Roughly 10 to 14 percent of the test is comprised of number and operations questions. This includes questions on complex numbers and how to add, subtract, multiply and divide them. It also includes questions about number theory, counting, proportion, ratio, sequences and matrices. It does not include series, vectors or graphical properties of complex numbers--these topics are included on the SAT II Math Level Two test.
Between 38 and 42 percent of the test is comprised of algebra and functions questions. This section of the Level One test focuses mostly on algebraic functions and equations. This includes inequalities, expressions, visual representations of those equations and expressions, and properties and their functions. The Math Level One exam tests rational, exponential, polynomial and linear functions, but does not test trigonometric, logarithmic or exponential functions--these are reserved for the Level Two test (along with periodic, parametric and recursive functions).
Another 38 to 42 percent of the test is comprised of geometry and measurement questions, which can be further divided into coordinate geometry, plane Euclidean geometry, three-dimensional geometry and trigonometry. Of these, plane Euclidean geometry questions make up the greatest number of questions and three-dimensional geometry questions (which are tested more extensively on the Level Two test) make up the fewest.
The Level One test also includes questions on circles, parabolas and lines on a coordinate plane, along with sine, cosine and tangent questions about right triangles.
The test is 8 to 12 percent data analysis, statistics and probability questions. These include graphing and plotting questions, data interpretation and least-squares linear regression. Test takers must interpret graphs and apply their data to probability questions and statistical predictions. These questions may be posed as word problems. Mean, median, mode and range questions appear on both the Math Level One and Two tests. The Level One test does not include standard deviation or quadratic and exponential regression questions.