Even with test-optional and test-blind admissions, the SAT is a significant part of the college application process. Taking it can enhance your application and benchmark your current math abilities, letting you know your strengths and what areas you may need to build if you want to pursue a STEM major and career.
But you may be wondering what math skills you’ll need to do well on the math section of the SAT. What type of math is on the SAT, and how can you prepare if you feel your skills aren’t ready for the test?
What Math Is on the SAT?
The SAT measures your math fluency and literacy skills in four topic areas that are essential for college success. Those math topics are:
The SAT math questions are split between two modules. You’ll complete both sections after the 10-minute break in the middle of the exam. Each module is 35 minutes long and consists of 22 questions spread among the four math topics:
| Math Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Algebra | 13-15 |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | 13-15 |
| Advanced Math | 5-7 |
| Problem-solving and data analysis | 5-7 |
A majority of the math questions on the digital SAT (75%) are multiple-choice, also known as “grid in question.” You’ll solve the problems, select an answer from one of four possibilities, then click the correct answer at the bottom of the screen. The remaining questions are “student-produced response questions.” You’ll solve the problem but won’t choose from a set of answers. Instead, you’ll put your answer in a text field. Approximately 30% of all the math questions on the SAT are word problems, or what the College Board calls “set in context” questions.
The questions in the math section contain a mix of difficulty levels. Some questions are easy, and some are harder, while some fall in the middle. It’s important to note that “mix” also means “mixed together.” The math section doesn’t start with easy math questions that become progressively harder. You may encounter more challenging questions earlier in the section and easier questions later.
However, the math section of the digital SAT is adaptive. If you do well in the first module, the second module will be more difficult. Likewise, if you don’t perform as well in module one, you’ll receive a less challenging version of the second module.
So, if you find yourself struggling with the math questions in the second section and you’re feeling anxious about your math abilities, remind yourself that you probably crushed module one!
What Kinds of Algebra Questions Are in the Math Section?
As the name implies, the algebra section measures your algebra skills. The questions cover Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 concepts and measure your ability to solve algebra equations and system equations like:
- Linear equations in one variable (solving for X in an algebra equation)
- Linear equations in two variables (solving for X and Y in an algebra equation)
- Linear functions (graphing equations)
- Systems of two linear equations in two variables (graphing equations with two lines)
- Linear inequalities in one or two variables (comparing equations)
What Types of Advanced Math Is on the SAT?
Advanced math tests your foundational skills to see how prepared you are to take more advanced math classes, like calculus. This math section includes questions on:
- Equivalent expressions (when an expression has the same value as another but doesn’t look the same)
- Nonlinear equations in one variable (at least one equation is not linear)
- Systems of equations in two variables (finding a common solution to multiple equations)
- Nonlinear functions (functions that don’t graph into a straight line and don’t have a constant slope)
You’ll have to demonstrate an understanding of nonlinear equations such as:
- Absolute value
- Quadratic
- Exponential
- Polynomial
- Rational
- Radical
What Types of Geometry and Trigonometry Math Questions Are on the SAT?
The geometry and trigonometric questions test your math skills in:
- Area and volume
- Lines, angles, and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
You’ll need to know a few basic geometry formulas, like calculating the area of a triangle or the circumference of a circle. Even though there’s a reference box of these formulas at the beginning of each math section, it still helps to know which formula is which and when to use it.
What Kind of Problem Solving and Data Analysis Questions Are on the SAT?
The problem-solving and data analysis SAT math questions test your quantitative reasoning ability. These are the math skills you use in college classes (like science or statistics) and throughout life. You’re given some data and asked to interpret what you see, testing your abilities with:
- Percents
- One variable data (calculating distributions)
- Two variable data (reading models and scatterplots)
- Probability and conditional probability
- Inference
- Evaluating statistical claims
How to Prepare for the SAT Math Section
While a basic understanding of math concepts like algebra, geometry, and data analysis will go a long way toward helping you succeed in the math section, taking practice tests, learning SAT test-taking strategies, and practicing again will help you feel confident and prepared on test day.
Time Management
With 35 minutes to solve 22 math questions in each module, every minute counts. Managing your time efficiently ensures you have enough time to solve every problem. Take a few practice SAT math tests to see how long it takes you to solve a problem and identify if you’re spending too long on any one question or one type of question. For example, if you see you’re spending more than a few minutes on geometry problems, it may help to brush up on your geometry before the big day.
The SAT has a number of tools to help you stay on track during the math section. You can:
- Use the test timer to keep an eye on how much time you spend on each question, or hide it until the last five minutes of the module.
- Refer to the reference sheet to quickly find formulas.
- Mark questions for review using a bookmark icon to find answers you want to double-check.
- Leave yourself a note on questions you’re skipping for now.
- Eliminate options you’re positive are wrong and undo it if you change your mind.
- Use the question menu to see which questions you skipped and to get to it quickly.
Keep in mind that every question is worth the same number of points on the SAT math section. So, if you find yourself running out of time, it’s better to try and answer the question than skip it. You won’t lose any points if you’re wrong.
Creative Problem-Solving
Sometimes, despite your SAT prep, you get to a math question that stumps you. If that happens, you can use creative problem-solving skills to figure out the answer. Instead of relying on your math skills, you can use your logic and critical thinking skills to find the solution even when you aren’t sure how to solve the problem the “right” way.
For example, if it’s a multiple-choice question, try looking at the answers and eliminating the solutions that are most likely wrong, leaving you with the answer that’s most likely correct.
Know Your Calculator
The College Board allows students to use a calculator on all SAT math sections. While you can bring an approved calculator, the digital SAT has a built-in calculator called Desmos. If you’re not familiar with Desmos or want to see how it works before the SAT math test, you can check it out on Desmos’ website.
Practice
Practice, as they say, makes perfect. More importantly, though, practicing SAT math topics can help you become comfortable with the concepts, familiar with the test layout, and boost your confidence come test day.
Books, websites, and tutoring services can help you prepare for the SAT and refresh your memory if you haven’t exercised your algebra or geometry skills in a while.
Master SAT Math Concepts
Ultimately, the math section of the SAT tests your math fluency and literacy, helping you objectively measure your math skills and identify any you may need to strengthen before college. While not every college wants or needs an SAT score, taking the test and doing well can boost your application.
If you’re looking for SAT test prep help, Emergent Education can help. Whether you need a geometry refresher or want more in-depth help, our skilled team of experienced educators and tutors can teach you the test-taking strategies you need to ace the SAT. Our practice tests help you build the test-taking and creative problem-solving skills you’ll need to improve your time management skills and feel confident about the SAT math section.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
