6 Tips You’re Going to Want to Know for the Digital SAT Math Section

If you're gearing up for the Digital SAT Math section, you likely have a mix of excitement and anxiety. The good news is, with the right strategies, you can navigate this section effectively and boost your score. Here are six essential tips to help you ace the Digital SAT Math section.

1. If You’re Given an Equation, Graph It!

Yes, there is always an algebraic way to answer algebra questions, but the digital format of the SAT allows you to use graphing tools, which can be extremely helpful! Even if you know how to do things algebraically, you’ll save yourself time and cut down on small math errors by simply graphing any and all equations you’re given! Whether it’s finding how many intersection points there are, where two lines intersect, what the maximum or minimum is, identify the intercepts, etc., we can find all of things easily and quickly without the unnecessary mistakes!

2. Always Double-Check What the Question Is Asking

If I had to guess, most students miss probably 20-25% (maybe more!) of the math problems they miss because they misread or answer the wrong question! You might be thinking, “how do they answer the wrong question?” It’s actually super easy to do. They might be asking for the y-value and you gave them the x-value. They might be asking for the y-intercept, but you gave them the x. They might be asking for x + y or 3x! I say this to my students all the time: SAT test writers are jerks and they are trying to trick you!

A part of the test-taking strategy I teach my students is to “make sure” and all it means is to double-check that you’re answering the correct question. It’s easy to overlook key details. Make sure you understand exactly what is being asked before you pick your final answer because there’s nothing worse than doing everything correctly and missing the question because of a small mistake like this!

3. Review Your Algebra Fundamentals

Solid algebra skills are essential for the SAT Math section. Review the fundamentals, including exponent rules, slope-intercept form, and factoring. A firm grasp of algebra will help you solve many problems more efficiently. Spend some time revisiting these concepts to ensure you’re prepared.

4. Use Your Reference Sheet

One of the tools that you have access to on the SAT math section is a “reference sheet” or equation sheet with the vast majority of the formulas you need to know. I’m talking all the area and volume formulas you need (except one—the trapezoid area formula), special right triangle relationships, Pythagorean theorem, etc. But, because it’s a pop-up, a lot of students forget that the reference sheet is there!

Make sure you familiarize yourself with this sheet and use it during the test. If you need a formula, it’s probably given to you! This can save you time and reduce the chance of errors. Don’t waste mental energy trying to recall a formula that’s right in front of you.

5. Focus on the First Module

This applies to the verbal section as well. Because the digital SAT is adaptive, the first module is crucial. If you don’t score into the harder second module, you’ll cap your potential score dramatically! Aim to correct 14 or more questions in this module to advance to the higher-scoring math module. This strategy can significantly impact your overall score. So, if you’re going to prioritize accuracy anywhere on the exam, the first module is the most important!

6. Use the Constants Slider Trick on Desmos

YES, you’re given a graphing tool on the Digital SAT and that graphing tool?! It’s Desmos! And this is a game-changer on the SAT because, well, you can solve damn near all constants problems with it.

This slider allows for an easy and efficient guess-and-check method that enables you to dynamically see which values for your constant achieve the goal you want to achieve. It’s a massive shortcut we can take to accurately answer these questions without such an algebraic burden!

I also highly recommend quizzing yourself on math concepts and equations with this Quizlet.

By incorporating these tips into your study routine, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your performance on the Digital SAT Math section. Remember, practice makes perfect. Good luck!