About David’s Test Prep

David Porter helps students in San Rafael, Novato, and throughout Marin County prepare for the SAT. He reviews not just the math that students need for the test, but he also teaches strategies specific to the math portion of the test which allow the student to work through the test in the most time efficient way possible.

The math section of the now digital SAT consists of two modules, each containing 22 questions and lasting 35 minutes, for a total of 44 questions and 70 minutes. A calculator is permitted for both modules — the test includes a built-in Desmos graphing calculator, or students may bring their own approved calculator. Approximately 75% of questions are multiple-choice and 25% are student-produced response (grid-in) questions. The test is adaptive: your performance on the first module determines whether you receive an easier or harder second module.

The math portion of the SAT test is comprised of four broad categories, each with its own subsections:

Algebra (Algebra I material) 13–15 questions
• Linear equations in 1 variable
• Linear equations in 2 variables
• Linear functions
• Systems of 2 linear equations in 2 variables
• graphing linear equations
• Linear inequalities in 1 or 2 variables

Advanced Math (Algebra II material) 13–15 questions
• Equivalent expressions
• Nonlinear equations in 1 variable
• quadratic and exponential word problems
• Systems of equations in 2 variables
• Nonlinear functions

Problem Solving and Data Analysis 5–7 questions
• Ratios, rates, proportional relationships and units
• Percents
• One-variable data: distributions and measures of center and spread
• Two-variable data: models and scatterplots
• Probability and conditional probability
• Inference from sample statistics and margin of error
• Evaluating statistical claims: observational studies and experiments

Geometry and Trigonometry 5–7 questions
• Area and volume formulas
• Lines, angles, and triangles
• Right triangles and trigonometry
• Circles