Answer:
The third and fourth sections of the SAT will always be math sections. The first math subsection (labeled "3") does not allow you to use a calculator, while the second math subsection (labeled as "4") does allow the use of a calculator. Don't worry too much about the no-calculator section, though: if you're not allowed to use a calculator on a question, it means you don't need a calculator to answer it.
Each math subsection is arranged in order of ascending difficulty (where the longer it takes to solve a problem and the fewer people who answer it correctly, the more difficult it is). On each subsection, question 1 will be "easy" and question 15 will be considered "difficult." However, the ascending difficulty resets from easy to hard on the grid-ins.
Hence, multiple choice questions are arranged in increasing difficulty (questions 1 and 2 will be the easiest, questions 14 and 15 will be the hardest), but the difficulty level resets for the grid-in section (meaning questions 16 and 17 will again be "easy" and questions 19 and 20 will be very difficult).
With very few exceptions, then, the most difficult SAT math problems will be clustered at the end of the multiple choice segments or the second half of the grid-in questions. In addition to their placement on the test, though, these questions also share a few other commonalities. In a minute, we'll look at example questions and how to solve them, then analyze them to figure out what these types of questions have in common.
But First: Should You Be Focusing on the Hardest Math Questions Right Now?
If you're just getting started in your study prep (or if you've simply skipped this first, crucial step), definitely stop and take a full practice test to gauge your current scoring level. Check out our guide to all the free SAT practice tests available online and then sit down to take a test all at once.
The absolute best way to assess your current level is to simply take the SAT practice test as if it were real, keeping strict timing and working straight through with only the allowed breaks (we know—probably not your favorite way to spend a Saturday). Once you've got a good idea of your current level and percentile ranking, you can set milestones and goals for your ultimate SAT Math score.
If you're currently scoring in the 200-400 or the 400-600 range on SAT Math, your best bet is first to check out our guide to improving your math score to be consistently at or over a 600 before you start in trying to tackle the most difficult math problems on the test.
If, however, you're already scoring above a 600 on the Math section and want to test your mettle for the real SAT, then definitely proceed to the rest of this guide. If you're aiming for perfect (or close to), then you'll need to know what the most difficult SAT math questions look like and how to solve them. And luckily, that's exactly what we'll do.
WARNING: Since there are a limited number of official SAT practice tests, you may want to wait to read this article until you've attempted all or most of the first four official practice tests (since most of the questions below were taken from those tests). If you're worried about spoiling those tests, stop reading this guide now; come back and read it when you've completed them.
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Now let's get to our list of questions (whoo)!
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The 15 Hardest SAT Math Questions
Now that you're sure you should be attempting these questions, let's dive right in! We've curated 15 of the most difficult SAT Math questions for you to try below, along with walkthroughs of how to get the answer (if you're stumped).
No Calculator SAT Math Questions
Question 1
C=
5
9
(F−32)
The equation above shows how temperature F, measured in degrees Fahrenheit, relates to a temperature C, measured in degrees Celsius. Based on the equation, which of the following must be true?
A temperature increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit is equivalent to a temperature increase of
5
9
degree Celsius.
A temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius is equivalent to a temperature increase of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
A temperature increase of
5
9
degree Fahrenheit is equivalent to a temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius.
A) I only
B) II only
C) III only
D) I and II only
ANSWER EXPLANATION: Think of the equation as an equation for a line
y=m
Step-by-step explanation: