Overview
Students taking the SAT Mathematics test are assessed on areas such as number and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, data analysis, and probability and statistics. The Algebra and Functions strand includes operations on algebraic expressions, solving equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, rational systems of linear equations and inequalities, direct and inverse variation, and basic types of functions. Test preparation for SAT Mathematics includes review of specific types of questions, as well as tips and tricks to answer multiple-choice and response grid questions correctly.
Review of Basic Algebra
Basic algebraic concepts that are often covered in high school introductory courses are tested on the SAT Mathematics portion. Students are expected to be able to perform operations on algebraic expressions such as factoring, evaluate exponents and roots, and solve equations and inequalities correctly. Other questions test knowledge of absolute value, translating words into mathematical expressions, and understanding inequalities. During test preparation, students will learn to solve problems that incorporate concepts and use the multiple-choice format to their advantage.
Review of Systems of Equations
In order to solve systems of equations or inequalities, students must be able to solve for one variable that is correct for both sentences in the system. They can then use that value to solve for the other variable. Suppose the equations are 4x + 2y = 14 and x – 2y = 11. Adding the equations together results in 4x + x + 2y -2y = 25 or 5x = 25. If x = 5, then what does y equal? 20 +2y = 14, or 2y = -6, or y = -3 in the first equation, and 5 + 6 =11 in the second equation. A closer look at the second equation reveals that 5 + [-2(-3)] = 5 + 6, because a negative number times a negative number is a positive number.
Review of Functions
Mathematical functions involve relationships between data points, and require students to know and apply specialized vocabulary such as domain and range. Topics such as basic function notation, functions as models, and graphs of linear and quadratic functions are covered in algebra and other courses throughout high school and college.
Strategies for Test Preparation
Teachers usually require students to show every step of their work, as well as a correct solution, in order to get good scores on homework assignments and tests. The SAT requires students to work quickly and recognize the correct answer from a number of alternatives. Often, students can estimate the answer and eliminate distractors that are obviously incorrect through mathematical logic and reasoning.
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