SAT Complete Study Guide – Detailed Edition
MATH SECTION
1. Heart of Algebra
Linear Equations
● Standard form: Ax + By = C
● Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b
○ m = slope (Δy⁄Δx)
○ b = y-intercept (where line crosses the y-axis)
Example 1 – Finding Slope and Intercept
For 2y – 6x = 8:
→ Divide by 2 → y – 3x = 4
→ Add 3x → y = 3x + 4
Slope = 3, Intercept = 4
Systems of Equations
● Substitution: Solve one for a variable, plug into the other.
● Elimination: Add/subtract equations to remove one variable.
Example 2 – Elimination
2x + y = 8
x – y = 1
Add → 3x = 9 → x = 3 → Substitute → y = 2
Inequalities
Same steps as equations, but flip the sign when multiplying/dividing by a negative.
Graphing Tip:
→ Shaded region shows all possible solutions.
→ Test a point (like 0, 0) to confirm.
2. Problem Solving & Data Analysis
Ratios / Proportions
a/b = c/d → ad = bc
Percent Change
(new – original) / original × 100
Mean, Median, Mode
Mean = sum ÷ count
Median = middle value
Mode = most frequent
Standard Deviation (Concept)
Measures how spread out data are. Smaller = data close to mean.
Scatterplots & Correlation
● Upward = positive correlation
● Downward = negative
● Random = none
Example 3 – Weighted Average
A class’s grades: 40% tests (90 avg) + 60% homework (80 avg) →
(0.4×90) + (0.6×80) = 36 + 48 = 84
Tip (Green Box):
If ratios confuse you, convert all to fractions first.
3. Passport to Advanced Math
Quadratics
Standard: ax² + bx + c
Vertex: a(x – h)² + k → vertex (h, k)
Example 4 – Convert to Vertex Form
y = x² + 6x + 5
Complete the square: y = (x + 3)² – 4
Discriminant: b² – 4ac
→ > 0 → two roots = 0 → one < 0 → none
Exponent Rules
a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) (a^m)^n = a^(mn)
a^m / a^n = a^(m–n)
Radicals
sqrt(ab) = sqrt(a)×sqrt(b) (sqrt(a))² = a
Logarithms
log_a(b) = c ⇔ a^c = b
Polynomial Factoring Patterns
a² – b² = (a – b)(a + b)
a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² – ab + b²)
4. Geometry & Trigonometry
Triangles
● Sum of angles = 180°
● Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
Special Right Triangles
45-45-90 → sides x, x, x√2
30-60-90 → sides x, x√3, 2x
Circles
● Area = πr² Circumference = 2πr
● Arc length = (θ⁄360) × 2πr
● Sector area = (θ⁄360) × πr²
Trigonometry Basics
SOH-CAH-TOA
sin θ = opp/hyp cos θ = adj/hyp tan θ = opp/adj
Coordinate Geometry
● Distance = sqrt((x₂–x₁)²+(y₂–y₁)²)
● Midpoint = ((x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2)
● Slope = (y₂–y₁)/(x₂–x₁)
Tip (Green Box):
Label diagrams carefully – it prevents simple arithmetic mistakes.
5. Math Strategy Essentials
● Plug-in numbers when variables confuse you.
● Back-solve using answer choices.
● Estimate first → eliminate unrealistic answers.
● Use calculator only for computation, not concept.
● Save grid-ins for last to manage time.
READING SECTION
Active Reading Steps
1. Preview the passage (title + first paragraph).
2. Read strategically – note author’s claim and tone.
3. Pause after each paragraph to summarize in 3-5 words.
4. For questions, locate evidence in text; avoid guessing from memory.
Question Types
Type What to Look For Example Strategy
Main Idea Overall claim/theme Eliminate detail-only options
Evidence Pair Lines supporting a previous Read both before deciding
answer
Inference Logical conclusion not stated Must be supported by
passage
Vocabulary-in-Context Meaning of a word Replace with your own
synonym
Function Why a sentence is included Check how it connects to
argument
Traps (Red Box):
● Extreme wording (“always,” “never”) → usually wrong.
● Answers with outside knowledge → not supported.
Tip (Green Box):
If two answers sound right, choose the one that directly restates the passage, not the one that
adds interpretation.
WRITING & LANGUAGE SECTION
Grammar Core Rules
Rule Correct Use Example
Subject-Verb Agreement singular ↔ singular “The list is long.”
Verb Tense consistent with timeline “He was walking when it
rained.”
Pronouns clear reference “Each student brought his or
her ID.”
Modifiers place near noun described “Running fast, the athlete
broke the record.”
Parallel Structure items match form “to swim, to run, and to jump”
Punctuation commas before FANBOYS “I studied hard, and I
only when joining clauses passed.”
Transitions & Style
● However, therefore, consequently = logical connectors
● Additionally, moreover = adding information
● Avoid redundancy (“final conclusion,” “past history”)
Clarity & Concision
● Prefer shorter, simpler phrasing when both are correct.
● Remove unnecessary modifiers.
Common Traps (Red Box):
● “Its” vs. “It’s” | “Their” vs. “There”
● Comma splices (“I ran, I ate.” → wrong)
● Dangling modifiers
FORMULA & STRATEGY APPENDIX
Algebra
● Slope: m = (y₂–y₁)/(x₂–x₁)
● Point-slope: y – y₁ = m(x – x₁)
Geometry
● Rectangle area = lw
● Triangle area = ½ bh
● Circle area = πr² circumference = 2πr
● Volume: Prism = Bh Cylinder = πr²h Cone = ⅓πr²h Sphere = 4⁄3πr³
Trigonometry
● sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
● tanθ = sinθ / cosθ
Statistics
● Mean = Σx / n
● Probability = favorable / total
● Percent Change = (new – old)/old × 100
Quick Strategies
● Read every question fully before calculating.
● Estimate magnitudes: if choices differ by large factors, quick compare.
● Keep scratch work organized; box your answers.