SAT Math Cheat Sheet

Algebra
Factoring polynomials: ab + ac = a(b + c)
a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b) 2
a2 2ab + b2 = (a b) 2
a2 b2 = (a + b)(a b)
Absolute Value: 2 solutions (+/-)
System of Equations: two variables must have 2 equations
Number Properties
Prime Number: dividing by 1 and itself (1 is NOT A PRIME NUMBER)
Integers: whole numbers (0 is neither a +/- integer)
Inequality: sign changes ONLY when dividing by neg. on both sides
Order of Operations: PEMDAS parentheses, exponents, /, +/Fractions and Decimals
Addition/Subtraction: need common denominator
Multiplication/Division: reduce before operation
(a + b) / c = a/c +b/c
Averages/Percentage
Average = sum of terms/ number of terms
Average speed = total distance / total time
% increase = new amount original amount / original amount 100%
% decrease = original amount new amount / original amount 100%
x% of y = y% of x
Geometry
Sum of all exterior angles for any given polygon is 360
Sum of interior angels: 180 (n 2) [n: number of sides for given polygon]
Circles: d = 2r, C = 2r, A = r2, sum of internal angle: 360
Cylinder: V = r2h, SA = 2r2 + 2rh
Square Prism: V = lwh, SA = 2(lw + lh + wh)
Triangles:
Sum of any 2 sides > 3rd side
Area: (base height)
Right Triangle: Pythagorean theorem: a2 + b2 = c2

Others
Speed = Distance/Time
Probability = # of desired outcomes / number of possible outcomes
y = mx + b (m=slope = y/x) b = y-intercept
Slope of the line perpendicular = negative reciprocal
Power Rules:
x0 = 1 (xa)b = xa b
x-n = 1/xn
xa/xb = xa b
xa xb = xa + b
(xy)a = xaya
Logarithms:
log(ab) = log(a) + log(b)
log(a/b) = log(a) log(b)
log(1/a) = -log(a)
log (ab) = b log(a)
Strategies & Tips
Pick numbers that are permissible and manageable
Plug in numbers for all questions given only variables, %, ratios and fractions
Underline keywords and what the question is asking you
Backsolving: Start with choice (B) or (D)