SAT Math
SAT Test Structure
Grid-in problem solving questions (also known as 'student-produced response'
questions) will comprise 19% of the math problems you face on the SAT. As their
name implies, you won't have answer choices to select from. Rather, you'll have
to work out the problem presented to you and grid in your answer in the columns
of digits provided.
These questions will appear in ascending order of difficulty.
The Fine Art of Gridding
Some test-takers worry that they will lose points by
entering their answers into the grid incorrectly. Relax. The
gridding system is similar to the one you'll use to enter
your name and other information on the score sheet. For
example, if your answer to a question is "100,"
you would fill in the 'bubbles' for 1, 0, and 0 in the
appropriate columns.
Here are some tips for mastering the fine art of gridding
in problem solving answers:
- Always enter your answers starting with the left hand
column (unless you're very comfortable working
with numbers from right to left). Leave the columns on the right blank if your answer
doesn't require you to use all of them. If you have four
columns of digits to use and your answer is "10,"
grid in 1 in the left-hand column, 0 in the column to the
right of that, and leave the remaining two columns blank.
- Remember that '0' is not an a grid-in option in column
1 (the left-hand column). If your answer is simply '0,' you'll need
to enter it in one of the other three columns.
- Remember that you have the option of entering non-whole
number answers as either fractions or decimals. 1/2 is read
the same way that .5 is.
- Always check your math and be sure of your answer before you
grid it in.
- If you come up with an answer that does not fit in the
grid, you've probably made a mistake. (The exception is if
your answer is in the form of a fraction that uses two or
more two-digit numbers, like 18/20. In that case, either
reduce the fraction to one that will fit – 9/10 – or enter it
as a decimal number.)
Aside from gridding, you can prepare for these math
questions the same way you prepare for multiple choice math
questions.
Review your math
skills as necessary
The SAT math sections draw on basic mathematical skills
from first year algebra and geometry, plus some basic concepts from second year
algebra. If you
have not taken calculus or statistics, don't worry. The SAT does not ask
questions that require those skills. See our books section for
suggestions if you feel the need to review the math concepts covered in the
problem solving section.
A note about the
reference data
You may already know that
the SAT test writers include reminders of some of the most common mathematics formulas in the test book, such as how to determine the area of a triangle, Pythagorean relationship, etc.
These can be helpful references, but DO NOT place too much emphasis on them. If your math skills are rusty, you
will still want to do a review on your own,
well before you take the exam. There are many other
helpful formulas and hints you should know besides those printed in the test
booklet - such as the rule that an odd number multiplied by another odd number
always equals an odd number, etc.
Where to
go from here:
SAT
problem solving tips and advice
SAT
problem solving practice questions
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