SAT Exam Flashcards

Q: What is the Digital SAT format?

The SAT has a Reading and Writing section and a Math section, each split into two modules. It is multistage adaptive, meaning performance on the first module affects the difficulty of the second module.

Q: How is the SAT scored?

The SAT is scored from 400 to 1600, combining Reading and Writing (200-800) and Math (200-800). There is no passing score.

Q: Can I use a calculator on SAT Math?

Yes. A calculator is permitted throughout the Math section, and the Bluebook app includes a Desmos graphing calculator.

Q: What should I use flashcards for on the SAT?

Use flashcards for grammar rules, rhetorical moves, formula recall, graph interpretation, algebra patterns, and common problem-solving distinctions. Pair recall with timed practice.

Question 1

Digital SAT sections

Accepted Answer

The Digital SAT has Reading and Writing plus Math. Each section has two modules, and both sections contribute 200-800 points to the 400-1600 total score.

Question 2

Multistage adaptive testing

Accepted Answer

Your performance on the first module of a section determines whether your second module is easier or harder. Accuracy early in each section matters.

Question 3

SAT score range

Accepted Answer

The total SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600. Reading and Writing contributes 200-800, and Math contributes 200-800.

Question 4

No wrong-answer penalty

Accepted Answer

The SAT does not subtract points for incorrect answers. Answer every question, even if you must make an educated guess.

Question 5

Calculator policy

Accepted Answer

A calculator is allowed throughout SAT Math. Use Desmos for graphing, solving intersections, checking systems, and exploring function behavior.

Question 6

Words in Context

Accepted Answer

Choose the word that fits the sentence logic, not just a familiar definition. Look for contrast, cause-effect, and tone clues around the blank or word.

Question 7

Central idea

Accepted Answer

A central idea answer should cover the whole text without adding claims the passage does not support. Avoid choices that mention only one detail.

Question 8

Command of evidence

Accepted Answer

Evidence answers must directly support the claim in the prompt. Match the exact relationship: example, data trend, contrast, or reason.

Question 9

Inference

Accepted Answer

A valid inference is strongly supported by the text but not stated word for word. It should be a modest conclusion, not a leap beyond the evidence.

Question 10

Text structure and purpose

Accepted Answer

Purpose questions ask what a sentence or paragraph does: introduce, define, contrast, support, qualify, summarize, or challenge an idea.

Question 11

Cross-text connections

Accepted Answer

Compare how two short texts relate. The correct answer usually identifies agreement, disagreement, qualification, or how one author would respond to the other.

Question 12

Transitions

Accepted Answer

Pick the transition that matches the logic between sentences. However signals contrast; therefore signals result; for example introduces evidence; similarly shows likeness.

Question 13

Rhetorical synthesis

Accepted Answer

Use only the notes needed for the stated goal. A good synthesis answer is targeted, relevant, and does not dump every fact from the notes.

Question 14

Sentence boundaries

Accepted Answer

A complete sentence needs a subject and a finite verb. Comma splices and fused sentences are common SAT boundary errors.

Question 15

Comma splice

Accepted Answer

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Fix it with a period, semicolon, coordinating conjunction, or subordinating conjunction.

Question 16

Semicolon

Accepted Answer

A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses. It cannot connect a complete sentence to a fragment.

Question 17

Colon

Accepted Answer

A colon introduces an explanation, list, or example after a complete independent clause. The words before the colon must be able to stand alone.

Question 18

Subject-verb agreement

Accepted Answer

Match the verb to the true subject, not to a nearby noun in a prepositional phrase or modifier.

Question 19

Pronoun agreement

Accepted Answer

A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and must clearly point to one noun. Ambiguous pronouns create errors.

Question 20

Modifier placement

Accepted Answer

A modifier should be placed next to the word it describes. Misplaced or dangling modifiers create illogical meanings.

Question 21

Linear equation

Accepted Answer

A linear equation has variables to the first power and graphs as a line. Solve by isolating the variable while doing the same operation to both sides.

Question 22

Slope-intercept form

Accepted Answer

y = mx + b, where m is slope and b is the y-intercept. The slope shows change in y for each 1-unit change in x.

Question 23

Point-slope form

Accepted Answer

y - y1 = m(x - x1). Use it when you know a point on a line and the slope.

