SAT Math / Problem Solving

Break Complex Problems into Chunks

backsolvingAnswering a multiple-choice question by putting the answer choices into the problem, one at a time, until one makes every condition true.

You’ll leave with these skills

You’ll fill in the blanks as the lesson teaches each skill.

  1. Trace the answer back to the quantities it needsStart from the quantity the question asks for blank.
  2. Apply each change to the amount it acts onA percentage change blank.
  3. Solve for a whole expression without finding each variableWhen the question asks for an expression, blank.
  4. Keep only answers the situation allows, then finish the questionTest every solution in the situation, keep blank.

This lesson is part of the full library

129 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
  • 66Math
  • 39Reading
  • 24Grammar
  • 10 full-length practice tests to build test-day stamina and confidence
  • A Desmos simulator to solve math questions faster
  • A step-by-step guide to every practice test question
  • The Bluebook Simulator, so test day feels familiar
  • A drawing for every key term, so new ideas make sense at a glance

Explore the full library