly won’t increase your score as much.

The same section-adaptive process is used for the Reading and Writing section. Thus, you can see that getting a great score on the first module of each section is extremely important!

Because of section-adaptivity, a student’s ability can be evaluated in fewer questions than if everyone took the same test. Additionally, no two students will take exactly the same SAT. As a result, the test-makers can reduce the number of SAT questions while still accurately measuring each student’s ability.

KEY FACT:

The section-adaptivity of the SAT adjusts the difficulty level of the second module of each section based on performance in the first module.

Let’s now discuss the topics you’ll face in the SAT Math section.

Know What’s Tested on the SAT Math Section

One of the first things you have to know when you’re preparing your SAT Math study guide is which math topics are tested on the digital SAT. To perform well, you need to study the right things and know what level of math is on the SAT.

The College Board has identified 4 overarching topic areas of math on the SAT that encompass many subtopics, which we have listed here.

Algebra: linear equations, linear functions, systems of linear equations, inequalities, linear word problems
Advanced Math: function notation, functions, quadratic functions (parabolas), factoring and FOILing, higher-order polynomials, exponents, square root (radicals) equations, absolute value, exponential functions, exponential growth and linear growth, systems of equations
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: percentages, rates, ratios, unit conversion, proportions, measures of center, charts and graphs, probability, scatterplots, statistical inference, experiments and observational studies
Geometry and Trigonometry: Pythagorean theorem, area, volume, lines, angles, triangles, circles, right triangles, trigonometry

This list gives you a general idea of the math topics and subtopics, but keep in mind that there may be additional items on the actual test.

KEY FACT:

There are 4 major math categories on the SAT: Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry/Trigonometry.

Next, let’s look a bit deeper at the online Desmos calculator.

The Online Desmos SAT Calculator

If you don’t wish to use your own calculator, you may use an online Desmos graphing calculator. It is a useful calculator, but, like any calculator, you need to practice with it to be able to use it with confidence and ease. A nice feature of the Desmos calculator is that it doesn’t block the question you are working on.

The calculator can be accessed when you are working on the two modules of the SAT Math section. You can easily access it by clicking on the calculator icon on the upper right of the screen. You are able to use keyboard strokes to enter an equation that needs to be graphed. In addition, the calculator has many standard operations such as the four basic functions, square roots, and squaring. But if you click on the “FUNCS” button, you will find a myriad of advanced options. These options include:

trig functions
inverse trig functions
basic and advanced statistical calculations
calculus functions
number theory calculations

TTP PRO TIP:

The online Desmos graphing calculator is a powerful tool, but you must practice with it to learn how to use it effectively.

Let’s now discuss two important scores you need to know even before you begin your SAT study: your target score and your baseline score

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Determine Your Target Score

In creating your SAT study schedule, you must have a goal score. You don’t want to go into your SAT preparation with a generalized statement like “I want to score as high as possible.” This gives you no concrete goal, and, as a result, your studying will be disorganized and possibly haphazard.

To determine your target score, research the SAT scores of students who have been admitted to schools that interest you. For example, Harvard scores average about 1520. This is similar to scores at other highly-ranked schools such as Yale, Stanford, and MIT. While your dream school might not need you to strive for the 98th percentile, you still need to know what score you need to aspire to.

Another SAT target score you might want to shoot for is one that will make you competitive for those all-important scholarships! Many of them are based either solely or partly on your SAT score, so be sure to research any minimum SAT scores required for qualifying. A great SAT score could be worth literally tens of thousands of dollars!

You can learn more about SAT Math scores and their percentiles by referring to the College Board’s SAT User Percentiles Chart.

TTP PRO TIP:

Before you create your SAT study schedule, determine your target score.

Once you know your target score, you’ll need to take a practice test. Let’s discuss.

Take a Practice SAT to Get Your Baseline SAT Score

Once you have determined your SAT target score, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and take an SAT practice test. Don’t take a paper SAT practice test. Instead, download the Bluebook app from the College Board website. There are 4 free practice tests, so take the first one and save the remaining 3 for later.

You might choose to review a few math formulas and grammar rules, but don’t spend a lot of time trying to study for it. In the Bluebook app, you can view sample questions by choosing Test Preview before taking the practice test.

