SAT Math: Question Types, Tips, Books and Practice Tests

SAT Mathematics Question Types

Types of questions on the SAT math topics contain two types: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and grid-in questions. For grid-in questions students must write their own answers. 45 of the 58 questions are multiple-choice questions with four answer options, and 13 are grid-ins that ask students to write their own answers. The topics in SAT math problems includes 4 sections, with algebra being the most significant.

Heart of Algebra in SAT Math

The concepts on the SAT heart of algebra involves linear equations, systems of linear equations, and functions. The percentage of the SAT math in Heart of Algebra is 33% that makes 19/58 questions. These problems require candidates to develop equations that represent a scenario, solve equations and systems of equations, and connect various representations of linear relationships.

Skills tested in Heart of Algebra:

• Linear equations in one variable
• Linear equations in two variables
• Linear functions
• Systems of two linear equations in two variables
• Linear inequalities in one or two variables

Sample:

SAT Math Problem Solving and Data Analysis

The percent of the Problem Solving and Data Analysis in SAT math is 29% making 17/ 58 questions. The topics in Problem-Solving and Data Analysis includes applying ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning to address problems in real-world contexts such as science, social science, and others.

Skills tested in Problem Solving and Data Analysis:

• Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
• Percentages
• One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
• Two-variable data: models and scatter plots
• Probability and conditional probability
• Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
• Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and Experiments

Sample:

SAT Passport to Advanced Math

The Passport to Advanced Math on the SAT checks the candidates’expertise with increasingly difficult equations or functions, preparing students for calculus and advanced statistics classes. Passport to Advanced Math focuses on the math required for future study in an area like physics or economics, as well as for careers in the STEM sectors of science, technology, engineering, and math. To improve Passport to advanced math candidates must regularly practice polynomials and factoring.

Skills tested in Passport to Advanced Math:

• Equivalent expressions
• Nonlinear equations in one variable
• Systems of equations in two variables
• Nonlinear functions

Sample:

Additional Topics in SAT Math

The percentage of SAT in additional topics in Math is 10%. SAT Math Test have 3 questions in the no-calculator section and 3 questions in the calculator section. Questions from geometry, trigonometry, radian measure, and complex numbers are covered.

The questions in additional topics of SAT math covers the following:

• Area and volume
• Lines, angles, and triangles
• Right triangles and trigonometry
• Circles

Sample:

SAT Math Question Pattern

The question pattern of SAT maths includes MCQs and grid-ins. SAT math syllabus contains about 80% multiple-choice questions. The remaining 80% is gridded response. Each gridded-response question has a positive numerical answer (e.g., positive fraction, decimal, or integer) that will be entered on the answer sheet into a grid like this one.

SAT Math Exam will also include reference material. Candidates may find these facts and SAT math formulas PDF useful as they answer some of the test questions, but in order to do well, they should already be familiar with them.