SAT Prep – Math: Problem Solving & Data Analysis

DSAT Math Content: Problem Solving and Data Analysis Domain

This domain emphasizes quantitative reasoning using ratios, rates, percentages, and data interpretation. Questions frequently include tables, graphs, and real‑world scenarios.

Core Skills:

  • Ratios, rates, and proportions
  • Percent change
  • Probability fundamentals
  • Reading charts, tables, scatterplots
  • Understanding mean, median, and trends
  • Modeling real‑world scenarios mathematically

Example

The following Pie-chart shows the distribution of expenses of a company XYZ Ltd.

sat-problem-solving-data-analysis-1

If the total expenses of the company are \$8,000, what is the difference between the expenses on Marketing and that on Raw material (in \$)?

Solution

Given: The total expenses of the company are $8,000

The expenses on Marketing = 20% of 8,000 $=\frac{20}{100}\times 8000=1600$

The expenses on Raw material = 30% of 8,000 $=\frac{30}{100}\times 8000=2400$

So, required difference $=2400-1600=\$800$

The correct answer is 800.

Applications:

  • Social science data
  • Scientific research summaries
  • Financial literacy
  • Everyday quantitative reasoning

Tools on SAT:

  • Built‑in graphing calculator
  • Flag questions to revisit later