The SAT Math section is known for its tricky problems that can challenge even the most prepared students. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect score or just want to improve, tackling the hardest SAT Math questions is a key to success. In this blog, we’ll walk through 20 of the hardest SAT Math questions, break them down, and share helpful tips for mastering them.
Understanding the SAT Math Section
About jumping into the hardest questions, it is first helpful to understand what to expect for the SAT Math test. There are two modules: both allow the use of a calculator. The complexity of questions increases significantly, especially in algebra, geometry, and other data analysis areas. Knowing how the test will be structured will help you in tackling each question properly.
Top 20 Hardest SAT Math Questions
Now, let’s dive into some of the toughest SAT Math questions ever. These problems are scattered across all the categories-from algebra to geometry to word problems-and we chose them based on how difficult and relevant they would be to the kind of stuff you might encounter on the test.
1. q = (1/2) nv²
The dynamic pressure q generated by a fluid moving with velocity v can be found using the formula above, where n is the constant density of the fluid. An aeronautical engineer uses the formula to find the dynamic pressure of a fluid moving with velocity v and the same fluid moving with velocity 1.5v. What is the ratio of the dynamic pressure of the faster fluid to the dynamic pressure of the slower fluid?
2. (6 – 2i) / (4 – 3i)
If the expression above is rewritten in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, what is the value of a? (Note: i = √-1)
5. x+y=-9
x+2y= -25
According to the system of equations above, what is the value of x?
6. A summer camp counselor wants to find a length, x, in feet, across a lake as represented in the sketch above. The lengths represented by AB, EB, BD, and CD on the sketch were determined to be 1800 feet, 1400 feet, 700 feet, and 800 feet, respectively. Segments AC and DE intersect at B, and ∠AEB and ∠CDB have the same measure. What is the value of x ?
B) y=(x-3)(x+5)
C) y=x(x-2)-15
D) y=(x-1)^2-16
B. x - 2 is a factor of p(x)
C. x + 2 is a factor of p(x).
D. The remainder when p(x) is divided by x - 3 is -2.
B. Quadrant III
C. Quadrant IV
D. There are solutions in all four quadrants.
B. 1,500
C. 15,000
D. 150,000.
Want to know the Answers? Find it here
12. Katarina is a botanist studying the production of pears by two types of pear trees. She noticed that Type A trees produced 20 percent more pears than Type B trees did. If the Type A trees produced 144 pears, how many pears did the Type B trees produce?
A) 115
B) 120
C) 124
D) 173
The equation above expresses the approximate height h, in meters, of a ball t seconds after it is launched vertically upward from the ground with an initial velocity of 25 meters per second.
After approximately how many seconds will the ball hit the ground?
A) 3.5
B) 4.0
C) 4.5
D) 5.0
B. x^2+(y+4)^2=\frac{\Large 25}{\Large 9}
C. x^2+(y-4)^2=\frac{\Large 5}{\Large 3}
D. x^2+(y+4)^2=\frac{\Large 3}{\Large 5}.
Questions 15 and 16 refers to the following information.
15. Of the following, which program’s ratio of its 2007 budget to its 2010 budget is closest to the human resources program’s ratio of its 2007 budget to its 2010 budget?
A) Agriculture/natural resources
B) Education
C) Highways and transportation
D) Public safety
16. Which of the following best approximates the average rate of change in the annual budget for agriculture/natural resources in Kansas from 2008 to 2010?
A) $50,000,000 per year
B) $65,000,000 per year
C) $75,000,000 per year
D) $130,000,000 per year
B. \frac{\Large 79}{\Large 100}
C. \frac{\Large 79}{\Large 164}
D. \frac{\Large 164}{\Large 200}.
B. \frac{\Large p}{\Large 0.88}
C. (0.8)(1.08)p
D. \frac{\Large p}{\Large (0.8)(1.08)}.
19. A food truck sells salads for $6.50 each and drinks for $2.00 each. The truck’s revenue from selling a total of 209 salads and drinks in one day was $836.50. How many salads were sold that day?
A) 77
B) 93
C) 99
D) 105
y < –x+a
y > x+b
20. In the xy- plane, if (0,0) is a solution to the system of inequalities above, which of the following relationships between a and b must be true?
B. b>a
C. |a|>|b|
D. a=-b.
- 2.25
- 6/5
- 100
- 4/5
- 7
- 1600
- 2
- (D)
- (D)
- (C)
- (C)
- (B)
- (D)
- (A)
- (B)
- (B)
- (C)
- (D)
- (B)
- (A)
Tips and Strategies for Solving the Hardest SAT Math Questions
Tackling these tough problems requires more than just knowing formulas. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Understand the question thoroughly: Read carefully, and identify what is being asked before diving into the math.
- Eliminate obvious wrong answers: Use the process of elimination to make educated guesses, especially when time is limited.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more problems you solve, the more familiar you will become with the patterns in SAT Math questions.
How to Practice and Improve Your SAT Math Skills
To prepare for these challenging questions, you need to practice consistently. Here are some ways to improve your skills:
- Take full-length practice tests to get used to the pacing and pressure of the exam.
- Focus on weaknesses: Review mistakes, and focus on concepts that are commonly tested.
- Use online platforms that offer SAT Math practice questions, as they provide real-time feedback and guidance. You can even consider the Moonpreneur website.
Want to ace the Geometry section? Here are the SAT Geometry Questions You Must Practice Today
Conclusion
The hardest SAT Math questions are tough, but with the right approach, you can tackle them with confidence. Practice is key, so don’t get discouraged by difficult problems. The more you practice, the better prepared you will be. Just stay consistent, and you will be ready for whatever the SAT throws your way.
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