SAT® Math Prep: Practice Tips for Math
How to Practice for the SAT Math Test Section
Prepping for the SAT Math Test doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Having the right practice tips and strategies can help you spot solutions and move through the section efficiently. Learn more about what to expect from the SAT Math section, then check out Sylvan’s tips below!
But at the same time, there needs to be balance. There are two Math sections. Most of the questions on the SAT Math Test are multiple-choice, with some grid-in responses (student produced response questions). In all, there are 58 questions, 45 multiple-choice and 13 grid-in, and you will have 80 minutes total.
The first section is 25 minutes long with 20 questions, 15 multiple-choice and 5 grid-in. You will NOT be allowed to use a calculator for this section. The second section is 55 minutes long with 38 questions, 30 multiple-choice and 8 grid-in. You WILL be allowed to use a calculator for this section.
These questions will test you on:
- Heart of Algebra. Focuses on mastery of linear equations and systems.
- Problem Solving and Data Analysis. Focuses on using ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning to solve problems.
- Passport to Advanced Math. Features questions that require the manipulation of complex equations.
- Additional Topics in Math. Some questions focus on other topics such as the geometry and trigonometry relevant to college/university and career readiness.
5 SAT Math Tips to Help You Practice
Tip 1: Use Answer Choices as Hints
The answer choices may give you a hint and may also help you pinpoint a solution. Our prep experts typically recommend that if you can’t eliminate right off the bat, start with B or C. This is because based on what you get, you can decide if you want the number you plug in to be bigger or smaller.
Use this tip to answer the SAT Math practice problem.
Practice Question: If 2x – 4 = 28, what is x?
A. ⅕
B. ¼
C. 4
D. 5
Answer and explanation: Because 2x + 4 = 28, the variable term must be greater than 2 and the answer must be greater than 1. Eliminate (A) and (B).
If 2x – 4 = 28, what is x?
A. ⅕
B. ¼
C. 4 | Possible answer
D. 5 | Possible answer
Check C and D.
C: 24 – 4 = 16 – 4 = 12
D: 25 – 4 = 32 – 4 = 28
The correct answer is D.
Tip 2: Use a Convenient Number
To make some problems simpler, pick a number that is convenient to use in calculations. This is helpful for calculating a percent change when no values are given.
Use this tip to answer the SAT Math practice problem.
Practice Question: A doctor increases a patient’s dose of a drug by 15%, then decreases it by 4%. What percent of the original dose is the patient now taking?
Answer and explanation: Use a convenient number to solve the problem.
Use 100mg as the original dose. This will make calculation simple, and it will make finding the final percent simple as well. The original value of 100 represents 100%, so each value calculated is also the same as the percent.
100 increased by 15% is 100×1.15 = 115
115 decreased by 4% is 115×0.96 = 110.4
The new dose is 110.4% of the original dose.
Tip 3: Make Connections
Many of the problems on the SAT require multiple steps to solve. Sometimes you will have to apply concepts from more than one content area.
Use this tip to answer the SAT Math practice problem.
Practice Question: The mean of (x + 5), (x + 3), (2x + 1) and (x – 6) is 12. What is x?
A. 3
B. 6
C. 8
D. 9
Answer and explanation:
STEP 1: The mean of a set of values is the total divided by the number of values in the set. Write an expression for the total.
(x + 5) + (x + 3) + (2x + 1) + (x – 6)
STEP 2: Simplify the expression by grouping like terms.
5x + 3
STEP 3: Write an equation for the mean value.
4
STEP 4: Solve the equation for x.
X = 9
The correct answer choice is D.