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SAT Math / Topic

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis covers roughly 15% of SAT Math: ratios, rates, percentages, proportions, units, and the statistics of tables, scatterplots, and study design. It is the most calculator-friendly and real-world domain.

53 practice questions17 skill areas
Practice Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisQuick 5 warm-upQuestion library

What the exam asks

  • Set up and solve ratio, rate, proportion, and unit-conversion problems
  • Compute percent change and reverse-percentage problems
  • Read two-way tables and compute conditional probabilities from them
  • Interpret scatterplots, lines of best fit, and residual-style reasoning
  • Compare mean, median, mode, and range, and reason about outliers and spread
  • Judge sampling methods and whether conclusions about cause are justified

Key formulas and rules

Percent change

(new − old) / old × 100%

Proportion

a/b = c/d ⇒ ad = bc

Average

mean = sum / count, so sum = mean × count

Probability from a table

P(A given B) = (count in A and B) / (count in B)

Outlier effects

outliers pull the mean, barely move the median

Margin of error

larger random samples ⇒ smaller margin of error

Question bank breakdown

Multiple choice

53

Difficulty mix

14 easy · 23 medium · 16 hard

Skills covered

Ratios, rates, proportionsPercentages, percent changeStatistics: mean, median, mode, range, standard deviationProbability and conditional probabilityData interpretation from tables, charts, graphsScatterplots, line of best fitRatios and proportionsRatesUnit conversionPercentagesMean, median, and modeEffect of outliersStandard deviationScatterplots and lines of best fitInterpreting slopes of modelsProbability from tablesStudy design, margin of error, and inference

Every question in the bank comes with a worked explanation, and most add a per-choice breakdown so you learn why each wrong answer is wrong - not just the key.

Sample question

From the free tier of the ScoreMint SAT Math bank - try it, then check the answer.

A recipe calls for flour and sugar in a ratio of 5 to 2. If a baker uses 3.5 cups of sugar, how many cups of flour are needed?

  • A. 7.0
  • B. 8.75
  • C. 1.4
  • D. 12.25
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. Correct. flour/sugar = 5/2, so flour = 3.5 × (5/2) = 3.5 × 2.5 = 8.75. Check: 8.75/3.5 = 2.5 = 5/2. ✓

Try more SAT Math questions

Study tip

For conditional probability from a two-way table, underline the 'given' group first and use only that row or column as your denominator - most wrong answers come from using the grand total.

SAT Math

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Every topic page includes exam scope, key rules, and a route into practice.

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Study guides

Guides for this subject

Free strategy and pacing guides that pair with this topic's practice.

SAT Math Strategy: How to Work Smarter, Not Just Harder

SAT Math strategy that works: pacing, plugging in numbers, avoiding trap answers, and building accuracy with focused, well-reviewed practice.

8 min read

How to Improve Your SAT Score: A Diagnostic-Driven Plan

A diagnostic-driven plan to raise your SAT score: baseline, target weak skills, review every miss, and simulate the full test.

8 min read