ADVANCED MATH – DIGITAL SAT
Complete Beginner■Friendly Notes
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INTRODUCTION
These notes explain every concept from Advanced Math on the DSAT as if you have never studied
math before.
Focus areas: Nonlinear equations, functions, polynomials, rational expressions, radicals, systems, and
function analysis.
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1. EXPRESSIONS & ALGEBRA BASICS
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1.1 Variables
A variable (x, y, n) is a letter representing a number.
Examples: x + 5, 2y – 7.
1.2 Terms
A term is a piece of an expression separated by + or –.
Examples in 3x² – 2x + 7:
• 3x²
• –2x
•7
1.3 Coefficients
A coefficient is the number multiplied by a variable.
In 5x: coefficient = 5.
1.4 Like Terms
Terms with same variables and powers.
Example: 2x² + 7x² → combine to 9x².
1.5 Simplifying Expressions
Combine like terms & use distributive property:
a(b + c) = ab + ac.
Example: 3(x + 4) – 2x
Solve: 3x + 12 – 2x = x + 12.
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2. POLYNOMIALS
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A polynomial is an expression using x with whole■number powers.
2.1 Degree of a polynomial
Highest exponent.
Example: 4x³ – 5x + 2 → degree = 3.
2.2 Types
Linear → degree 1
Quadratic → degree 2
Cubic → degree 3
2.3 Factoring
Very important for DSAT.
Common factoring patterns:
1. Common factor
Example: 6x² – 3x = 3x(2x – 1)
2. Difference of squares
a² – b² = (a – b)(a + b)
Example: x² – 16 = (x – 4)(x + 4)
3. Quadratic trinomials
x² + bx + c
Find two numbers adding to b and multiplying to c.
Example: x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)
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3. QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
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Forms:
1. Standard → ax² + bx + c
2. Factored → a(x – p)(x – q)
3. Vertex → a(x – h)² + k
3.1 Solving Quadratics
Techniques:
• Factoring
• Completing the square
• Quadratic formula:
x = [-b ± √(b² – 4ac)] / 2a
3.2 Discriminant
D = b² – 4ac
If D > 0 → two real solutions
If D = 0 → one real solution
If D < 0 → no real solutions
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4. RADICALS & RADICAL EQUATIONS
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4.1 Simplifying square roots
√(a × b) = √a × √b
Example: √50 = √(25 × 2) = 5√2
4.2 Solving radical equations
Steps:
1. Isolate the radical
2. Square both sides
3. Solve
4. Check for extraneous solutions
Example: √(x + 4) = x – 2
Square: x + 4 = x² – 4x + 4
Rearrange → solve → check.
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5. RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
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Rational expression = fraction with polynomials.
Example: (x² – 4) / (x – 2)
5.1 Restrictions
Denominator ≠ 0.
5.2 Simplifying
Factor numerator & denominator and cancel.
Example:
(x² – 4) / (x – 2)
= (x – 2)(x + 2) / (x – 2)
= x + 2 (x ≠ 2)
5.3 Solving rational equations
Multiply both sides by LCM.
Always check extra solutions.
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6. EXPONENTIALS
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6.1 Basic Rules
a■ × a■ = a■■■
a■ / a■ = a■■■
(a■)■ = a■■
a■ = 1
6.2 Exponential equations
3■ = 27
Rewrite 27 = 3³
So x = 3.
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7. FUNCTIONS
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7.1 What is a function?
Each input (x) gives exactly one output (f(x)).
7.2 Function notation
f(x) = x² + 3
f(2) = 2² + 3 = 7.
7.3 Domain restrictions
Cannot divide by zero
Cannot take square root of negative (real numbers).
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8. FUNCTION TRANSFORMATIONS
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Given base function f(x):
Vertical shift: f(x) + k
Horizontal shift: f(x – h)
Reflection: –f(x) or f(–x)
Stretching: af(x)
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9. NONLINEAR SYSTEMS
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One linear + one quadratic:
Example:
y=x+3
y = x² – 1
Set equal:
x + 3 = x² – 1
Solve quadratic → plug back in.
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10. GRAPHING & INTERPRETING FUNCTIONS
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KEY SKILLS DSAT TESTS:
✓ Identifying x■intercepts
✓ Identifying y■intercepts
✓ Increasing/decreasing intervals
✓ Vertex of quadratic
✓ Maximum/minimum value
✓ End behavior of polynomials
✓ Meaning of parameters (slope, rate, growth factor)
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11. WORD PROBLEMS (ADVANCED)
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11.1 Structure
1. Identify variables
2. Translate sentence → equation
3. Solve
4. Interpret answer in context
Common themes:
• Growth/decay
• Profit/cost
• Motion (distance, rate, time)
• Mixtures
• Optimization
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END OF NOTES
If you need an expanded version (60–70 pages), I can generate Part 2.