SAT Math often strikes fear into students aiming for a top score. The section covers a wide range of content, broken down into four main areas:
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Heart of Algebra - linear equations, systems, functions, and inequalities
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Problem Solving and Data Analysis - interpreting quantitative data (appears only in the calculator section)
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Passport to Advanced Math - quadratics, polynomials, and other higher-order equations
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Graphing - interpreting linear, quadratic, and exponential graphs
In addition, around 10% of questions test geometry and trigonometry.
With just 25 minutes for the non-calculator section and 55 minutes for the calculator section, students face the challenge of covering a wide variety of material under serious time pressure. To make this manageable, A-List has developed three proprietary SAT Math techniques. These give students repeatable strategies they can apply across question types - helping them work more accurately, efficiently, and with confidence.
1. Variables? Use Plug In
Nearly all Heart of Algebra and Passport to Advanced Math questions, over 40% of the test, can be solved using this plug-in technique. If we take the problem below: the variable is “n”. It does not matter what number “n” is as long as it remains constant throughout the equation.
Step 1: Give the variable a number (e.g. n= 2).
Step 2: Do the problem with that number.
If n=2 and t = n+2, then t = 4. If we start with 2 cups of tea (as n represents the cups of tea), and we want an additional cup of tea, we now have 3 cups of tea. T is then t=3+2 = 5. Therefore, we have one more additional cup of tea. The answer is B.
Even accomplished mathematicians can strongly benefit from using maths techniques: they will help your speed and accuracy and enable you to spend more time on the highest-level questions.
2. Backsolve
If a question contains the words, “value”, “what is”, or “which of”, you can utilise the backsolve technique, which involves reverse engineering the answer choices to help you.
Let's take a look at an example:
We have the clue word “value” so know that we can use backsolve.
Step 1: Select the middle value answer e.g. C) 16, and make that the answer. So k = 16.
Step 2: Work through the problem with that answer and see if it works.
e.g. if k=16, then k+2 = 18. The squareroot of 18 is 4.24. 4.24-9 (since x=9), is not 0, so C is not the answer.
So we know C is wrong. Let’s try another: I can tell I want a bigger value for k since I ended up with a negative number. Let’s try answer choice D.
If k = 79, then k+2 = 81. The squareroot of 81 is 9. 9-9 = 0. This works! Our answer is D.
Using techniques like plug-in and backsolve HUGELY cut down the time you spend on questions and increase your accuracy.
3. Guesstimate
Nearly all SAT figures are drawn to scale, unless they state “Figure not drawn to scale”. This means that we can use visual deduction to find the answer choice much more quickly than working an answer out with geometry or graphing knowledge.
Let's look at an example:
We are asked to find the length of AD. We could use trigonometry and the special right and congruent triangle rules to work this out, OR we could look at a length we are already given. We are told BC is 12. If you measure out this length on a bit of paper (you can use the bubble sheet in the exam!), and then compare it to AD, you will AD is exactly half of BC. If BC is 12, then AD must be 6. The answer is B. Voilà!
The A-List-exclusive Book of Knowledge has in-depth descriptions of these techniques and their uses along with numerous practice drills. To further enhance your test-taking strategies and time-management and incorporate them with your natural strengths, our students find it helpful to also work with a tutor. Book a free 30-minute call with us to ask about a trial session!
