General Math Instructions
Before looking at each particular type of math question,
it’s a good idea to look at SAT math questions in general. All three
types of math questions come with a standard core of directions.
For the regular MCs, these core instructions are the only directions
you’ll need. QCs and GIs come with additional instructions that
we’ll cover later. Now, without further ado, here are the general
math instructions:
In this section solve each problem,
using any available space on the page for scratchwork. Then decide which
is the best of the choices given and fill in the corresponding oval
on the answer sheet.
Notes:
1. The use of a calculator is permitted.
All numbers are real numbers.
2. Figures that accompany problems in this
test are intended to provide information useful in solving the problems.
They are drawn as accurately as possible EXCEPT when it is stated
in a specific problem that the figure is not drawn to scale. All
figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated. |
The first note tells you the reassuring news that you
will only have to deal with real numbers. If you’ve done some high
school math, you should know that real numbers constitute all integers
and all the fractions that exist between those integers.
The second note tells you two things. First, for all normal
diagrams, if one angle looks bigger than another, it truly will
be bigger: you can trust the diagrams and use them to help you.
Second, this statement warns you to check if a diagram is marked
“This figure is not drawn to scale.” If a diagram is marked in that
way , you know to be careful and to trust your knowledge of geometry
rather than the given figure. You also might want to draw your own
figure that is to scale.