The practice test will simply give you a baseline score, which you will compare to your target score. The gap between your baseline and target scores will give you a sense of how much studying you may need to do.

TTP PRO TIP:

Take an official practice SAT in the Bluebook app to establish your baseline score.

Let’s now consider some useful SAT math tips to make preparing your SAT study guide and your test preparation as effortless as possible.

Tip #1: Realize that SAT Math Questions Are Different from Math Class Questions

To get a great SAT Math score, you need to understand that SAT Math, while it tests math concepts that you learned in high school math class, tests those concepts in a different way. This is because SAT Math is not just a math test; it also assesses your logic and reasoning skills.

KEY FACT:

The SAT Math section assesses your logic and reasoning skills.

Of course, your mastery of basic math concepts, such as the difference of squares, function notation, the quadratic formula, and trig functions is necessary. However, you need to exceed basic competency in applying these concepts. You must develop strong analytical reasoning skills to identify the concept tested in any SAT math problem and successfully attack it. A great way of doing this is to answer as many SAT Math practice questions as possible.

Take a look at the following question about percentages and notice that it is not a standard percent question that you would expect to see on a high school math test.

Example Question:

At a grocery store, the price of a gallon of milk has fallen by 20%. By what percent must the price of the milk increase to return to its original price?

10%
20%
25%
50%
100%

Solution:

If you chose answer choice B, you fell for a trap answer choice that many students choose, as it appears logical. Presenting a question that contains a common mistake in logic makes for a good SAT Math question, and this question is a classic example!

At first glance, you might choose B after concluding that, if a price decreases by 20% and then increases by 20%, it will be back at its original price. However, this is false logic.

An easy way to solve this problem is to choose a convenient number to use for the original price of the milk, such as $10. After the 20% decrease, the milk’s price is $8. So, in order for the price to return to $10, the price must increase by $2. But the twist is that now the $2 increase is based on the reduced price of $8, and $2 is 25% of 8. So, answer choice C, 25%, is the correct answer.

TTP PRO TIP:

Knowing what type of math is on the SAT is not enough: math concepts you’ve learned may be tested in non-traditional ways on the SAT.

Tip #2: Use a Topical Approach to Study SAT Math

A topical approach is one of the most effective ways of how to study SAT math, meaning the following:

Study each SAT math topic one at a time.
Recognize and understand the logic of SAT math questions.
Be familiar with multiple ways of answering SAT math questions
Don’t go to the next topic until you have mastered the current one

By studying SAT math topics one at a time, you will be able to master each topic. In addition, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how each type of question is presented on the SAT. As a result, you’ll develop skills and approaches that you can use to get correct answers to those question types.

In a nutshell, topical study involves learning all you can about a particular math topic until you have mastered it. Then you will answer a large number of practice questions just on that topic.

For example, you are learning about exponents. First, you will learn all you can about exponents: multiplication and division of exponential expressions, fractional exponents, and solving exponential equations. Once you have a good understanding of the topic, you’ll practice a large number of questions covering only exponents.

Subdivide the questions into sets of 20 each and then carefully review each question to ensure that you have no knowledge gaps. Only after you have learned, practiced, and reviewed exponents should you move to the next math topic.

TTP PRO TIP:

Use topical studying to master each math topic.

Tip #3: Master Math Fundamentals First

A common mistake that students make is to skip the basics and start answering the tough problems. They feel that since they already know the basics, they can just jump ahead to answering difficult questions. This is not a sound plan. A thorough knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals is necessary.

To master SAT Math, you can’t afford to skip anything! If you are so sure that you already know the basics, then it can’t hurt to go through the fundamentals first. It will take a very short amount of time. And, while you are reviewing, you might just discover a few things that you never knew you never knew!

For example, if you are studying quadratic equations, it would make sense to review FOILing and factoring quadratic equations and using the quadratic formula before diving into questions about discriminant analysis.

TTP PRO TIP:

When you study a math topic, start at the beginning. Don’t skip material you think you’ve already mastered; you might find a few hidden gems of knowledge!

There’s a lot to learn just in SAT math, so how do you not forget what you’ve learned?

Tip #4: Review Regularly

If you’re like most students, you’ll learn a lot of material throughout your prep. However, if you don’t regularly review the material, you’ll have a tendency to forget it. It’s a good idea to regularly review past topics.

