SAT Math, taught domain by domain

Domain 01

Algebra

Most algebra marks are lost in the translation from sentence to equation — not in the algebra itself.

Skills covered

■Linear equations in one or two variables

■Systems of linear equations

■Linear inequalities and regions

■Interpreting slope and intercepts in context

Typical difficulties

■Setting up the equation from a word problem

■Sign errors when rearranging

■Reading “per” and rate language incorrectly

Domain 02

Advanced Math

Advanced Math rewards students who can read a function's shape before they start calculating.

Skills covered

■Quadratic and polynomial equations

■Equivalent forms: vertex, factored, standard

■Exponential growth and decay

■Function notation, transformations and zeros

Typical difficulties

■Choosing the slowest solving method under time pressure

■Extraneous solutions in radical equations

■Confusing a transformation of x with one of y

Domain 03

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

This domain is less about calculation and more about reading a table honestly.

Skills covered

■Ratios, rates, proportions and unit conversion

■Percentages and percentage change

■Mean, median, spread and outliers

■Two-way tables, probability and scatterplots

Typical difficulties

■Percentage change of a percentage

■Mixing up sample and population conclusions

■Misreading axis units and scale

Domain 04

Geometry and Trigonometry

Geometry becomes fast when the diagram is drawn before the formula is recalled.

Skills covered

■Angle relationships and triangle similarity

■Right triangles, Pythagoras and SOH-CAH-TOA

■Circles: arcs, sectors, equations

■Area, surface area and volume

Typical difficulties

■Not drawing or labelling the figure

■Radians and degrees mixed in one question

■Assuming a figure is to scale