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35 Critical SAT Math Formulas To Memorize For The Digital SAT

If you’re prepping for the SAT, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a math whiz or you’re more into English, SAT Math formulas are sure to give you that extra edge you need to not just meet – but exceed – your goals. Dig in to learn how these easy-to-remember formulas can improve your exam performance. And, as you move on to the next section, don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference! Ready to master these concepts? Then let’s get started with SAT tips!

What’s Included In The Math Section Of The SAT?

The Math section of the new digital SAT, also known as the Digital SAT (DSAT), is designed to assess a student’s mathematical capabilities more effectively. The section includes two modules: Math Module 1 and Math Module 2. Each module contains 22 questions, and the raw scores from both modules are combined and converted into the Math Section Score, ranging from 200 to 800. 

Math Module 1 includes questions that are not adaptive, meaning the difficulty level of the questions does not change based on the student’s performance. Math Module 2, on the other hand, is adaptive, with the difficulty level of the questions adjusting based on the student’s performance in Math Module 1. This adaptive component ensures that students are challenged at their individual level, making the test more accurate in assessing their mathematical abilities.

Missing Topics on the Digital SAT

Many topics have disappeared!  The polynomial remainder theorem and imaginary/complex numbers are nowhere to be found.  The circle proportionality formula and third side rule for triangles are no longer necessary.  Probability questions are few and far between—and standard deviation questions have gone from common on the paper SAT to rare on the digital SAT.  

Binomial division is gone, as is the infamous sin x = cos (90-x) formula that used to show up all the time on right triangle problems.  Questions about data analysis are now less common, as are questions about median, box-and-whisker plots, the unit circle, and analysis of a study.  So far we have seen exactly zero DSAT questions about domain and range, or that require quadratic regressions on a calculator.   There are no more questions about the number of changes of direction of an nth-degree polynomial, either. 

New Topics on the Digital SAT

There are a lot more quadratic and parabola questions.  There are barely any new topics at all—but there is one DSAT question (Bluebook Test #4, Math Hard #19) that requires Vieta’s formula, which states that (-b/a) is the sum of the solutions of a quadratic equation, and that (c/a) = the product of the solutions.

How Much Influence Does The Math Section Have On Your Overall Score?

The Math section contributes 50% to the total SAT score and has a significant impact on your overall SAT score. It is crucial for achieving a high score on the SAT. The SAT Math section is widely considered the section with the greatest potential for improvement due to its objective nature. This section requires the test-taker to accurately respond to each type of SAT Math question by knowing which formula or equation to utilize.

The section covers a wide range of topics, resulting in varying relevant formulas for each test. Extensive practice with SAT-like questions and incorporating unfamiliar formulas into your repertoire are crucial to success in this section. The College Board provides a Math formula reference sheet during the exam that focuses heavily on geometric equations. Certain additional formulas appear frequently enough to warrant memorization.

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The SAT Math Formula Sheet

I’d like to share some information about the formula sheet that College Board provides for the math section of the SAT exam. The formula sheet includes a variety of geometric equations, such as area formulas for circles, triangles, and rectangles, as well as the circumference formula for circles. It covers side relationships specific to right triangles, volume formulas for various shapes, and relationships between angles in circles or triangles. 

The quadratic formula, which helps solve equations of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, is also included. The formula sheet provides the equation of a line in slope-intercept form, which is y = mx + b, where m represents the slope of the line. It’s essential for students to practice extensively with SAT-like questions to familiarize themselves with the formulas needed to answer various questions on the exam.

35 Critical SAT Math Formulas To Memorize For The Digital SAT

1. Understanding Percentage and Percent Change

Calculating percentage and percent change is vital for SAT success.  This is because you might be required to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios, especially in evaluating graphical information. The formula for percentage is simply the part over the whole. That is, to calculate the percentage of a number, divide the part you are interested in by the whole. 

To calculate percent change, find the difference between two given numbers and divide by the original. Also, note that a percentage is equivalent to a fraction with a denominator of 100. Therefore, a percentage can be converted to a fraction by placing it over 100, and a fraction can be converted to a percentage by multiplying the fraction by 100. 

