•A geometric sequence is one in which the ratio of successive terms is constant. In other words, each number in the sequence is multiplied by a constant number to obtain the next number in the sequence: –A basic example of a geometric sequence is 1, [...]

Combinations are a probability concept that should be understood well before test day. •A combination of a group of objects is a selection of objects in which the order is not relevant. –Let n be the total number of objects and r the number of [...]

A basic concept of probability that appears frequently on the SAT Exam is that of the mean or average of a set of data. •To determine the average, also known as an arithmetic mean, of a set of n numbers, simply add all the numbers [...]

Understand the slope of a line and how it can be used to solve various problems on the SAT Exam is a crucial concept to master. •The slope, or steepness, of a line is a concept that will appear often in SAT problems. To find [...]

Understanding the mathematical concepts behind inscribed circles and polygons is a necessary concept to master before taking the exam. •A polygon is said to be inscribed in a circle if all its vertices are points on the circle. –Note: If the polygon inscribed in the [...]

Understanding the basic properties of angles is a critical skill that will likely be tested in multiple questions on the SAT exam. •The vertex of an angle is the point at which two sides of an angle intersect. •Angles may fall into any one of [...]

The ordering properties of inequalities is an important concept that is likely to appear on the SAT exam. Follow these guidelines when facing such a question. •If a < b and b < c, then a < c. –Example: 3 < 5 and 5 < [...]

Experience has shown that almost every SAT Exam will include at least one question involving the multiplication of binomials. The process is straightforward using some simple rules! •When multiplying binomials, multiply their First, Outer, Inner, and Last terms and then add the products. –Example: Multiply [...]

The SAT Exam involves many questions that challenge the student with solving linear equations. The process is simple if you follow some simple rules. •A linear equation is an equation in which the highest exponent of a variable is 1. •To solve a linear equation, [...]

On the SAT Exam, many questions involve the comparison of two fractions and the determination of which fraction is larger. •When comparing fractions, use the following rules: –If two fractions have the same denominator, the fraction with the greater numerator is the larger one. •Example: [...]

On the SAT exam, there are often questions that ask whether the sum or product of two numbers will be even or odd. It is possible to predict whether the sum or product of two numbers will be odd or even based on the following [...]

•The next concept is the root of a number. Since 5 · 5 = 25, note that the reverse can be written as follows: √25 = 5. –This is read as “the square root of 25 is 5.” –The symbol √ is called the radical [...]

•If no initial value for a problem is provided, select one that is convenient to help navigate through the question. –Example: The current price of a tennis racket is 30% more than its price last year. By what percent must the current price decrease in [...]

•When the answers of a multiple-choice problem are fairly simple numbers, it may save time to simply substitute each of them into the question until you find the one that works. –Example: If 3x-3 = 27, find the value of x. (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6 (E) 7 [...]

•In many problems, generating an algebraic equation is the most efficient way of solving the problem. In this case, assign a variable to a base quantity and write one or more equations that represent the relationships given in the question. –Example: Three cars were sold [...]