SAT Prep – How to Approach SAT Math Questions

How to Approach SAT Math Questions

The SAT Math section measures a test-taker’s ability to reason, analyze data, model relationships, and interpret functions in a fully digital, adaptive format. While content mastery is essential, a strong test performance also depends upon strategy: managing time across modules, using the built-in tools efficiently, and approaching questions methodically.

The SAT underwent a transition in 2023 (2024 for students in the United States) from a paper and pencil test to a completely digital exam taken on a laptop, tablet, or school managed Chromebook. Students have 70 minutes to complete 44 math questions, which works out to 95 seconds per question. A calculator may be used on the entire section, and an on-screen graphing calculator is built into the exam, or students may bring their own College Board-approved calculators with them for use on the day of their exam. 

As part of a computer adaptive exam, the Math section of the SAT is broken into two modules. The first module features 22 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. Students receive a mixture of easy, medium, and difficult questions, and how they perform on their first module determines the questions they receive on their second module. If a student performs well on the first module, they receive more challenging questions on the second module, but if they struggle on their first module, they receive less challenging questions on their second, as computer adaptive testing changes the questions asked in real-time based on the answers a test-taker provides. In addition to a graphing calculator, students can also access a reference sheet of mathematical formulas during the exam. 

Question Types Overview

While the SAT Math section no longer uses the old domains like “Heart of Algebra,” the content is grouped into four updated areas:

1. Algebra: Linear equations, systems, rewriting expressions
2. Advanced Math: Quadratics, exponentials, polynomial reasoning
3. Problem Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, formulas, tables, percentages, statistics
4. Geometry and Trigonometry: Triangles, circles, right-triangle trig, coordinate geometry

According to the College Board, there are approximately 13-15 questions in the Math section focused on Algebra, 13-15 questions focused on Advanced Math, 5-7 questions focused on Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and 5-7 questions focused on Geometry and Trigonometry.

Strategic Approaches for the SAT Math Section

Below we will consider several effective techniques and approaches for dealing with SAT Math questions. 

Use the Reference Sheet Effectively

The SAT reference sheet includes formulas for geometry, area, volume, and right triangles. While students will already know these formulas, taking the SAT can be a stressful experience, so the fact that a student can double-check the accuracy of the formula they are using is especially helpful. Familiarity with the formulas can save time, so students should practice applying each formula quickly so they do not need to constantly refer back to it while testing. 

Make Smart Decisions with the Graphing Calculator

The built-in calculator on the SAT Math section is powerful and reduces computational burden. At the same time, students should avoid over-reliance on the calculator, which is best used for solving equations, graphing functions to check intercepts or intersections, and verifying patterns or tables. The built-in calculator should be used sparingly or not at all for simple arithmetic or linear equations that can be solved in under 20 seconds. 

Manage Student-Produced Responses (SPR)

About 25% of SAT Math questions use open numeric answers, also known as student-generated or student-produced responses. Students should enter these answers carefully and make sure they follow any rounding instructions that are given. If a question feels especially long, consider breaking it into smaller steps, and verify the final value with a calculator. 

Prioritize with Digital Marking

On the digital SAT, students may mark questions they wish to review, although this always depends on having enough time left over after answering the questions to review them. Test-takers should avoid getting stuck on any one problem; if something is taking too long, flag the question for later review and continue working. Students should aim to finish each module with 3-5 minutes left for review. 

Use Elimination and Quick Estimation

Even though a calculator is allowed on every problem in the Math section of the SAT, there are times when estimation can help confirm the correctness of an answer or help avoid well-placed traps. Estimation and approximation are especially useful when the numbers given are large or complex. With regards to the process of elimination, some answer options will be obviously incorrect upon reading them and can easily be eliminated. Other times, students may need to begin solving a problem to narrow down possible answers, then eliminate those that do not fit the question being asked or are impossible given the provided information. Every wrong answer that is eliminated increases the likelihood of selecting the correct answer, so becoming familiar with the process of elimination is an important part of preparing for the SAT.

Final Suggestions

Students should remember that there is no penalty for incorrect answers on the SAT. Test-takers should attempt to answer every question, even if they ultimately have to guess after using the process of elimination, as guessing between two answer choices is better than leaving the answer blank and guaranteeing no credit will be received. When beginning a problem, focus on extracting the key variable or relationship. It can be helpful to convert text into an equation as soon as possible. Quick substitution can be used to confirm results, and graph functions can be used to check intercepts or verify if an equation fits. Questions flagged for review should only be revisited after all other questions have been completed. 

Students should become familiar with the Bluebook app, as this is used to take the SAT, and be comfortable navigating between questions, as well as using the built-in graphing calculator. Study guides, group prep courses, or private tutoring programs are all helpful methods of preparing for the SAT, provided the materials being used apply to the most recent version of the exam. If materials are not specifically focused on the digital SAT, students may waste valuable time studying information they will not actually be tested on. The digital SAT no longer rewards memorizing long lists of math formulas or solving paragraph-long problems. Instead, the SAT rewards speed with reasoning, comfort with digital tools, accuracy under adaptive conditions, and a strong understanding of algebraic structure. The more seriously students take preparing for the SAT, the more they can approach this challenging exam with confidence in their knowledge and test-taking abilities.