Start Here · Checkpoint 3 of 30 · Orientation · ~7 min
The four Math domains, the calculator policy, and why algebra carries the section.
The 30-second version
44 questions in 70 minutes (about 95 seconds each — more generous than Reading & Writing). The built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available on the entire Math section; you may also bring an approved calculator. Most questions are multiple choice; roughly a quarter of Math questions are student-produced responses (no answer choices). Algebra and Advanced Math together make up well over half the section.
| Domain | What it tests | TFG checkpoints |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Linear equations, linear functions, systems, inequalities | Math 1 & 2 |
| Advanced Math | Quadratics, polynomials, exponentials, radicals, rational equations | Math 3 & 4 |
| Problem-Solving and Data Analysis | Ratios, rates, percentages, units, statistics, probability | Math 5 & 6 |
| Geometry and Trigonometry | Angles, triangles, circles, area, volume, right-triangle trig | Math 7 & 8 |
The weighting is lopsided on purpose: Algebra and Advanced Math dominate, and several later skills (quadratics, systems, even some geometry) quietly depend on comfortable linear algebra. That's why TFG's Math phase starts there. If linear equations are shaky, fix them before anything else — they show up constantly.
The built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available for the entire Math section, and it can graph equations, find intersections and zeros, and build tables. Used well, it turns some multi-minute algebra problems into thirty-second graph reads. Used badly, it's slower than your own head. TFG gives Desmos two full checkpoints (Math 9 and 10) because it's the highest-return digital-SAT-specific skill — and because judgment about when not to use it matters as much as fluency.
You have limited prep time and your practice test shows equal weakness in linear equations and circle geometry. Which should you fix first, and why?
Algebra is the largest domain and the foundation for Advanced Math. Geometry and Trigonometry is the smallest slice of the section. Same effort, more points. (And practice tests alone, without targeted review, improve very little — that's the Final Stretch lesson.)
Free structured lessons, video instruction, and practice exercises for both SAT sections, built with College Board as the official practice partner. After a Bluebook practice test, you can link your results to get personalized practice recommendations.
The free web version of the graphing calculator built into Bluebook. Practice graphing equations, finding intersections, using tables, and running regressions in the same tool you'll have on test day.