Question 24

System of linear equations

Accepted Answer

A solution to a system is the point that satisfies both equations. On a graph, it is the intersection of the lines.

Question 25

Parallel and perpendicular slopes

Accepted Answer

Parallel lines have equal slopes. Perpendicular nonvertical lines have slopes that multiply to -1.

Question 26

Linear inequality

Accepted Answer

When multiplying or dividing an inequality by a negative number, reverse the inequality sign. Graphs show a boundary plus a shaded solution region.

Question 27

Percent change

Accepted Answer

Percent change equals (new value - original value) / original value x 100%. Use the original value as the denominator.

Question 28

Unit rate

Accepted Answer

A unit rate compares a quantity to one unit of another quantity, such as miles per hour or dollars per pound. Units guide the calculation.

Question 29

Mean vs median

Accepted Answer

Mean is the average; median is the middle value in ordered data. Outliers pull the mean more strongly than the median.

Question 30

Probability

Accepted Answer

For equally likely outcomes, probability equals favorable outcomes divided by total outcomes. For independent events, multiply probabilities.

Question 31

Scatterplot association

Accepted Answer

Positive association rises left to right, negative association falls left to right, and no association has no clear pattern. Association does not prove causation.

Question 32

Margin of error

Accepted Answer

A margin of error describes likely sampling variation around an estimate. Larger random samples usually produce smaller margins of error.

Question 33

Exponent product rule

Accepted Answer

When multiplying powers with the same base, add exponents: a^m x a^n = a^(m+n).

Question 34

Exponent power rule

Accepted Answer

When raising a power to a power, multiply exponents: (a^m)^n = a^(mn).

Question 35

Quadratic standard form

Accepted Answer

ax^2 + bx + c = 0 is standard form. The graph is a parabola, and solutions are the x-values where the graph crosses the x-axis.

Question 36

Factoring a quadratic

Accepted Answer

For x^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b. Factoring reveals the zeros when each factor is set equal to zero.

Question 37

Quadratic formula

Accepted Answer

For ax^2 + bx + c = 0, x = (-b plus or minus sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a). Use it when factoring is slow or impossible.

Question 38

Discriminant

Accepted Answer

The discriminant is b^2 - 4ac. Positive means two real solutions, zero means one repeated real solution, and negative means no real solutions.

Question 39

Exponential growth

Accepted Answer

An exponential model multiplies by a constant factor over equal intervals. A form like y = a(1 + r)^t represents growth by rate r.

Question 40

Function intercepts

Accepted Answer

The y-intercept occurs when x = 0. An x-intercept occurs where y = 0, often found by solving f(x) = 0.

Question 41

Triangle angle sum

Accepted Answer

The interior angles of a triangle sum to 180 degrees. An exterior angle equals the sum of the two remote interior angles.

Question 42

Pythagorean theorem

Accepted Answer

In a right triangle, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the hypotenuse. Common triples include 3-4-5 and 5-12-13.

Question 43

Special right triangle: 45-45-90

Accepted Answer

The side ratio is x : x : x sqrt(2). The hypotenuse is a leg times sqrt(2).

Question 44

Special right triangle: 30-60-90

Accepted Answer

The side ratio is x : x sqrt(3) : 2x, from shortest leg to longer leg to hypotenuse.

Question 45

Sine, cosine, tangent

Accepted Answer

In a right triangle, sin = opposite/hypotenuse, cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, and tan = opposite/adjacent.

Question 46

Circle equation

Accepted Answer

A circle centered at (h, k) with radius r has equation (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2.

Question 47

Arc length

Accepted Answer

Arc length is the same fraction of circumference as the central angle is of 360 degrees: angle/360 x 2 pi r.

Question 48

Area of a sector

Accepted Answer

Sector area is the same fraction of circle area as the central angle is of 360 degrees: angle/360 x pi r^2.

Question 49

Volume of a cylinder

Accepted Answer

Volume equals base area times height: V = pi r^2 h. Watch whether the problem gives radius or diameter.

Question 50

Desmos as a checker

Accepted Answer

Graph equations to check intersections, zeros, and transformations, but still understand the algebra so you can set up the right expressions quickly.

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