and simple, but it does mean that if you’re  Converting mixed numbers (1½) to

getting wrapped up in lots of arithmetic, improper (3/2) fractions, or vice versa

you’re probably taking the wrong approach.  Converting fractions to decimals or
Anticipate the negative. decimals to fractions — know the
When you solve problems, remember to common equivalents such as 2/3 =
consider the possibility of a negative answer. .6666667 and ¼ = .25
Your answer might have two possible  Finding and using reciprocals
solutions, or might be an absolute value.
Remember that multiplying two negatives Practice scientific notation.
makes a positive, and that a negative The SAT often writes very large or very small
exponent means an inversion (1 over x). All numbers as a power of 10. For example,
squares, therefore, are positive, but square 3,700,000,000 = 3.7 x 109. Use the exponent
roots can be negative. (The SAT does not to count places left or right of the decimal: if
include imaginary numbers.) the exponent is 9, add zeros until you have
moved the decimal 9 places to the right. The
Review common squares. same technique works for negative
If you don’t know the squares of all integers exponents, except that the decimal moves left
between 1 and 12 (and therefore –1 through (3.7 x 10-9 = 0.0000000037).
–12), spend a few minutes reviewing them
before the test. Even though you have a Remember that ratios, percents, and
calculator, knowing these squares will save proportions are essentially the same.
you time. Also, remember that to square a If you are struggling with one form, you can
fraction, you square the numerator and use the form that seems most natural to you.
denominator both, producing a number that Just make sure to convert your answer back
is smaller than the original. to the form the question is asked: for
example, ¾ might need to be given as 3:4 or
Approaching sequences. 75%.
These problems have a series of number that
are related by some pattern. Your first task Draw a picture.
will usually be to figure out the pattern, then Especially for word problems, counting
use it to find the nth term, or the average of problems (“how many possible 5-character
certain terms, etc. Arithmetical sequences, passwords can be created with 4 digits and 1
derived by adding or subtracting, are usually letter?”), and logical reasoning problems,
obvious. If you can’t spot the pattern right off, draw a sketch as you read the problem. Write
consider multiplication and exponents. Is down what you know from the question and
each number a multiple of the one before it put statements into formulas as you go. The
(3, 9, 27, 81)? The square of consecutive resulting sketch or equation will usually
integers (25, 36, 49, 64)? make it clear what you need to do.

The problem will have the information you

need to solve it. You may be given a rule and Algebra, Functions, and Graphs
asked to find a particular number in the
sequence by applying it, or given the Topics to study:
sequence and asked to find the rule.  Manipulating algebraic formulas
 Functions, including graphs, translations,
Practice fraction techniques: domain, and range
 Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and  Solving equations, including solving one
dividing fractions equation in terms of another (two
 Finding the lowest common denominator variables)

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