The SAT Math section is split into two parts: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator. Here’s a breakdown of the topics you’ll encounter in both parts:
Math Test – No Calculator (25 minutes, 20 questions)
Math Test – Calculator (55 minutes, 38 questions)
Content Areas:
1. Heart of Algebra:
This focuses on the mastery of linear equations, systems, and inequalities.
- Linear Equations and Systems of Linear Equations:
- Understand and solve linear equations and systems of linear equations.
- Interpret linear function slope and y-intercept.
- Linear Inequalities:
- Understand and solve linear inequalities.
- Analyze and solve systems of linear inequalities.
- Graphing Linear Equations:
- Interpret and use linear equations in slope-intercept form and standard form.
- Understand systems of two linear inequalities in two variables and find their solution graphically.
2. Problem Solving and Data Analysis:
This is about quantitative reasoning, interpreting data, and solving real-world problems.
- Ratios, Rates, and Proportions: Understand and solve problems related to ratios, rates, and proportional relationships.
- Percentages: Including increase, decrease, and other problems based on percentages.
- Scatterplots, Graphs, and Tables: Interpret and analyze data from scatterplots, line graphs, bar graphs, histograms, and tables.
- Statistics: Understand the center (mean, median, and mode), spread, and shape of distributions. Also, understand basic probability and its applications.
3. Passport to Advanced Math:
This delves into complex equations and their applications.
- Quadratic Equations: Understand, solve, and interpret these equations graphically, algebraically, and contextually.
- Polynomials and Rational Expressions: Identify structure, perform operations, and solve equations.
- Nonlinear Expressions: This includes radicals, fractional exponents, and other nonlinear expressions.
- Functions: Interpret, represent, transform, and analyze functions—linear, quadratic, exponential, polynomial, radical, and rational functions.
4. Additional Topics in Math:
This section covers geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers.
- Geometry:
- Properties and volumes of geometric shapes and solids.
- The Pythagorean theorem.
- Lines, angles, and circle properties.
- Coordinate geometry – distance, midpoint, slope, equation of lines.
- Trigonometry:
- Basic trigonometric ratios – sine, cosine, tangent.
- Trigonometric functions and their graphs.
- Applications in right triangles and understanding of the unit circle.
- Complex Numbers:
- Perform arithmetic operations with complex numbers.
- Represent and interpret complex numbers on the complex plane.
Skills Required:
- Fluency in executing procedures.
- Understanding of concepts.
- Application of techniques to problem-solving in various contexts.
Conclusion:
The SAT Math section requires a comprehensive understanding of these topics, combined with practical problem-solving skills. Make sure to familiarize yourself thoroughly with these topics and invest time in both understanding the concepts and practicing a wide range of problems. The combination of conceptual understanding and practical application will prepare you well for the SAT Math section.
