Ready to see how awesome Shmoop is and why everybody is talking about us?
The SAT Math Exam
SAT Math practice
All Right - What is This SAT Business?
Preparing for the Math section of the SAT is a lot like getting ready for a vacation: you'll need to know where you're going, how to get there, and the supplies you need to make it an awesome trip. Not to mention how to avoid getting sent to the emergency room with a tragic case of food poisoning from that suspicious-looking hot dog on a stick that you bought from a gas station.
We make these mistakes so you don't have to. We're a river to our people.
Here's the thing: most of us hate packing. It's boring, we leave it until the last possible minute, and we usually still end up wondering why we thought it was a good idea to pack five pairs of snowpants and a grass skirt for a week in Cabo. Whether you're traveling around the world or just across town, figuring out what you need to take (and what to leave behind) can be harder than planning the trip itself.
Luckily, you can pack light for SAT Math. Here's a quick rundown of the essentials:
- Approximately five sharpened #2 pencils (but NOT mechanical pencils)
- A few soft erasers (we recommend something that you already know will work)
- A calculator (surprise!)
You can actually use a calculator on the Math section of the SAT—hallelujah!—so it's time to get up close and personal with your favorite scientific or graphing calculator. (Ours is named Sparky.) Keep in mind, though, that every question on the SAT can be solved without Sparky's assistance. Plus, some types of calculators just aren't allowed on the test. These include:
- Calculators that with Bluetooth, wireless, or the ability to connect to the Internet
- Calculators with a QWERTY keyboard, touch screen, or pen stylus
- Calculators that can record audio, record video, or "talk"
- Calculators on cell phones (which are also NOT permitted in the exam room)
- Extra calculator batteries