SAT Math Tricks

The math section of the SAT is tricky, but with the proper techniques for solving the questions, one can succeed. Many students taking the SAT are primarily afraid of the Math section. There are many questions covering many topics that you need to answer in a short amount of time. Fortunately, you can enter the exam room feeling prepared and confident for SAT Math. How? 

This guide is designed for those who want to improve their score in this part of the test and receive useful tips and tricks.

Understand the Structure

The SAT Math section is divided into two parts:  

• No Calculator Section: 20 questions (15 multiple-choice, 5 grid-ins) in 25 minutes.
• Calculator Section: 38 questions (30 multiple-choice, 8 grid-ins) in 55 minutes.

Master the Basics

Memorize Key Formulas

• The SAT requires a handful of formulas, so memorize the key formulas. 
• It is more useful to use geometry in real-life situations, such as when calculating the circumference of a circle, the area of triangles and rectangles, the volume of a cylinder, and others.
• Other formulas that can be related to the given set of formulas are quadratic formulas, slope formulas, distance formulas, etc.

Practice Mental Math

• Develop mental computation ability as you have to perform calculations on your own in the no calculator section.
• Do practice real operations: multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.

Use Process of Elimination (POE)

This validity rule simply advises that when faced with a difficult question, the candidate should work on removing as many wrong answers from the list as possible. This makes it easier to eliminate the wrong options and stand a better chance of finding the correct answer from the remaining options available.

Plugging in Numbers

For questions with variables, especially in the multiple-choice section, plug in simple numbers to simplify the problem:

• Select values of 1, 2 or 5
• Insert these values in the equation to determine which is suitable for the answer.

Backsolving

• In the case of multiple-choice problems, there is usually a way of working backwards and applying the answers to determine which one fits the problem.
• Starting with the middle value adds another characteristic to the problem, which actually makes it easier to solve. But if it seems to be at a level that is too high or even too low, rectify it as necessary.
• This technique may prove helpful in saving time when carrying out calculations and may also help reduce mistakes that are made in the process.

Recognize Patterns and Shortcut Techniques

Exponents and Roots

• Use exponent and roots to solve expressions faster. :

Factoring

• Identify various connections of factors, such as differences in squares and triangular squares.

Fractions

• Fractions can also be simplified by dividing the numbers in each part of the fraction by the same numbers that are present in the other part.

Linear Equations

• Problems can be written as linear equations in two variables, and solving them requires methodical routines.

Example: Let the cost of 1 apple = x and the cost of 1 orange = y. If 3 apples and 2 oranges cost Rs.10, then the equation is =3x + 2y = 10.

 When 2 apples and 4 oranges cost Rs.12, then the equation is = 2x + 4y = 12 

Grid-in Questions

In Grid-in questions, you are presented with a number of items, and at the end of the test or section, you need to solve it using the answer choices provided or even create your answer freely as per the instructions provided in the question.

Word Problems

Translate Words to Math

• Some math’s operations which must be easily recognizable are:
  • “Sum” can be understood as addition
  • “product” refers to the resulting figure when one number is multiplied
  • and “difference” is equivalent to subtraction.

Identify Relevant Information

Stick to the number that is directly tied to the question.

Geometry Tips

• Draw Diagrams: Try to draw some diagrams, identify key points, and write any given values or magnitudes in front of them.
• Use Properties:  Use geometric properties and theorems, including the rules of triangles and the Pythagorean formula, to find the missing values.
• Similar Triangles: Categorize pairs of similar triangles based on the congruence of sides and angles with other shapes.

Conclusion

The guide to passing the SAT Math section is to have adequate knowledge concerning the type of questions the test will comprise, acquire set concepts and skills, and learn effective solution techniques and time management. Turito experts can teach candidates beyond these simple tricks and strategies. Here, candidates can learn to adopt such tricks, ensuring they ace the SAT Math section and increase their overall score. 

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