SAT Math · Study & Practice
Polynomials
Polynomials are the expressions behind quadratics and higher-degree SAT questions. This chapter covers polynomial terminology, the operations of adding and subtracting, multiplying polynomials and the core factoring techniques. Read each topic, try the problems with the hint ladder, then take the 8-question topic test.
Topics
1
Polynomial Terminology
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2
Polynomial Operations
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3
Multiplication of Polynomials
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4
Factoring Techniques
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Chapter test
Formula Reference Sheet
This chapter
Terminology
| Degree | highest exponent in the polynomial |
|---|---|
| Leading coefficient | coefficient of the highest-degree term |
| Monomial / binomial / trinomial | 1 / 2 / 3 terms |
Key products & factors
| FOIL | (a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd |
|---|---|
| Difference of squares | a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b) |
| Perfect square | a² ± 2ab + b² = (a ± b)² |
| Common factor | factor out the GCF first |
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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