SAT Subject Test in Math I

The SAT Subject Test in Math I assesses students' understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and skills.

Numbers and OperationsAlgebraic Expressions and EquationsGeometry: Shapes and Measurement
Functions and GraphsData Analysis and ProbabilityCoordinate Geometry
Personal Finance and BudgetingCooking and MeasurementsTravel and Navigation
Time Management and PacingSmart Guessing and Elimination
Numbers and Operatio...Algebraic Expression...Geometry: Shapes and...Functions and GraphsData Analysis and Pr...Coordinate GeometryPersonal Finance and...Cooking and Measurem...Travel and Navigatio...Time Management and ...Smart Guessing and E...
Basic Concepts

Algebraic Expressions and Equations

Expressing the Unknown

Algebra allows us to represent unknowns with letters and solve problems logically. Algebraic expressions combine numbers and variables using mathematical operations.

Simplifying Expressions

Combine like terms and use the distributive property: \(a(b + c) = ab + ac\).

Solving Equations

To find the value of a variable, perform operations to both sides of the equation until the variable stands alone.

Why It Matters

Algebra is everywhere! Whether adjusting a recipe or planning a budget, you're writing and solving equations.

Common Pitfalls

  • Forgetting to balance both sides of an equation
  • Misapplying the distributive property

Examples

  • Finding how many books you can buy with $20 if each costs $3: \(3x = 20\).

  • Simplifying \(2(x + 4) - x\) to \(x + 8\).

In a Nutshell

Algebra lets us solve problems with unknowns using logic and operations.

Key Terms

Variable
A symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown number.
Distributive Property
A property that allows multiplying a number by a sum: \(a(b + c) = ab + ac\).
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Geometry: Shapes and Measurement