On the SAT Math section, students have plenty of options for handling calculations. The longest running way to solve math problems has historically been to work them out by hand, and this still remains a compelling choice in some instances. Over the last several decades, the SAT also permitted students to bring and deploy graphing calculators on the Math section. And most recently, the digital SAT includes a robust version of Desmos, a free online graphing calculator.
Lots of options can lead to overwhelm, especially when each one shines brightest in certain scenarios. However, experience shows that Desmos is absolutely ideal for certain kinds of math questions on the test. When should you consider deploying Desmos?
SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES
The first and arguably best use case for Desmos is for questions involving systems of equations, of which you’ll find many on the SAT. The large, colorful Desmos display depicts intersection points extremely well. Even better, you don’t need to convert to slope-intercept form in order to graph a line, inequality, or function in Desmos. Last but not least, the slider function provides a simple and elegant solution to any question that asks you to solve for a constant describing a point of intersection or value of an equation. Use that slider!
FUNCTIONS AND QUADRATICS
Desmos is ideal for graphing functions, parabolas, and circle equations. You can also use it to generate a table of values for a function: just use the table icon under the settings gear.
STATISTICS AND TRIGONOMETRY
The Desmos keyboard icon hides a whole array of useful functionality for test takers. Not only will you find all the trigonometric functions there, you can also apply a variety of statistical operations–you don’t even need to sort values in order to find a median!
SAT math has always been a test of problem solving ability and math conceptual understanding. A calculator is only as smart as the person wielding it. That said, better tools can lead to better outcomes, and Desmos delivers advantages most students can’t eke out of their graphing calculators. Learn how to harness the power of Desmos through exploration, practice, and coaching to earn a higher score on your SAT!
Mike Bergin