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The SAT Math Test: Heart of Algebra

In this series of articles, we take a closer look at the SAT Math Test.

Math questions on the test fall into different categories called "domains." One of these domains is Heart of Algebra.

You will not need to know domain names for the test; domains are a way for the College Board to break down your math score into helpful subscores on your score report, and they also ensure that each new SAT is balanced in the same way every time.
The SAT focuses strongly on algebra — especially on the areas of the subject that are most essential for success in college and careers. Questions in the Heart of Algebra domain will assess your ability to analyze, fluently solve, and create linear equations and inequalities, as well as systems of equations using multiple techniques.
Heart of Algebra questions may be straightforward fluency exercises or may pose bigger challenges, such as asking you to interpret the relationship between linear equations and their graphs.
Just a few examples of skills you will be asked to use:
  • Solving linear equations in one variable
  • Solving linear equations in two variables
  • Creating and using a system of two variables and two linear equations
  • Creating and using linear inequalities in one or two variables
  • Identifying equations of lines on a graph
Identifying equations of lines on a graph
The graph of line k is shown in the x, y-plane above. Which of the following is an equation of a line that is perpendicular to line k ?
Choose 1 answer:

  • Interpreting two variables in a linear equation
Example
A voter registration drive was held in Town start text, Y, end text. The number of voters, V, registered T days after the drive began can be estimated by the equation V, equals, 3, comma, 450, plus, 65, T. What is the best interpretation of the number 65 in this equation?
Choose 1 answer:

Are you ready to start practicing your algebra skills? Head over to the Math Practice Area and try some problems!

Attributions

This article was adapted from the following source: “Test Specifications for the Redesigned SAT.”

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  • blobby green style avatar for user barbara brown
    I am 26 and have been out of school for almost 10 years. the school I am going to attend needs me to take my sat. will this program help me with my math? I feel as if I forgot everything. I have to take my SAT in 7-8 months.
    (32 votes)
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  • winston default style avatar for user LM93
    Hi, I have a specific question about the SAT. I'm in 8th grade, and I'm going to take the test by the end of the year, before I graduate. In case I get bad, I've heard you can "hide" any scores you receive before entering high school from any college I apply to. Is this true?
    (4 votes)
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    • mr pink red style avatar for user David Lee
      Yes, it is true but I don't recommend taking at 8th grade. I'll say 10th or 11th. There is no limit but I recommend taking 2 or 3 times. Colleges still can find out how many times you took SAT and what you scored even if you give them your highest score. This does not matter much, but it usually takes a pretty long time to prepare. Just my opinion.
      (25 votes)
  • blobby green style avatar for user Myra Liaqat
    HI..I wanted to know from where can I review all topics ? I can't find in Khan academy's materials.
    (11 votes)
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    • piceratops ultimate style avatar for user Jana
      Hello! If you click on the "Tips and Strategies" tab there are videos and articled that guide you through solving SAT math problems and questions on the reading section, as well as other helpful tips. If you are looking for topics unrelated to the SAT then go to your home screen on Khan Academy (where it lists your profile at the top) and click on "Courses". From there you may chooses any course that you would like to begin learning. I hope this helped!
      (7 votes)
  • blobby green style avatar for user alaa21998
    Hello I am studying for the new sat but I want to ask what the math basics and formula that I need to memorize before taking the new sat math in may?
    (0 votes)
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  • female robot grace style avatar for user GoddessOfLightning
    Is this the best possible free program you can get in the USA?
    (6 votes)
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  • blobby green style avatar for user Arianna Calcatelli
    Can you get a good score in math by studying only for 35 days ?
    (4 votes)
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  • hopper cool style avatar for user Pranavverma
    I have a question. Is the SAT going to happen this year in 2020, or is it postpobed due to the pandemic (COVID-19)? When, then, will it happen if it is postponed?
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  • blobby green style avatar for user jungd19897
    I am having trouble with the math section on the SAT on the day of the test. I do not understand why I do so badly on the math section when I scored a lot better at home. I have taken multiple practice tests and on most practice tests I have gotten 1-10 questions wrong. Unfortunately, on the actual test, I get around 20 wrong. I am currently studying every day still getting 1-10 questions wrong. Where do I go from here?
    (1 vote)
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    • piceratops ultimate style avatar for user Hecretary Bird
      Well, if the actual SAT was drastically different from you in your practice, there probably is something that's different about them that causes you to miss so much more. Perhaps its some of the anxiety that comes with it being actual test. It might be that the math test comes at the very end of the 3 hour long SAT, and you might be tired. Maybe in your practice you might not have actually sat down for the full time. It might be the tests you've been taking, too. The practice tests most guaranteed to be similar to the real SAT are official practice tests and past exams, the more recent the better. If you practiced with other tests, the real SAT might have been a lot different, and that may have been why. Or it might just have been a bad day, who knows.
      From here, just keep doing what you're doing. Make sure that you practice as close to the actual test conditions that you can, with official practice tests and focus for the whole time, and make sure to review your answers after. good luck.
      (3 votes)
  • blobby green style avatar for user Naomi  Bwalya
    How can you tell if the slope is positive or negative by looking at the gragh
    (2 votes)
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  • piceratops tree style avatar for user adam el afifi
    Hey, I am a senior who took the SAT twice and both time got a 980 how and what can I do exactly to raise it up ? Because I am so lost. :(
    (1 vote)
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