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SAT Math Terms

The SAT Math section tests your knowledge of algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, geometry and trigonometry, and advanced math. This page collects every term and formula on Mathwords that appears on the SAT, organized by topic area. Use it as a study reference or formula review before test day.

Absolute Value4

Absolute value definition, equations, inequalities, and rules

Algebra Vocabulary & General Concepts49

Core algebra vocabulary, properties, and general mathematical concepts

Angles & Lines47

Types of angles, angle relationships, parallel lines, transversals, and perpendiculars

Area & Perimeter16

2D measurement formulas for area and perimeter of common shapes

Arithmetic Operations & Exponents17

Basic arithmetic operations, exponents, powers, roots, and order of operations

Circles21

Circle properties, arcs, sectors, chords, tangent lines, and inscribed angles

Coordinate Geometry & Analytic Methods31

Coordinate plane, distance formula, midpoint, analytic geometry, and coordinate systems

Descriptive Statistics9

Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, and measures of spread

Exponentials & Logarithms21

Exponential functions, logarithms, growth/decay, and their properties

Factors, Multiples & Divisibility8

Factors, multiples, GCF, LCM, prime factorization, and divisibility

Financial Mathematics9

Interest, annuities, present/future value, and financial formulas

Fractions & Decimals12

Fractions, decimals, mixed numbers, and operations with fractions

Functions & Relations51

Function notation, domain, range, types of functions, and function operations

Geometry Foundations16

Foundational geometry concepts, planes, measurement units, non-Euclidean geometry, and general vocabulary

Graph Transformations & Symmetry23

Translations, reflections, stretches, compressions, and symmetry of graphs

Inequalities & Interval Notation27

Inequalities, compound inequalities, absolute value inequalities, interval notation, and complex numbers

Inference & Regression17

Linear regression, correlation, hypothesis testing, and statistical inference

Linear Equations & Graphs34

Slope, linear equations, systems of equations, and graphing lines

Measurement, Estimation & Notation25

Measurement, scientific notation, rounding, significant digits, and mathematical notation

Number Systems & Properties16

Algebraic properties, number classifications, and equivalence relations

Polynomials & Factoring46

Polynomial operations, factoring, synthetic division, and polynomial theorems

Probability & Counting16

Combinations, permutations, probability rules, and counting principles

Probability Fundamentals16

Probability rules, conditional probability, Bayes theorem, and probability calculations

Quadratic Equations & Parabolas19

Quadratic formula, factoring quadratics, discriminant, vertex form, and parabolas

Quadrilaterals & Polygons33

Quadrilaterals, regular polygons, and their properties

Radicals & Rational Expressions14

Radicals, radical equations, rational expressions, and rationalizing

Regression & Correlation9

Linear regression, correlation, least squares, and data relationships

Sequences & Series26

Arithmetic and geometric sequences, series, summation notation, and convergence

Statistics & Data Displays26

Descriptive statistics, data visualization, distributions, and sampling

Surface Area & Volume46

3D measurement: surface area and volume of prisms, cylinders, cones, spheres, and other solids

Triangles & Congruence56

Triangle types, congruence tests, special lines in triangles, and triangle properties

Trig Functions & Definitions25

Sine, cosine, tangent, unit circle, SOHCAHTOA, law of sines/cosines, and basic trig definitions

Variation & Proportion7

Direct, inverse, and joint variation; proportional relationships

All SAT Math Terms Terms A–Z (792)

Frequently Asked Questions

What math is on the SAT?
The SAT Math section covers four areas: (1) Algebra — linear equations, systems, inequalities; (2) Advanced Math — quadratics, polynomials, exponential functions; (3) Problem-Solving and Data Analysis — ratios, percentages, probability, statistics; (4) Geometry and Trigonometry — area, volume, angles, trig ratios.
Is there a formula sheet on the SAT?
The SAT provides a small reference sheet with a few geometry formulas (area of a circle, volume of cylinder/sphere/cone, special right triangle ratios, etc.). However, you are expected to know most algebra, statistics, and trigonometry formulas from memory.
What is a good SAT Math score?
SAT Math is scored from 200 to 800. A score of 530 is roughly average (50th percentile). A score of 610+ puts you in the top 25%. A score of 700+ puts you in the top 5%.
Can I use a calculator on the SAT?
Yes. The entire SAT Math section allows a calculator (graphing or scientific). However, many questions are designed to be solved more efficiently without one.

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