SAT Math · Study & Practice
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are the language of the SAT Math section — every equation, function and word problem is built from them. This chapter covers variables, constants, terms, coefficients, like and unlike terms, simplifying expressions and evaluating them. Read each topic, try the problems with the hint ladder, then take the 8-question topic test.
Topics
1
Variables
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2
Constants
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3
Terms
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4
Coefficients
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5
Like and Unlike Terms
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6
Simplification
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7
Evaluating Expressions
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Chapter test
Formula Reference Sheet
This chapter
Building blocks
| Term | a number, a variable, or a product of them |
|---|---|
| Coefficient | the number multiplying a variable |
| Constant | a term with no variable |
| Like terms | same variable(s) to the same power |
Working with expressions
| Combine like terms | add/subtract their coefficients |
|---|---|
| Distributive law | a(b + c) = ab + ac |
| Evaluate | substitute values, then simplify (order of operations) |
Digital SAT reference
Area & Circumference
| Circle area | A = πr² |
|---|---|
| Circle circumference | C = 2πr |
| Rectangle | A = ℓw |
| Triangle | A = ½ b h |
Volume
| Rectangular box | V = ℓwh |
|---|---|
| Cylinder | V = πr²h |
| Sphere | V = 4⁄3 πr³ |
| Cone | V = 1⁄3 πr²h |
| Pyramid | V = 1⁄3 ℓwh |
Right triangles
| Pythagorean theorem | a² + b² = c² |
|---|---|
| 30°–60°–90° | sides x : x√3 : 2x |
| 45°–45°–90° | sides s : s : s√2 |
Constants
| Degrees in a circle | 360° |
|---|---|
| Radians in a circle | 2π |
| Angles of a triangle | sum = 180° |
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