Digital SAT Math Practice & Desmos Guide
The Digital SAT Math section contains 44 questions across two adaptive modules. About 70% of questions are multiple-choice; the remaining 30% are student-produced response (grid-in). A built-in Desmos graphing calculator is available for every question. Knowing which questions to solve by hand and which to graph saves significant time.
Practice with MockMate's SAT Math Academy
MockMate's Math Academy covers all four domains across 15 skill areas, with Desmos-integrated lessons, diagnostics, and targeted practice questions. The built-in Desmos practice mirrors the actual testing environment.
Algebra
~35% of Math sectionAlgebra is the largest domain on the SAT Math section. Questions cover linear equations in one and two variables, linear functions (y = mx + b), systems of two linear equations, and linear inequalities. Many questions present real-world scenarios requiring you to construct and solve the equation yourself.
Algebra: Linear Equations & Functions
SAT Algebra covers linear equations in one and two variables, linear functions, and linear inequalities. These questions test your ability to set up and solve equations from both abstract and word-problem contexts.
Study strategies →Systems of Equations
Questions ask you to find the solution to a system of two linear equations, determine how many solutions exist, or interpret a system in a real-world context. Desmos can solve these graphically in seconds.
Study strategies →Skills covered in the Math Academy:
- Linear Inequalities
- Linear Functions
- Linear Equations (2 vars)
Advanced Math
~35% of Math sectionAdvanced Math questions involve nonlinear expressions and equations. You will factor and expand polynomials, solve quadratic equations, work with exponential functions, and simplify rational and radical expressions. These questions require algebraic fluency but Desmos can often verify your work or suggest the answer.
Skills covered in the Math Academy:
- Exponential Functions
- Polynomial Expressions
- Radical & Rational Equations
- Equivalent Expressions
Problem-Solving & Data Analysis
~15% of Math sectionThis domain covers quantitative reasoning: ratios, rates, unit conversions, percentages, proportional relationships, one- and two-variable data, probability, and evaluating statistical claims. Many questions include tables, charts, or scatterplots.
Skills covered in the Math Academy:
- Ratios & Rates
- Percentages
- One-Variable Data
- Two-Variable Data
- Probability
- Statistical Claims
Geometry & Trigonometry
~15% of Math sectionGeometry questions cover area and volume formulas, properties of lines and angles, right triangle trigonometry, and circle theorems. Trigonometry questions focus on sin, cos, tan definitions and complementary angle relationships. A reference sheet with key formulas is provided during the test.
Skills covered in the Math Academy:
- Area & Volume
- Lines, Angles & Triangles
- Right Triangle Trig
- Circles
Calculator strategy
The Desmos graphing calculator is available for every Math question on the Digital SAT. This changes the approach to many questions — especially those involving systems of equations, quadratics, and graphical interpretations. However, Desmos is not always faster than hand calculation: for simple arithmetic or equation solving, the time spent typing into Desmos can exceed the time to solve directly.
The best practice is to become fluent in both approaches and develop judgment about which to use on any given question.
Read: How to use Desmos on the Digital SAT →