SAT Math Advanced Notes | Student Study Guide
SAT MATH ADVANCED NOTES
Mastering Higher-Level Concepts for a Top Score
This guide is for students who already have a solid grasp of linear equations, basic ratios, and
elementary geometry. It focuses on the Advanced Math domain, Problem-Solving & Data
Analysis, Geometry & Trigonometry, and the strategies needed to reach the harder adaptive
module and score in the 700–800 range.
1. Quadratic Equations and Functions
Quadratics are a core part of Advanced Math. You must be fluent with factoring, the quadratic
formula, completing the square, and interpreting graphs.
Standard Form and Factoring
Standard form: ax² + bx + c = 0. Factor when possible into (px + q)(rx + s) = 0, then set each
factor equal to zero.
Example: x² − 5x + 6 = 0 → (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0 → x = 2 or x = 3
Always check the discriminant (b² − 4ac) if factoring is not obvious: positive = two real roots,
zero = one real root, negative = no real roots.
Quadratic Formula
x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / (2a)
Memorize this completely. Use it when factoring is difficult or when the problem asks for exact
solutions.
Vertex Form and Graph Features
Vertex form: y = a(x − h)² + k, where (h, k) is the vertex.
• If a > 0, parabola opens upward (minimum at vertex).
• If a < 0, parabola opens downward (maximum at vertex).
• Axis of symmetry: x = h (or x = −b/(2a) from standard form).
• Y-intercept is the value when x = 0; x-intercepts are the roots.
Systems Involving Quadratics
When one equation is linear and one is quadratic, substitute the linear expression into the
quadratic and solve. Graphically, this finds intersection points of a line and a parabola.
2. Polynomials and Rational Expressions
Operations with Polynomials
• Add/subtract: Combine like terms.
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SAT Math Advanced Notes | Student Study Guide
• Multiply: Use distributive property or FOIL for binomials.
• Factor: Look for GCF first, then difference of squares, perfect square trinomials, or
grouping.
Zeros and Factor Theorem
If (x − r) is a factor of a polynomial, then r is a zero (root). The number of real zeros is at most
the degree of the polynomial. End behavior is determined by the leading term.
Rational Expressions
Simplify by factoring numerator and denominator and canceling common factors. Remember
that canceling is only valid when the canceled factor is not zero (state domain restrictions if
asked).
3. Exponents, Radicals, and Exponential Functions
Exponent Rules (Must Memorize)
• xᵃ · xᵇ = xᵃ⁺ᵇ
• xᵃ / xᵇ = xᵃ⁻ᵇ
• (xᵃ)ᵇ = xᵃᵇ
• x⁻ᵃ = 1/xᵃ
• x⁰ = 1 (x ≠ 0)
• x^(1/n) = ⁿ√x; x^(m/n) = (ⁿ√x)ᵐ
Exponential Growth and Decay
General form: y = a(1 + r)ᵗ for growth or y = a(1 − r)ᵗ for decay, where a is the initial amount, r is
the rate, and t is time.
You may also see y = abˣ. Compare growth rates by looking at the base. Larger base (greater
than 1) means faster growth.
Radicals
√(ab) = √a · √b; √(a/b) = √a / √b. Rationalize denominators when needed by multiplying by a
conjugate or appropriate radical. Square both sides carefully when solving radical equations,
and always check for extraneous solutions.
4. Functions – Advanced Topics
Function Notation and Evaluation
f(x) means the output of function f when the input is x. You may be asked to evaluate f(g(x)),
find inverses conceptually, or interpret f(a + h) − f(a) as a change in output.
Transformations
• f(x) + k shifts up k units; f(x) − k shifts down.
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SAT Math Advanced Notes | Student Study Guide
• f(x − h) shifts right h units; f(x + h) shifts left.
• −f(x) reflects over the x-axis; f(−x) reflects over the y-axis.
• af(x) stretches vertically if |a| > 1 or compresses if 0 < |a| < 1.
Domain and Range
Domain is the set of allowable inputs. Watch for division by zero and even roots of negative
numbers. Range is the set of possible outputs; for many functions it is easiest to determine from
a graph or by analyzing the vertex and end behavior.
5. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis
Rates, Ratios, and Proportional Relationships
Unit rates, similar figures, and direct/inverse variation appear frequently. Set up proportions
carefully and check units. For multi-step rate problems (distance = rate × time), draw a simple
table or diagram.
Percentages and Percent Change
Successive percent changes do not simply add. An increase of 20% followed by a decrease of
20% does not return to the original (multiply by 1.2 then by 0.8 = 0.96, a net 4% decrease).
Always work with multipliers.
Statistics and Data Displays
• Mean, median, mode, range, and interquartile range.
• Box plots, histograms, scatterplots, and two-way tables.
• Line of best fit and interpreting slope/intercept in context.
• Correlation is not causation; the SAT sometimes tests whether a conclusion is supported
by the data.
Probability
Basic probability = favorable / total. For independent events, multiply probabilities. For “or” with
mutually exclusive events, add. Conditional probability and two-way tables require careful
reading of the given information.
6. Geometry and Trigonometry
Circles
Equation of a circle: (x − h)² + (y − k)² = r², center (h, k), radius r.
Arc length = (θ/360) × 2πr; sector area = (θ/360) × πr², where θ is the central angle in degrees.
The reference sheet also gives special right triangle ratios.
Right Triangle Trigonometry
SOH-CAH-TOA:
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SAT Math Advanced Notes | Student Study Guide
• sin θ = opposite / hypotenuse
• cos θ = adjacent / hypotenuse
• tan θ = opposite / adjacent
You may need to find a missing side or angle. The SAT does not require inverse trig values
beyond recognizing common angles (30°, 45°, 60°) or setting up the ratio.
Similar Triangles and Volume
Corresponding angles are equal; corresponding sides are proportional. Volume formulas for
prisms, cylinders, cones, pyramids, and spheres are on the reference sheet—practice applying
them in word problems and composite figures.
7. Advanced Problem-Solving Strategies
• Plug in numbers: When answers are expressions or the question is abstract, substitute
simple values for variables.
• Work backwards: Sometimes starting from the answer choices is faster.
• Draw a diagram: Especially for geometry and word problems involving rates or
mixtures.
• Use Desmos strategically: Graph equations to find intersections, check solutions, or
explore transformations.
• Estimate first: Eliminate unreasonable answer choices before calculating precisely.
• Translate carefully: Turn word problems into equations systematically; define variables
clearly.
8. Targeting the Harder Module
On the Digital SAT, strong performance on Module 1 routes you to the harder Module 2, which
is necessary for scores above roughly 650–700. Focus on:
• High accuracy on foundational Algebra and Advanced Math questions.
• Avoiding careless arithmetic errors.
• Managing time so you finish Module 1 without rushing the last few questions.
• Practicing full adaptive practice tests in Bluebook so you experience the real adaptive
flow.
9. Study Plan for Advanced Students
1. Week 1–2: Deep review of quadratics, polynomials, and exponent rules. Drill until
automatic.
2. Week 3: Functions, transformations, and exponential modeling.
3. Week 4: Geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.
4. Ongoing: 2–3 timed practice modules per week plus full practice tests every 1–2 weeks.
5. Error log: Categorize every mistake (concept gap, careless, time pressure, misread)
and review weekly.
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SAT Math Advanced Notes | Student Study Guide
10. Key Formulas to Memorize
• Quadratic formula: x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / (2a)
• Vertex form: y = a(x − h)² + k
• Discriminant: b² − 4ac
• Circle equation: (x − h)² + (y − k)² = r²
• All exponent rules listed earlier
• SOH-CAH-TOA
• Exponential growth/decay: a(1 ± r)ᵗ
• Distance and midpoint formulas
11. Final Advice
Advanced students often plateau because of careless errors or weak spots in less-practiced
topics (data analysis or trig). Treat every practice test as a diagnostic. The difference between a
700 and an 800 is usually consistency and the ability to stay calm on the hardest questions. Use
the Desmos calculator as a tool, not a crutch—still know the underlying algebra. Official
Bluebook practice tests remain the gold standard.
You are ready to push for a top score. Stay disciplined, review deeply, and trust the process.
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