Introduction: New Content, New Format 10

Table of Contents

SAT Math Test

The primary objective of the SAT Math test goes beyond simply assessing proficiency
in mathematics. Instead, the exam is designed to evaluate preparedness for realistic
applications of mathematical principles. In accordance with this goal, most questions on
the SAT Math test will be presented as the application of a math principle within a greater
context. Word problems and data interpretation questions are abundant, as these serve as
the most practical source of realistic scenarios.

The administration of the SAT Math test is divided between two periods. The first
period will allow for the use of a calculator; the second period will not. Each period will
contain a combination of both multiple-choice and grid-in response questions.

Math Section Format Breakdown

With Calculator 30 multiple-choice + 8 grid-in 55 minutes

Without Calculator 15 multiple-choice + 5 grid-in 25 minutes

Multiple-choice questions present a question stem with four available answer options.
Grid-in questions present a question stem with a gridded answer input, allowing students
to freely write in their calculated responses. While the format for the SAT Math test may
seem a bit complex, mastering the presentation of the materials is simply a matter of
building confidence with the exam and learning to excel within the time periods allocated.
In this instance, practice absolutely makes perfect.

The content covered on the SAT Math test can be broken into four general categories,
loosely corresponding to three subscores. Questions for the “Heart of Algebra” subscore
address content that would generally be covered in Algebra 1, such as linear functions and
graphs. “Problem Solving and Data Analysis” questions involve more complex questions
stems, frequently requiring basic statistical applications and graphical interpretations.
Questions related to the “Passport to Advanced Math” subscore address concepts from
Algebra 2 coursework, such as quadratic functions and polynomials. The final category of
questions, “Additional Topics in Math,” is not associated with a subscore. These questions
cover plane geometry, trigonometry, and complex numbers.

SAT Math Content

Heart of Problem Solving and Passport to Ad- Additional Top-

Classification
Algebra Data Interpretation vanced Math ics in Math*
Questions with
11 17 7 3
Calculator
Questions with
8 0 9 3
No Calculator
Total Ques-
19 17 16 6
tions

*Additional Topics in Math does not have an associated subscore

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 Introduction: New Content, New Format 11
Table of Contents

Questions lent to the Heart of Algebra subscore are the most abundant on the SAT
Math test, but are also the most focused. These 19 questions are heavily centered on
linear relationships and properties of linear graphs. Many questions present a word
problem or scenario, requiring test-takers to apply their knowledge of linear relationships
to model the scenario and solve for a given variable. Common topics include determining
a mathematical model of a given word problem, solving for a variable, solving systems
of equations, inequalities, and absolute values. Other questions will deal with graphical
analyses, presenting either a graph or an equation and asking for properties such as the
slope or points of axial intercept. Students should be prepared to both generate graphs
based on given equations and to reverse-engineer equations based on given graphs.
Similarly, the SAT Math test will test your ability to determine a linear expression based
on a word problem, as well as your skill to identify the significance of variables in a given
equation based on a specific context. Being able to quickly shift focus between qualitative
description of variable quantities and quantitative analysis of data is a critical skill in
practical mathematical applications, and is thus widely addressed on the SAT.

The questions encompassed by the Problem Solving and Data Analysis subscore
are generally recognizable based on problem set-up. These 17 questions deal with data
distributions and statistical significance. Following the format of most questions on the
SAT Math test, Problem Solving and Data Analysis questions are generally derived from
word problems, tables, and scenario-based set-ups. Since these concepts are strongly
rooted in statistics and data metrics, virtually all questions in this subscore deal with
given sets of data. Whether the information is presented in a word problem, table, bar
graph, or pie chart, questions will almost always deal with relationships between given
values in a set. Common topics involve ratios; probability; mean, median, and mode; and
calculations with realistic units. Questions may deal with units in currency or time, as
well as standard numerical quantities. The emphasis on real-world applicability evident
in the SAT Math test yields questions dealing with pricing of items during a sale, ratios
of items or people in a group, basic statistical analyses of case studies, and other similar
practical scenarios; be prepared to address these types of analysis in a larger context.
Additionally, all questions for the Problem Solving and Data Analysis subscore are given
during the calculator portion of the SAT Math test. This signifies that the questions
are dealing more with application and comprehension of the presented scenarios than
with the calculations themselves. To prepare for the Problem Solving and Data Analysis
questions on the exam, practice identifying links between qualitative descriptions and
quantitative applications, as well as your ability to interpret graphs, tables, and data sets.
While studying the calculations used to derive basic statistical properties will be tested,
the focus of this subscore is on analytical and critical thinking in a mathematical context.

The final subscore on the SAT Math test is Passport to Advanced Math. These questions
primarily address content that would be covered in a standard high school Algebra 2
class—namely quadratic functions, polynomials, rational expressions, and exponent
manipulations. Though the heavy emphasis of the exam on application of skills—beyond
simple comprehension—lends itself to a proclivity for word problems, the Passport to
Advanced Math questions frequently address concepts that are very difficult to articulate
in qualitative formats. Thus, these questions have a tendency to break the mold and
appear on the exam in discrete format, with a simple equation presentation and directive
to simplify, expand, or solve. The word problems that do appear for these questions will
generally address exponential functions and parabolic graphs, frequently playing into
the subscores for Science and History/Social Science with topics such as exponential

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