The SAT Math section mainly tests high‑school algebra, advanced algebra, problem solving with data, geometry, and some basic trigonometry.
Main math areas
- Algebra: Linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, graphs of lines, and basic function ideas (often called “Heart of Algebra”).
- Advanced math: Quadratic equations, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, rational and radical expressions, and more complex equations (sometimes called “Passport to Advanced Math”).
- Problem solving and data analysis: Ratios, proportions, percentages, unit conversions, interpreting tables and graphs, probability, and basic statistics like mean, median, and standard deviation.
- Geometry and trigonometry: Lines and angles, triangles (including right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem), circles, area and volume, and basic trig with sine, cosine, and tangent.
Rough level of difficulty
The math goes up through about Algebra 2, plus some geometry and introductory trigonometry, but does not require a full precalculus course.
