When taking the SAT math section, it is important to have an overall strategy in order to get the highest score possible. While we have gone over some of the fundamental basics of SAT algebra, there are many other things that need to be thought about - and acted upon - in order to get the highest SAT math score possible. More on Variables: In Terms of … Questions Variables are representations of unknowns that could be any number. The variable is used as a placeholder until the value of that variable can be figured out. In cases like 5x + 2 = 12, the variable is a very specific number that is rather easily found. In other cases, the question will ask to get numerous numbers for the final answer. TIP: When at least one answer given contains a variable, it is possible to skip a lot of unnecessary math to get the final answer. The question will usually have "In terms of..." in the question somewhere which can help test takers recognize questions where this strategy will work.
- Recognize where the strategy can be used
- Substitute a number for the variables in the problem
- Using numbers, solve the equation to get the answer and place a circle around it for later reference.
- Never use a 0 or 1 for the variable
- Never use a 2 if there are exponents present
- Avoid numbers that will cancel each other out
- Choose different numbers for each variable to prevent them cancelling each other out
- Use numbers that are easy to work with, even if they are unrealistic numbers
- Trick Questions - As with other sections of the SAT, it is crucial to be aware of and look for trick questions throughout the exam. The test makers know how stressful the SAT can be and they use this to their advantage when coming up with deliberately confusing questions for the exam.
- Simple Math - Remember that the math used in the SAT is all basic math, concepts that should be known. If they are not, refreshing the memory about basic math skills - especially algebra - is a good idea for many reasons. It can give practice for the actual test and help stimulate the mind.
- Check Answers - After first arriving at an answer, it is important to check the answer to make sure it is correct. Doing this takes a little time, but a correct answer will be rewarded with a full point while an incorrect answer will only be a fraction of a point, which affects the overall math score on the SAT.
- Skip Entirely - For some questions on the algebra section of the SAT, it is advisable to skip it entirely and not go back. This is especially true for students who are easily confused by word problems, simultaneous equations or any other math concept used on the SAT. As a wrong answer will bring the overall score down on the SAT and a skipped one will not, it sometimes makes sense to skip a question and not go back.
- Skip and Go Back - In other cases, when a question is skipped because it is taking too long to answer, it makes sense to go back and answer it fully. Knowing when to go back to a question to try to answer it with a fresh mind is an important skill to have for those who want to get the highest SAT math score possible.
- Read Carefully - Reading and comprehending each question is vitally important to getting a high score on the SAT math exam. Because test makers intentionally try to trick test takers, it is always a good idea to ask whether or not the question may be intentionally confusing and go over it with a fine toothed comb, reading carefully and more importantly comprehending what the question wants as an answer.