2. Understanding The Formulas for a Line and Slope

Determining the equation of a line is a basic skill that can help you with all sorts of math problems. The slope of a line, m, measures steepness, while the line’s intercept, b, is the point where the line crosses the y-axis. The standard y = mx + b format is used to find both the slope of a line and the y-intercept. The point-slope format y – y1 = m(x – x1) is practical for finding the equation of a line knowing neither the slope nor the y-intercept. The slope equation (y2 – y1) / (x2 – x1) is generally used to find the slope between two points.

3. Remembering Quadratic Identities

Understanding quadratic identities is vital when working with quadratic equations. In the unfactored form, remember these three identities: (x2 – y2) = (x + y)(x – y), x2 + 2xy + y2 = (x + y)2, x2 – 2xy + y2 = (x – y)2. Also, remember these identities in factored form, as they are commonly used in solving quadratic equations.

4. Direct and Indirect Proportion

Understanding direct and indirect proportion is fundamental for mastering SAT Math. Direct proportion occurs when quantities increase in concert, while indirect proportion occurs when one quantity increases as the other decreases.

5. Calculating Average

To find the average of a set of numbers, add them all together and then divide by the total number of items in the set. This can be a useful tool for understanding data sets on the SAT. 

6. Probability

Probability is the likelihood of an event occurring. It is defined as the ratio of the number of successful outcomes to the number of possible outcomes. In simpler terms, it gives us an idea about the chances of something happening. 

7. Surface Area of a Cube

The surface area of a cube can be calculated by multiplying 6 by the square of a side. This is the area that would be covered if every square inch of each side were unfolded. 

8. Distance Formula

The most common formula for calculating distance is distance = rate x time. Distance is the rate at which an object travels times the time it is traveling. 

9. Knowing Quadratic Equations

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of the second degree. The general form is ax^2 + bx + c. 

10. Understanding Standard Deviation

Standard deviation is a measure of the dispersion (spread, variation) of a set of data values. A low standard deviation means that most of the numbers are close to the average. 

11. Weighted Averages

A weighted average is an average that takes into account the importance of each number. 

12. Systems of Equations

Systems of equations are two or more equations made up of two or more variables. 

13. Functions and Translations

Functions are a set of ordered pairs in which each x-value is paired with exactly one y-value. 

14. Completing the Square

Completing the square is a method used to solve quadratic equations by turning them into a simpler form that makes it easier to solve the equation. 

15. The Vertex of a Parabola

The vertex of a parabola is located at the midpoint of its x-intercepts. 

16. The Vertex Form of a Parabola

The vertex form of a parabola is a(x-h)^2 + k.

17. Area of a Triangle

The area of a triangle is calculated by multiplying 1/2 by the base of the triangle by the height. 

18. The Sides of Similar Triangles

Similar triangles have sides that are proportional to each other. 

19. System of Linear Equations without a Solution

Two lines are parallel if they have the same slope and different y-intercepts. 

20. Finding Intersections of Two Lines

If two lines are intersecting, you can set them equal to each other to find their points of intersection. 

21. Zeros of a Function

The x-coordinates of points where functions cross the x-axis are called the zeros of a function. 

22. Arc Measure in a Circle

The arc measure formed by an angle in a circle is twice the measure of the angle. 

23. When Functions are Undefined

Functions are undefined when a denominator is equal to zero. 

24. Proportions of a Right Triangle

The proportions of a right triangle on the hypotenuse are equal to the proportions of both of its legs. 

25. Equation of a Circle

The equation of a circle with the center at (h, k) and radius r is (x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2. 

26. Manipulating Absolute Value Inequalities

Absolute value inequalities are manipulated by isolating the absolute value in the inequality. 

27. Negative and Fractional Exponents

Negative and fractional exponents can be rewritten using radical notation. 

28. Rules of Exponents

Exponent rules are manipulated by adding exponents for multiplication and subtracting them by division. 

29. Parallel Lines and Transversals

Parallel lines have the same slope. 

30. Positive and Negative Associations in Graphs

Positive associations in graphs have positive slopes. 

31. Degrees and Radians

Radians and degrees are related via the formula 180 degrees = π radians. 

