Syllabus
What SAT covers
Algebra
- Linear equations and inequalities in one and two variables
- Linear functions and their graphs
- Systems of two linear equations
- Linear inequalities in two variables
Advanced Math
- Nonlinear functions: quadratic and exponential
- Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations
- Equivalent expressions: factoring and rational expressions
- Quadratic and polynomial functions and their graphs
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
- Ratios, rates, proportions and unit conversion
- Percentages
- One- and two-variable data: center and spread
- Scatterplots and lines/curves of best fit
- Probability and statistical inference, including margin of error
Geometry and Trigonometry
- Area and volume formulas
- Lines, angles, and triangle congruence/similarity
- Right-triangle trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA)
- Circle theorems: arcs, angles and radians
Exam Pattern
How SAT is assessed
Module 1
A mix of multiple-choice and student-produced response (grid-in) questions across all four domains; performance here sets the difficulty of Module 2.
Module 2
Drawn from an easier or harder question pool depending on Module 1 performance — the only adaptive step in the section.
Scoring
Math is scored 200–800 and combines with Reading & Writing (200–800) for a 400–1600 composite.
Required Materials
What you'll need
Bluebook app
The official testing app, with 4 free full-length adaptive practice tests built on the same scale as the real exam.
Khan Academy Official SAT Prep
Free, built directly with College Board — personalized practice and video lessons keyed to your Bluebook practice results.
Desmos graphing calculator
Built into Bluebook for the whole Math section; an approved handheld (e.g. TI-84 family) also works, but CAS calculators like the TI-Nspire CAS are not allowed.
Try It Yourself
Sample questions, solved step by step
Scroll into view to watch each solution build itself, one step at a time, exactly how our tutors walk students through it.
Sample question
Gym A charges a $40 sign-up fee plus $15 per month. Gym B charges $25 per month with no sign-up fee. After how many months is the total cost the same at both gyms?
Animated solution
Set up an expression for each gym
Gym A: 40 + 15m. Gym B: 25m, where m is the number of months.
Set the two expressions equal
40 + 15m = 25m
Solve for m
40 = 25m − 15m = 10m, so m = 4
Check
At m = 4: Gym A = 40 + 60 = 100. Gym B = 25 × 4 = 100. Equal ✓
Answer: 4 months
Sample question
For f(x) = 2x² − 8x + c, the graph's vertex lies on the x-axis. What is the value of c?
Animated solution
Find the x-coordinate of the vertex
x = −b/(2a) = 8/(2×2) = 2
Use the vertex-on-axis condition
The vertex lying on the x-axis means f(2) = 0
Substitute x = 2
f(2) = 2(2)² − 8(2) + c = 8 − 16 + c = c − 8
Solve c − 8 = 0
c = 8
Answer: c = 8