The SAT Math section comprises two modules with 22 questions each (including pretest questions). Both the sections have multiple choice questions and student produced response questions. Together these sections contribute to the 200-800 math scores.
SAT Math Structure
| Section | # of questions | Time allotted | Scores |
| Module 1 | 20 + 2 Pretest | 35 minutes | 200 to 800 |
| Module 2 | 20 + 2 Pretest | 35 minutes |
SAT Math – Topics
The College Board classifies the questions into majorly three areas :
1. Algebra – These questions are related to linear equations, graphs, inequalities, and functions.
The official topics include:
- 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
A sample question as given by College Board,
A sample question as given by College Board,
If f(x) = x + 7 and g(x) = 7x,
what is the value of 4f(2) − g(2)?
A) −5
B) 1
C) 22
D) 28
| Key: C | Skill: Linear functions Evaluate a linear function given an input value |
2. Advanced Math – These questions deal with non linear equations. The topics include quadratic expressions, word problems, polynomials, and exponents.
The official topics include:
- Equivalent expressions
- Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables
- Nonlinear functions
A sample question as given by College Board,
| Key: C | Skill: Domain Advanced Math Skill Nonlinear functions Make connections between algebraic representations and a graph |
3. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis – The questions under this category test on topics like ratios, units, percentages, rates, and data from charts and graphs.
The official topics include:
- Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units
- Percentages
- One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
- Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
- Probability and conditional probability
- Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
- Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments
A sample question is given by the College Board,
| Key: C | Skill: Two-variable data: Models and scatterplots. Analyze and interpret data in a scatterplot |
4. Geometry and Trigonometry – The miscellaneous topics include geometry, and trigonometry. Around 5-7, questions are tested for these topics.
The Official Topics include:
- Area and volume
- Lines, angles, and triangles
- Right triangles and trigonometry
- Circles
A sample question is given by the College Board,
| Key: B | Skill: Lines, angles, and triangles. Use concepts of congruence and similarity of triangles to solve problems |
SAT Math – Question Types
Multiple choice questions – Most of the questions in SAT math sections are multiple choice questions with four answer choices and one right answer. 75% math questions are multiple-choice questions.
Student-produced response questions – This is also called to be Grid in questions. No answer choices are given for this type, students have to work on the question, find the answer and enter it in the grid. 15% in Total are Student Produced as Response questions.
Tips for SAT Math
- There is no penalty for wrong answers, so do not leave anything unanswered.
- All the questions are scored equally immature easy or hard, so do all the easy questions first.
- Learn the grid in rules for the grid in questions.
- Do not keep the grid in questions towards the end as you will not be able to guess the grid in questions.
- Try to eliminate answer choices as and when you read the question and after every step of the solution look for elimination.
- Learn to effectively use the calculator based on the needs of the problem.
- Learn all the concepts relevant to the SAT test.
- Understand how the above-mentioned topics are tested on SAT in a unique way and practice accordingly.
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