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
01Estimate a messy calculation in your headRound each number to one that is easy to work with, then do the arithmetic in your head.
02Tell whether your estimate is too high or too lowCheck which way you rounded each number, remembering that rounding up a number you divide by or subtract makes the estimate too low.
03Tell when an estimate is enough to pick the answerEstimate when the answer choices are far apart, and calculate exactly when two choices are close together.
04Catch a mistyped calculator entry with a quick estimateCompare the calculator’s result with a quick estimate, and retype the calculation if the result is far too big or too small.
This lesson is part of the full library
207 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
71Math
40Reading
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
