5 Must-Know SAT Math Tips
Your test day is fast approaching, and you need our top five SAT math tips and strategies to maximize your SAT score. We’ve got you covered! In the SAT math section, you’ll be tested on your knowledge of algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. The test platform has a built-in calculator you can use on test day or you can bring your own approved SAT calculator to use during the exam. Keep reading to review our best last-minute SAT math tips.
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SAT MATH QUICK TIPS:
- Tip #1: Use the Kaplan Method
- Tip #2: Translate Words Into Math
- Tip #3: Know When to Use Your Calculator
- Tip #4: Master Linear Equations
- Tip #5: Navigate the Clock
SAT Math Section Timing
The SAT math section is made up of two 35-minute modules, for a total of 70 minutes for the section. Each of the two modules has 22 questions, for a total of 44 math questions. This gives you a little over one and a half minutes for each question.
SAT Math Tip #1: Use the Kaplan Method
SAT math questions can seem more difficult than they actually are, especially when you are working under time pressure. Use our proven, step-by-step approach to answer every SAT math question:
Step #1: What is the question asking? In other words, what do the answer choices represent?
Step #2: What does the question tell me? In other words, what information did the test makers give you?
Step #3: What strategy is best for me? The answer to this question is personal. What works best for you might not work best for other test takers, and vice versa.
Step #4: Am I done? This is an important step. Does your answer make sense? Did you answer what the question asked? A quick review will let you know if you are done or not.
SAT Math Tip #2: Translate Words Into Math
SAT word questions test your understanding of how to describe real-world situations using math equations. For some questions, it will be up to you to extract and solve an equation; for others, you’ll have to interpret an equation in a real-life context. When translating from English to math, start by defining the variables, choosing letters that make sense. Then, break down the question into small pieces, writing down the translation for one phrase at a time. Use the chart below to see how you can translate words into math on the SAT.
English | Math |
equals, is, equivalent to, was, will be, has, costs, adds up to, the same as, as much as | = |
times, of, multiplied by, product of, twice, double | × |
divided by, out of, ratio | ÷ |
plus, added to, sum, combined, increased by | + |
minus, subtracted from, smaller than, less than, fewer, decreased by, difference between | – |
a number, how much, how many, what | x, n, etc. |
SAT Math Tip #3: Know When to Use Your Calculator
A calculator is a double-edged sword on the SAT: using one can be an asset for verifying work if you struggle when doing math by hand, but turning to it for the simplest computations will cost you time that you could devote to more complex questions. You will have to decide which method is best when you encounter the following topics:
- Long division and other extensive calculations
- Graphing quadratics
- Simplifying radicals and calculating roots
- Plane and coordinate geometry
Practice solving SAT Math questions with and without a calculator to get a sense of your personal style as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Think critically about when a calculator saves you time and when mental math is faster.
Bonus SAT Math Tip: Check the official SAT Calculator policy to ensure the calculator you plan to use on the SAT Math section is allowed (if you plan to bring one). Your test day proctor will follow these guidelines, so check it out for yourself and don’t rely on the advice of a friend or teacher.
SAT Math Tip #4: Master Linear Equations
Linear equations pop up frequently on the SAT Math section. You can expect to encounter straightforward linear equations, as well as linear graphs and word problems involving linear equations. Once you have the basics down, move on to systems of equations.
Solving Systems of Linear Equations on the SAT
There are multiple ways to solve a system of linear equations. For some SAT questions, substitution is fastest; for others, combination is fastest. There is also the possibility of using the test’s built-in graphing calculator, although this can sometimes be more time-consuming.
The solution to a system of linear equations consists of the values of the variables that make both equations true. Remember: A system of linear equations may have one solution, infinitely many solutions, or no solution.
- One Solution: If a system of equations represents two lines that intersect, then the system will have exactly one solution (in which the x- and y-values correspond to the point of intersection).
- Infinitely Many Solutions: If a system of equations has infinitely many solutions, the two equations actually represent the same line. For example, 2x + y = 15 and 4x + 2y = 30 represent the same line. If you divide the second equation by 2, you arrive at the first equation. Every point along this line is a solution.
- No Solution: If a system of equations has no solution, the lines are parallel: there is no point of intersection
SAT Math Tip #5: Navigate the Clock
Because the SAT is a timed exam, be sure to complete the questions you find easiest to answer first. Questions in the math modules are arranged in approximate order of difficulty, from easiest to most difficult. Use this knowledge to help you navigate each module. If a particular question is challenging or is taking you an especially long time, eliminate any answer choices you can, mark a guess, and flag the question to come back to it if you have time. Once you submit your answers for a module, you will not be able to return to it. So before you exit a module, make sure you have an answer selected for every question, since there is no penalty for guessing.
Test your readiness for the SAT Math section with our practice quiz.