5 tips to get SAT math answers quickly
The SAT Math section doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right
strategies, you can solve questions quickly and accurately. Let’s dive
into five actionable tips to help you tackle SAT Math like a
pro—explaining not only the strategies but also how to apply them
effectively.
1.
Skim for Key
Information
First
The first step in solving any math problem is knowing
what
you’re solving for. Skimming through the problem quickly allows
you to immediately focus on the most important details. You want to
highlight the numbers, key phrases, and relationships, so you don’t
waste time on irrelevant information.
How to Apply It:
(1)
Highlight the values
: As you read the problem, underline or circle important numbers, such
as given quantities or constants. This makes them easier to spot when
you're solving.
(2)
Look for relationships
: Pay attention to words like "sum" "difference" "product" and
"equals" These clues help you determine what operation (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division) you need to use.
(3)
Identify the unknowns
: What is the problem asking for? What do you need to find? This will
guide the steps you need to take. For instance, if you’re asked for
the "height" of a triangle, make sure you know what formula relates
height to other elements in the problem.
Example
:
"The perimeter of a rectangle is 36 meters. If the length is 2
meters more than twice the width, what are the dimensions?"
Skimming this, you immediately know that the perimeter is 36 meters,
and the relationship between the length and width is provided. You’re
tasked with finding both dimensions.
2. Break the Problem into Manageable Steps
Once you've identified the key information, don’t try to solve the
problem in one big leap.
Break it into smaller tasks
. This makes complicated problems feel more manageable and ensures
you’re solving them step by step without overlooking crucial details.
How to Apply It:
(1)
Start by isolating what you're solving for
: For example, if the problem involves multiple variables (like
length, width, height), start by identifying what each represents and
what equation or formula you need.
(2)
Work in stages
: If solving for xx in an equation, isolate xx by performing the same
operations on both sides. In word problems, first translate the words
into an equation, then solve it.
Example
: For the problem
"The area of a triangle is 24 square units. The base is 6 units
longer than the height. What are the base and height?"
→
Let the height be
→
The base is
→
Use the area formula for a triangle:
→
Substitute the expressions for base and height
:
→
Simplify and solve for
. This gives you the height, and you can use it to find the base
.
3. Eliminate Incorrect Answers Quickly
In multiple-choice questions,
use the process of elimination
to speed up your problem-solving. You don’t need to figure out
the correct answer right away—first, quickly identify and eliminate
the choices that clearly don’t work. This can significantly narrow
your options and save time.
How to Apply It:
(1)
Scan the answers first
: Before you even attempt to solve the problem, take a quick look at
the answer choices. Are there any that are obviously incorrect? For
example, if you’re asked to find the length of a side and one answer
is negative, you can eliminate it immediately.
(2)
Use estimation
: If the answer choices involve numerical values, try estimating the
solution based on the given information. This can often help you spot
the correct choice quickly.
Example
:
If a question asks you to solve for the roots of the quadratic
equation
, and you notice that one of the answers is clearly too large or too
small for the realistic solution, eliminate it first. This way, you
only focus on the remaining choices.
4. Use Answer Choices to Your Advantage
When you’re solving a problem,
test the answer choices
if you’re unsure. This strategy works especially well for
algebraic equations, as you can substitute the answer choices back
into the original equation or problem to see if they satisfy it.
How to Apply It:
(1)
Plug in the answer choices
: For problems involving equations or inequalities, test the possible
solutions by plugging them back into the equation. If an answer
satisfies the equation, you’ve found your solution.
(2)
Look for patterns
: For some types of questions, particularly word problems, there might
be patterns in the answers that can help guide you. If one answer
seems to be an outlier or doesn’t make sense in the context of the
question, eliminate it immediately
.
Example
:
For a quadratic equation like
,if you can’t immediately solve it, plug each answer choice into the
equation to check if it holds true. You’ll quickly discover which one
works.
5. Use Visuals When Necessary
For problems that involve geometry, graphing, or spatial
relationships,
sketching a diagram
or graph can make the process quicker and more intuitive. SAT
Math often tests your ability to visualize and understand the spatial
relationship between objects or values, and a simple diagram can
simplify the whole process.
How to Apply It:
(1)
Draw simple diagrams
: You don’t need to be an artist—just a quick sketch of the problem
will help. For example, for geometry problems involving angles,
shapes, or areas, drawing the figure can help you immediately spot
relationships between different elements.
(2)
Graph equations
: If a question involves a function or line, graphing it will help you
better understand the question and its options.
Example
:
If you're asked to find the area of a circle, quickly sketch a circle,
label the radius, and use the area formula to calculate the
area.
Final Thoughts: Ready for Success?
These five tips are all about
working smarter, not harder
. By skimming for key information, breaking down problems into smaller
tasks, eliminating wrong answers, using the answer choices, and
leveraging visuals, you’ll not only speed up your SAT Math
problem-solving but also improve your accuracy.
The more you practice these strategies, the more natural they’ll feel
on test day. Keep practicing with these methods in mind, and soon
you’ll find yourself breezing through those tricky SAT Math problems
with confidence!
Best of luck—you’ve got this!