If you don’t regularly review the material, you’ll have a tendency to forget it.

There are two simple things you can do to review the material you’ve learned:

Take notes while you’re studying.
Make flashcards and flip through them often.

Let’s look at each of these suggestions.

Take Notes on SAT Math Material

Taking notes is essential for your SAT studying. Taking notes allows you to be an active learner rather than a passive one, which means that you will learn and retain the information much better.

If you have ever said to yourself, “I just read three pages and have no memory of anything I read,” then you know that you wasted precious time. You can avoid this by taking notes. Writing a formula, a concept, or a sample problem in your own words will force you to be an active learner. Furthermore, your understanding and retention will increase exponentially.

TTP PRO TIP:

Take notes while you’re studying to increase understanding and retention.

Use Flashcards for SAT Math Concepts

Use your notes to create flashcards of math concepts, formulas, and procedures.

The great thing about flashcards is that you can use them anytime, anywhere. For example, you can pull out your flashcards on the bus, during study hall, or while you are waiting for an appointment.

You might want to make paper flashcards or feel free to use digital ones. Whatever format you choose, review them frequently. Make flashcard review a game and see how many cards you can answer correctly in a row. Or challenge a friend to review with you, and the winner gets a prize.

Your flashcard pile will certainly increase as you progress through your study plan. As a result, you might want to divide your flashcards into two piles: one for the concepts you’ve mastered and the other for those you have not.

TTP PRO TIP:

Make two piles of your flashcards: those you’ve mastered and those you’ve not mastered.

Now, let’s discuss the importance of avoiding careless mistakes.

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Tip #5: Avoid Careless Mistakes

Careless mistakes can destroy your SAT math score. Thus, you need to ensure that you avoid them at all costs. You already know that careless errors mean that you will get a question wrong. However, there is another reason that careless errors are detrimental.

Careless Errors Eat Up Precious Time

Careless errors waste time. Let’s say that you have completed a math question and your answer is not among the answer choices provided. You have to assume that you made a careless error. You have two choices:

(1) skip the question, mark it for later review, and move on

(2) redo your work to get the correct answer

In either case, you’re in a lose-lose situation. You might not have time to come back to the question if you mark it for review. And wasting time to rework the question is a waste of precious time. The only alternative is to avoid having made the error in the first place.

TTP PRO TIP:

Making careless errors wastes valuable time. Avoid them!

So, let’s discuss how to avoid making careless errors.

Work Carefully and Slowly

The Navy SEALs have a famous saying: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” Working slowly and carefully is the best approach for minimizing careless errors. You know that when you are in a hurry, you tend to make mistakes. So slow down, go at a pace you’re comfortable with, and over time, your speed should naturally increase as your knowledge and confidence grow.

TTP PRO TIP:

Rushing through a math problem increases the chance of making a careless error. Slow down!

Know the Types of Mistakes You Tend to Make

It’s critical to become aware of the types of errors you make. Are your mistakes due to calculation errors? Do you forget to re-read the question to make sure you are answering what it actually asked? Do you get frustrated and just give up on answering the question at all?

These are just a few examples, but you get the idea. Analyze your incorrect answers on practice quizzes and identify why you missed each question. You will most likely be able to identify some of the score-eroding mistakes that lead to a less-than-optimal score.

TTP PRO TIP:

To improve your SAT math score, identify the types of mistakes you tend to make so that you can avoid making them on test day.

Earn a Higher SAT Math Score Start Studying With TTP Today! TRY OUR SAT MATH COURSE FOR FREE!

Tip #6: Use a Single Prep Resource

Using multiple SAT Math resources is a common student mistake. You can become overwhelmed or confused by trying to integrate learning from several resources. Every prep resource teaches SAT Math concepts and topics somewhat differently. It’s in your best interest to start with and stay with a one-stop resource for SAT math mastery.

Look for a math test prep resource that provides you with a comprehensive SAT study plan, lots of practice problems, excellent analytics, error trackers, ready-made flashcard sets, and a comprehensive equation guide.

Before you make a decision on which prep resource to use, try a few free or low-cost trials of several online test prep courses. Give each a test drive, and then choose the one that is the best fit for you.

TTP PRO TIP:

Find one compatible SAT prep course and stay with it.