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
01Test answer choices that contain variables by picking a numberPick a simple number for the variable and cross out every answer choice that gives a different value from the original expression.
02Pick numbers that are easy to work with and still fit the questionSkip any number that makes a denominator zero or breaks a condition the question states, such as being even or odd.
03Find an expression’s value at the number you pickedReplace each x in the expression with your number and do the arithmetic to get one value.
04Plug your number into the choices in Desmos, each choice in its own input boxType your number for the letter in its own input box and each choice in a box of its own to see its value, as long as the letter is not x, y, or e.
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
