SAT Math
A comprehensive course to master all the mathematical concepts, skills, and strategies needed to succeed on the SAT exam.
Study Strategies
Plugging In Numbers
Turn Variables Into Numbers
When a problem uses variables, try picking simple numbers (like 2 or 5) to replace them. Do the math with your chosen numbers—sometimes, this makes the solution obvious or helps eliminate wrong answers.
When to Use It
- Problems with variables in answer choices
- Word problems with 'in terms of' questions
Quick Tip
Check that your chosen numbers don't break any rules in the problem!
Examples
Let x = 2 in an equation to see which answer fits.
Pick easy numbers for percent problems to simplify calculations.