Which Math Formulas Should I Memorize for the SAT?
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Preparing for the math section of the SAT is overwhelming for many students. The digital testing platform provides a limited reference sheet, which contains the Pythagorean theorem and other basic geometry formulas. But you need to memorize a variety of other essential algebra, advanced math, and trigonometry formulas that you won’t have in front of you during the exam.
This guide will cover the SAT math formulas you need to know going into the test. Whether you’re getting an early start on studying or you’re a math whiz looking to sharpen your skills, this article will teach you how to memorize math formulas and ace the math portion of the SAT.
Why Memorizing Math Formulas Matters for the SAT
Time management is one of the main reasons why memorizing math formulas is important. You only have about one minute and 35 seconds to spend on each question, so having the necessary formulas in your head is key to using your time efficiently.
But having formulas for SAT math questions memorized is about more than just the time limit. Wasting precious seconds on racking your brain for formulas or triple-checking your reference sheet can halt your momentum and harm your confidence.
Memorization helps reduce the chance of costly errors, allowing you to dedicate your brain’s processing power to functional problem-solving during the test. It will also help keep your confidence up.
Even small mistakes can send entire problems off track and seriously impact your score. Memorizing provided formulas is helpful and allows you to work efficiently without constantly looking at the reference sheet. But when it comes to unprovided formulas, a good memory is essential to your success.
Key SAT Math Formulas You Need To Know
Even straight-A students feel nervous about the math section of the SATs. With math, you can’t just take your best guess or fake it 'til you make it. You have to know your stuff. But what if you forget a formula or mess up the order of operations?
It’s normal to be anxious leading up to the test, but the good thing about math is that practice makes perfect. Studying the SAT math subjects over and over will help you memorize the critical formulas and approach each question with confidence.
Here are the key formulas for the SAT math section you’ll need on the exam:
- Algebra formulas: Slope, quadratic, linear equations
- Geometry formulas: Area, volume, circles, triangles
- Trigonometry basics: Sine, cosine, tangent
- Statistics formulas: Mean, median, mode, probability
- Coordinate geometry and line equations: Distance, midpoint, point-slope form
Formulas Provided on the SAT vs Ones You Must Memorize
You’ll be given a reference sheet within the digital testing platform, which contains some helpful math formulas for SAT questions that focus on geometry and basic algebra. But you need to memorize a number of other formulas.
The SAT reference sheet provides formulas for:
- Area and volume of basic shapes
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Properties of special right triangles
But the in-test sheet does not include the following:
- Slope formula
- Quadratic formula
- Trigonometric ratios
- Probability formulas
Unfortunately, many of the most high-impact formulas on the SAT are also the ones students tend to forget the most.
When studying, pay special attention to the quadratic formula, trigonometric identities, and distance and midpoint formulas. You’ll need these formulas on medium-to-hard questions during the test, so spending extra time on them can pay off.
How To Practice Using SAT Math Formulas Effectively
It’s not enough to memorize the necessary formulas. You need to know how to apply them to real-life problems. Use official SAT practice tests to hone your skills and see which formulas come up most often.
Here are a few tips for studying the formulas and learning to apply them for the SAT:
- Set up a quiet area and avoid distractions while studying.
- Solve practice problems without a formula sheet to simulate real-life testing conditions.
- Look out for common calculation errors, such as sign errors in the quadratic formula or forgetting units in geometry problems.
- Create flashcards with one formula per card, and test your knowledge.
How Tutoring Can Strengthen SAT Math Skills
While general study tips can be helpful as you prepare for the exam, individualized professional tutoring is the best way to practice your math skills and increase your confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for your upcoming SAT or trying to get better at math over the summer, tutoring gives you personalized strategies to improve weak areas and build speed and accuracy through repetition. You get a subject expert to help clarify concepts, answer your questions, and offer critical memorization techniques.
It’s no secret that studying for a big math test can cause frustration, anxiety, and boredom — especially if you struggle with calculations. When you’re dealing with dense subjects and memorizing complex formulas, it can be difficult to find the energy for long study sessions. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Tutoring requires you to be active in your learning, which helps provide accountability and boost motivation. A good tutor approaches each student differently, adjusting their strategies according to individual learning styles, strengths, and interests.
Confidence Comes From Consistent Practice
Waiting until the last minute to study for a test is never a good idea, but it’s especially important not to cram for the SAT. The exam is too comprehensive and important for that. Slow and steady wins the race. Intentional review and consistent practice beat cramming every time, especially for the math section.
Fortunately, you don’t have to guess which topics will be on the SAT. There are numerous resources and specialized tutors to help you prepare so you can go into the exam with confidence.
Alexander Tutoring provides comprehensive SAT prep and tutoring services to help you hone your skills and prepare to ace the exam. Contact us to learn how we can help.
