SAT Math

A comprehensive course to master all the mathematical concepts, skills, and strategies needed to succeed on the SAT exam.

Numbers and OperationsAlgebraic Expressions and EquationsLinear Functions and Graphs
Quadratic Functions and ParabolasSystems of EquationsData Analysis and Statistics
Budgeting and Financial MathDistance, Rate, and Time ProblemsGeometry in Construction and Design
Plugging In NumbersBacksolving Answer Choices
Numbers and Operatio...Algebraic Expression...Linear Functions and...Quadratic Functions ...Systems of EquationsData Analysis and St...Budgeting and Financ...Distance, Rate, and ...Geometry in Construc...Plugging In NumbersBacksolving Answer C...
Study Strategies

Plugging In Numbers

Make Problems Easier

When a problem has variables and it’s hard to see the answer, try plugging in easy numbers (like 1, 2, or 10) for the variables. This can turn an abstract question into something you can solve directly!

When to Use

  • Problems with variables in the answer choices.
  • Word problems where the numbers are not specified.

Steps

  1. Assign a number to each variable.
  2. Solve the problem using those numbers.
  3. Compare your result to the answer choices.

This is a great trick for tricky SAT problems!

Examples

  • If a question asks about \( x \) and \( y \), choose \( x = 2, y = 3 \) and solve.

  • Testing answer choices by plugging numbers into the expressions.

Next
Backsolving Answer Choices