SAT Math / Topic
Advanced Math
Advanced Math is about 35% of SAT Math and tests the nonlinear algebra you need for college math: quadratics, exponentials, polynomials, radicals, and rational expressions, plus function notation and transformations.
What the exam asks
- Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
- Interpret vertex form and use the discriminant to count real solutions
- Model growth and decay with exponential functions and contrast them with linear models
- Operate on polynomials and use the factor and remainder theorems
- Simplify rational and radical expressions and solve the corresponding equations, checking for extraneous solutions
- Evaluate, compose, and transform functions written in function notation
Key formulas and rules
x = (−b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / (2a)
b² − 4ac > 0: two real; = 0: one real; < 0: no real solutions
y = a(x − h)² + k, vertex at (h, k)
x = −b / (2a)
sum = −b/a, product = c/a
y = a·(1 + r)^t for growth, y = a·(1 − r)^t for decay
x^a · x^b = x^(a+b); (x^a)^b = x^(ab); x^(a/b) = b-th root of x^a
Question bank breakdown
127
36 easy · 48 medium · 43 hard
Skills covered
Every question in the bank comes with a per-choice explanation, so you learn why each wrong answer is wrong — not just the key.
Practice this topic
The full set of Advanced Math questions — with a per-choice explanation on every answer — lives in the practice workspace. Start free, no account needed.
Study tip
Memorize the three quadratic forms (standard, factored, vertex) and what each reveals instantly — the SAT loves asking which form displays the vertex, the roots, or the y-intercept as a constant or coefficient.