32. Box and Whisker Plots

Box plots illustrate statistical data. 

33. The Unit Circle

The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one. 

34. The Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem states that a^2 + b^2 = c^2. 

35. Compound Interest

The compound interest formula is used to calculate the balance on a savings account.

18 Math Terms Definitions To Know

1. PEMDAS and the Order of Operations

PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. It is the order in which mathematical operations should be performed within an expression to ensure accuracy. For example, if you have an expression with both addition and multiplication, you would perform the multiplication first, regardless of the order in which the operations appear.

2. Mean, Median, Mode, & Range

These are important statistical concepts that help describe a set of data points. The mean is the average of a set of numbers. The median is the middle number when the data points are arranged in numerical order. The mode is the number that appears most frequently in the set. The range is the difference between the highest and lowest numbers.

3. Integers

Integers are whole numbers, including zero, and negative whole numbers. They can be positive, negative, or zero and are represented on a number line. Understanding the concept of integers is crucial for solving many mathematical problems on the SAT.

4. Prime Numbers

Prime numbers are positive integers that are only divisible by themselves and the number 1. Knowing prime numbers up to a certain range, like between 1 and 50, helps in solving mathematical problems efficiently.

5. Pythagorean Triples

These are specific sets of numbers that form the sides of a right-angled triangle. Knowing these triples can help in quickly identifying such triangles without the need for complex calculations.

6. “Y less than X”

Understanding how to translate expressions like “x-7” correctly is essential in solving algebraic problems accurately.

7. The Word “Of”

In mathematical terms, the word “of” usually denotes multiplication, so it is crucial to interpret it correctly when solving equations.

8. Digits

Digits are the numbers used to represent quantities, much like letters in the alphabet represent sounds in words.

9. Multiples

Multiples of a number are the results obtained by multiplying that number by integers. Understanding multiples is vital in many mathematical calculations.

10. Factors

Factors of a number are the numbers that can divide that number without leaving a remainder. Knowing the factors of a number is crucial for simplifying expressions and solving equations.

11. Remainder

The remainder is the leftover whole number after division. It is often used in pattern and sequence problems.

12. Consecutive Integers

Consecutive integers are integers that follow each other in sequence, starting from the smallest. Understanding this concept is vital for solving many algebraic problems.

13. Sum

The sum is the result of addition, which is adding two or more numbers to find the total.

14. Difference

The difference is the result of subtraction, which is finding the numerical gap between two numbers.

15. Product

The product is the result of multiplication, which is obtaining the total when two or more numbers are multiplied together.

16. Odd and Even Numbers

Understanding the distinction between odd and even numbers is essential in various mathematical operations.

17. Positive and Negative Numbers

Understanding the properties and uses of positive and negative numbers is crucial for solving many mathematical problems accurately.

18. Rules of Positive and Negative Roots/Exponents

Knowing the rules for handling positive and negative roots and exponents helps in accurate calculations and problem-solving in algebra and other mathematical areas.

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4 Strategies To Memorize SAT Maths Formulas

1. Understanding over rote memorization

Understanding is indeed more effective than rote memorization. When you comprehend what formula means and when you should utilize it, you’ll be more likely to remember it during the SAT. 

For instance, you’ll likely remember the formula for the area of a circle once you understand that it calculates the space within the circle’s boundary, and you’ll recall the Pythagorean theorem when you recognize that it calculates the length of the hypotenuse.

2. Consistent review

To ensure you memorize the formulas, you must review them regularly. You can use flashcards, apps, or simply copy them down time and again. Consistent review can help embed the formulas in your memory, ensuring you won’t forget them during the SAT.

3. Make connections

Making connections between different formulas can also help you remember them. For instance, recognizing that the formula for the area of a circle is linked to the value of pi can help you remember both pieces of information. Making such connections helps reinforce your memory of the formulas and aids in recalling them during the SAT.

4. Practical application

Practical application is essential in memorizing SAT math formulas. You should apply the formulas in solving actual SAT math problems. Doing so will not only help embed the formulas in your memory but will also give you a thorough understanding of how to apply them practically. To practice your skills, utilize official SAT practice tests available on the College Board’s website.

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