SAT Math: Number Lines (w/ example)

Once or twice per test, the SAT will ask you to interpret values on a number line.

When a number line question includes undefined points (labeled by variables), estimate the values of those points before answering the question.

Number Line Example:

See Comments for the answer.

Tip:
Number line questions often include fractions and negative numbers.
Subtracting a negative number moves the value to the right on the number line (positively).
Multiplying a number by a fraction makes the number smaller.

From SAT Unlocked, which includes a complete list of the number line practice questions found in The Official SAT Study Guide.

Is SAT Math very advanced?

Is SAT Math very advanced?
No. The concepts tested on the SAT math sections are all fairly basic. The most advanced math you need to know is basic Geometry and some Algebra II. As a matter of fact, a students often find that the biggest difficulty on the math section is remembering some of the concepts they learned in grade school but have now forgotten (like ‘remainders‘).

Remember. the SAT uses basic math concepts to test your reasoning skills.
The SAT does not actual test your overall knowledge of math all that much. Instead, the SAT primarily tests your ability to figure out which basic math concepts to apply and how to apply them.

SAT Math Exercise: Number Properties

Assuming whole numbers (integers), what is the correct answer for each of the following:

1. positive x positive = positive or negative?
2. negative x negative = positive or negative?

3. positive x negative = positive or negative?

4. even + odd = even or odd?

5. odd + odd = even or odd?

6. even + even = even or odd?

7. even x odd = even or odd?

8. odd x odd = even or odd?

9. even x even = even or odd?

10. positive odd x negative even = positive odd or negative even?

11. negative odd x negative odd = positive odd or negative even?

12. negative odd x positive even = positive odd or negative even?

13. Which is greater? -3 or -4?

See Comments for answers.

SAT Math: Always Factor the Difference of Two Squares

SAT math tests only basic factoring skills, and you rarely if ever have to factor or FOIL complicated quadratic equations. However, there is one type of quadratic equation you definitely need to be able to recognize and factor for the SAT:

How to factor the difference of two squares:

ALWAYS factor the difference of two squares when you see it.
The SAT test makers just LOVE using the difference of two squares in their questions. Whenever an SAT math question includes the difference of two squares, like a² – 4, factoring the expression, (a + 2)(a – 2), is almost always the key to figuring out the correct answer.

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