SAT Skills Insight
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Next Tests:
6/1
Select a score band
Algebra and Functions
Skills needed to score in this band
SKILL 1: Use function notation in simple situations (e.g., evaluation)
SKILL 2: Use variables in multistep abstract settings (e.g., apply the distributive property across several variables)
SKILL 3: Solve problems involving positive-integer exponents
SKILL 4: Solve word problems involving linear relationships
SKILL 5: Substitute values in and simplify systems of equations in two variables
SKILL 6: Solve two-step linear equations
SKILL 7: Evaluate an operation in two variables represented by unfamiliar symbols
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1
Use function notation in simple situations (e.g., evaluation)
ExampleFor all numbers
let 
be defined by 
. What is the value of 
? -
2
Use variables in multistep abstract settings (e.g., apply the distributive property across several variables)
ExampleIf
and 
are positive integers, what are all the solutions 
of the equation 
? -
3
Solve problems involving positive-integer exponents
ExampleIf
, what is the value of 
? -
4
Solve word problems involving linear relationships
ExampleMorgan’s plant grew from
centimeters to 
centimeters in a year. Linda’s plant, which was 
centimeters at the beginning of the year, grew twice as many centimeters as Morgan’s plant did during the same year. How tall, in centimeters, was Linda’s plant at the end of the year? -
5
Substitute values in and simplify systems of equations in two variables
Example
If
and 
are defined by the equations above, what is the value of 
when 
and 
? -
6
Solve two-step linear equations
ExampleIf
, then 
Skills needed to score in the next band
Formulate and solve problems involving proportions
Solve multistep problems involving linear and quadratic relationships
Use and interpret graphs, including graphs of step functions
Solve problems involving algebraic inequalities
Solve problems involving exponential growth and decay
Evaluate an operation in three variables represented by unfamiliar symbols
