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How to Study for the SAT Math Section

Although the SAT covers only basic mathematical skills, you still need considerable preparation to ace the math section. Researching and reviewing the concepts covered in that portion of the exam is crucial for structuring your preparation. Solving practice problems provides a basic idea of how the math problems are formulated, and understanding the structure of the questions beforehand can help improve your timing and technique.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look up test details on the SAT website (see resource), and make sure you understand the concepts covered in the exam. Concentrate on specifically reviewing those concepts.

    • 2

      Practice solving sample questions to get a feel for the exam. The SAT website provides completed examples as well as practice tests to use. Make use of these resources to perfect your timing and technique. The most common formulas are provided in the test book itself, so concentrate on learning to determine which problems call for which formula.

    • 3

      Practice solving problems by working them out using a pen and paper. The SAT committee does not expect you to be an expert at mental math. The test book allows for scratch work, and writing out steps will help you check and verify answers more easily.

    • 4

      Make a habit of reading questions thoroughly and identifying key words. Practice interpreting questions that use words such as "except" and "not." Look out for changes in the units used for measurement. For example, the problem may provide a distance in miles, but actually require the answer to be in feet.

    • 5

      Perform calculations by working backwards. When you can't figure out how to solve a problem, try inserting the possible answers given and work backwards to find the match. Similarly, eliminating wrong answers will make it easier to figure out the correct answer.

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