SAT Math has 44 questions (2 modules × 22, 70 minutes in total) across 4 domains: Algebra (13-15 questions), Advanced Math (13-15), Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (5-7) and Geometry and Trigonometry (5-7). About 75% of the questions are 4-option multiple choice and about 25% ask you to enter your own answer (grid-ins). The Desmos calculator built into Bluebook and the reference sheet are available throughout.
The 4 domains and their weight
College Board's specifications show how many of the 40 scored questions each domain takes. Algebra and Advanced Math together make up about 70%, so most of your preparation belongs there.
| Domain | Share | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | ≈35% | 13-15 |
| Advanced Math | ≈35% | 13-15 |
| Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | ≈15% | 5-7 |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | ≈15% | 5-7 |
Algebra: linear equations and functions
Tip: in a word problem, first write down what each variable means. Spotting quickly that "$15 a month" is the slope and "an initial fee" is the constant saves a lot of time.
- Linear equations in one variable.
- Linear equations in two variables and their graphs.
- Linear functions: slope, y-intercept, building a function from a word problem.
- Systems of two linear equations in two variables (including the number of solutions).
- Linear inequalities in one or two variables.
Advanced Math: nonlinear expressions
Tip: know the three forms of a quadratic - standard, factored (shows the zeros) and vertex form (shows the vertex). Reading the growth or decay rate from a(1 ± r)^t comes up in many questions.
- Equivalent expressions: expanding, factoring quadratics, exponents and radicals.
- Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems in two variables (for example a line and a parabola).
- Nonlinear functions: quadratic, exponential, polynomial, rational, radical and absolute value functions.
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships and units.
- Percentages (increase, decrease, successive changes).
- One-variable data: distributions, mean, median and spread.
- Two-variable data: models and scatterplots.
- Probability and conditional probability (often from a two-way table).
- Inference from sample statistics and margin of error.
- Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments.
Geometry and Trigonometry
The reference sheet covers area, volume and special right triangles, but learn the circle equation (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r² by heart: some questions make you reach it by completing the square.
- Area and volume.
- Lines, angles and triangles (including similar triangles).
- Right triangles and trigonometry: the Pythagorean theorem, sin, cos, tan.
- Circles: arcs, sectors, radians and the equation of a circle.
Desmos and the reference sheet
A calculator is allowed for the whole Math section. Bluebook has Desmos built in (graphing or scientific mode), and you may bring your own approved calculator; phone calculator apps and calculators with CAS are not allowed.
- Graph each side of an equation separately - the intersection is the solution.
- For a system, enter both equations and click the intersection.
- The zeros and vertex of a parabola show up right on the graph.
- Simple arithmetic is faster by hand: use Desmos where it saves time, not on every question.
Grid-in (student-produced response) rules
- Up to 5 characters for a positive answer, up to 6 for a negative one (including the minus sign).
- If a fraction does not fit, enter a decimal; if a decimal does not fit, truncate or round at the fourth digit.
- Enter a mixed number as an improper fraction or a decimal.
- Leave out percent signs, commas and dollar signs.
- If more than one answer is correct, enter just one.
A study order and the most common mistakes
The most common mistakes: missing that the question asks for 2x or x + 1 rather than x; adding percentages in a row (a 10% rise then a 10% fall is not zero); mixing units (minutes and hours, cm and m); entering an incomplete fraction in a grid-in. Before you enter an answer, reread the last sentence of the question.
- Weeks 1-2: Algebra - linear equations, systems, inequalities. It has the most questions and is where scores rise fastest.
- Weeks 3-4: Advanced Math - quadratic and exponential functions, equivalent expressions.
- Week 5: Problem-Solving and Data Analysis - percentages, probability from tables, statistical inference.
- Week 6: Geometry and Trigonometry - triangles, circles, sin, cos, tan.
- After that: a timed full Math module every week, followed by a review of your mistakes.
Question order and timing
In each module the questions run from easiest to hardest, with the domains mixed. About 30% are set in a real-world context. The average is about 95 seconds per question, but move faster through the easy ones at the start to leave time for the hard ones at the end.
