SAT prep tips: Math section

While preparing for the maths section of SAT the most important skill you need is a good understanding of formulae and theories. You can’t attempt this section without a thorough knowledge of mathematics, focusing primarily on exam strategies will not help as this section checks your knowledge base. So the most important tip you need to follow is to deepen your understanding of mathematics. Other than that, here a few pointers and tips to help you prepare for the section.

Math Section

Number of questions - 54 questions (44 multiple choice and 10 grid-in)

Duration - 70 minutes (two 25 minutes sections and one 20 minute section)

Tests basic arithmetic, algebra I & II, and geometry

• Multiple Choice Questions

In this section, you'll be given reference information (formulas and facts), but you'll need to know how to use them. You're allowed to use a calculator, but it won't help you unless you know how to approach the problems. If you're stuck, try substituting numbers for variables. You can also try plugging in numbers from the answer choices.

• Grid-Ins

These are not multiple-choice questions. The grid does not contain a minus sign, so there is no way to indicate that a value is less than zero. That means that an answer can't be a negative number. You won't be penalized for wrong answers in this section, so make your best guess even if you're not sure. You can't grid mixed numbers, so if you get a mixed number as an answer, you'll have to convert it to an improper fraction or a decimal.

Tips

1. Schedule a time every week to practice mock test regularly. This will help you in identifying your weak zones and manage your time well. After taking each practice test, evaluate your performance and focus your subsequent prep work on your weakest areas
2. The SAT will give you some geometry formulas at the beginning of the test, but you should still memorize these formulas, and others, before test-day. It’ll save precious time. Make sure to know area formulas, the Pythagorean Theorem, the average formula, special triangle rules, and exponent rules by heart.