Problem Solving & Data Analysis Overview

According to the College Board, this domain "Tests your understanding of proportional relationships, percentages, and probability + using data to analyze and solve problems."

This mainly consists of:

  • Ratios, proportions, and rates
  • Interpreting and analyzing datasets, tables, and charts
  • Interpreting and analyzing line graphs and scatter plots
  • Probability
  • Percentages
  • Surveys and sampling

Ratios, proportions, and rates

Problems under this category generally fall under one of the following types:

  • Calculations based on rates
  • Unit conversions and calculations
  • Calculating values from ratios, or ratios from values

Data Sets, Tables, and Charts

You may be presented with a data set, table, or chart, and asked to do some of the following:

  • Extract data or information
  • Calculate or compare statistical properties
    • Mean
    • Median
    • Mode
    • Range
    • Standard deviation
  • Analyze trends and patterns
  • Make predictions from it

Line Graphs and Scatter Plots

You may be presented with a line graph or scatter plot, and asked to do some of the following:

  • Estimate a line of best fit
  • Extract data or information
  • Calculate the rate of change
  • Identify best model to represent a function or data set

Percentages

Percentage problems are fairly common on the SAT. The most important applications to be prepared for are:

  • Percent "of" a number
  • Percent increase and decrease
  • Original value before percentage change
  • Percentages to ratios and ratios to percentages

Probability

Probability questions don't pop up very frequently on the SAT. Generally, when they do show up, they will fall under one of the following categories:

  • Basic probability concepts
  • Conditional probability

You should be prepared to calculate probabilities from word problems and data tables.

Surveys and sampling

Some questions will discuss a survey or sample taken from a subset of a population, and ask you to make inferences based on the sample. You should be familiar with the following concepts:

  • Margin of error
  • Sampling bias
  • Drawing conclusions about the population or part of the population