SAT Math Test – MIT Challenge
SAT Math Excellence Plus
1. If the direct solution isn’t clear, break the expression down into its fundamental components; search for hidden patterns or mathematical symmetries to simplify the path forward.
2. Trust your intuition to find elegant solutions, blending creativity with rigorous logic to relentlessly pursue and complete every intricate proof.
To achieve a high SAT Math score, efficient time management is essential to handle complex problems at the end.
1. Medium Level (600–700)
Time: 65–75s / question Focus on accuracy over speed. Master easy/medium questions; don’t spend >2 mins on hard problems.2. High Level (700+)
Time: 50–60s / question Solve easier questions quickly to “bank” 2–3 minutes for the final, most difficult questions.3. Elite Level (750–800)
Time: 30–45s / question Finish with 10–15 mins left. Re-solve questions using different methods to eliminate “silly” mistakes.
Technical Tip: The “2-Pass System”
- Pass 1: Solve everything under 60s. Flag and skip longer problems immediately.
- Pass 2: Use banked time for flagged questions, ensuring no easy points are lost.
Time: 40:00
This quiz contains 25 questions at a Medium (750-800) level.
Time Limit: 40 Minutes
1. If \( f(x) = \frac{x^2 – 1}{x – 1} \) and \( g(x) = x + 1 \), for what values of \( x \) is \( f(x) = g(x) \)?
Detailed Solution:
The function \( f(x) \) is undefined at \( x = 1 \) because the denominator becomes zero. While \( \frac{x^2-1}{x-1} \) simplifies to \( x+1 \), this is only valid where the original expression is defined. Therefore, the functions are identical everywhere except at \( x = 1 \).
The function \( f(x) \) is undefined at \( x = 1 \) because the denominator becomes zero. While \( \frac{x^2-1}{x-1} \) simplifies to \( x+1 \), this is only valid where the original expression is defined. Therefore, the functions are identical everywhere except at \( x = 1 \).
2. Evaluate the sum of the powers of \( i \): \( i^{2024} + i^{2025} + i^{2026} + i^{2027} \).
Detailed Solution:
Powers of \( i \) repeat in a cycle of four: \( i, -1, -i, 1 \). Since 2024 is a multiple of 4, \( i^{2024} = 1 \). The sequence is \( 1 + i + (-1) + (-i) \), which sums exactly to \( 0 \).
Powers of \( i \) repeat in a cycle of four: \( i, -1, -i, 1 \). Since 2024 is a multiple of 4, \( i^{2024} = 1 \). The sequence is \( 1 + i + (-1) + (-i) \), which sums exactly to \( 0 \).
3. A circle has the equation \( x^2 + y^2 – 6x + 8y = 0 \). What is the area of this circle?
Detailed Solution:
Complete the square for both \( x \) and \( y \):
\( (x^2 – 6x + 9) + (y^2 + 8y + 16) = 0 + 9 + 16 \)
\( (x-3)^2 + (y+4)^2 = 25 \)
The radius squared \( r^2 \) is 25. Area = \( \pi r^2 = 25\pi \).
Complete the square for both \( x \) and \( y \):
\( (x^2 – 6x + 9) + (y^2 + 8y + 16) = 0 + 9 + 16 \)
\( (x-3)^2 + (y+4)^2 = 25 \)
The radius squared \( r^2 \) is 25. Area = \( \pi r^2 = 25\pi \).
4. Solve for \( x \): \( \log_2(x) + \log_2(x-2) = 3 \).
Detailed Solution:
Use the product rule: \( \log_2(x(x-2)) = 3 \).
Convert to exponential form: \( x^2 – 2x = 2^3 \), so \( x^2 – 2x – 8 = 0 \).
Factoring gives \( (x-4)(x+2) = 0 \). We must have \( x > 2 \) for the logs to be defined, so \( x = 4 \).
Use the product rule: \( \log_2(x(x-2)) = 3 \).
Convert to exponential form: \( x^2 – 2x = 2^3 \), so \( x^2 – 2x – 8 = 0 \).
Factoring gives \( (x-4)(x+2) = 0 \). We must have \( x > 2 \) for the logs to be defined, so \( x = 4 \).
5. For what value of \( k \) does the system \( kx – 3y = 4 \) and \( 4x – 6y = 7 \) have no solution?
Detailed Solution:
No solution occurs when the lines are parallel. The ratio of coefficients of \( x \) and \( y \) must be the same: \( \frac{k}{4} = \frac{-3}{-6} \).
\( \frac{k}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \implies k = 2 \).
No solution occurs when the lines are parallel. The ratio of coefficients of \( x \) and \( y \) must be the same: \( \frac{k}{4} = \frac{-3}{-6} \).
\( \frac{k}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \implies k = 2 \).
6. \( P(x) \) divided by \( (x-2) \) yields remainder 5. Divided by \( (x+1) \) it yields 3. Find the remainder when divided by \( (x-2)(x+1) \).
Detailed Solution:
Let \( R(x) = ax + b \).
\( P(2) = 2a + b = 5 \)
\( P(-1) = -a + b = 3 \)
Subtracting the equations: \( 3a = 2 \implies a = 2/3 \).
Then \( b = 3 + 2/3 = 11/3 \). So \( R(x) = \frac{2}{3}x + \frac{11}{3} \).
Let \( R(x) = ax + b \).
\( P(2) = 2a + b = 5 \)
\( P(-1) = -a + b = 3 \)
Subtracting the equations: \( 3a = 2 \implies a = 2/3 \).
Then \( b = 3 + 2/3 = 11/3 \). So \( R(x) = \frac{2}{3}x + \frac{11}{3} \).
7. What is the sum of the solutions to \( |2x – 5| = |x + 4| \)?
Detailed Solution:
Set 1: \( 2x – 5 = x + 4 \implies x = 9 \).
Set 2: \( 2x – 5 = -(x + 4) \implies 3x = 1 \implies x = 1/3 \).
Sum: \( 9 + 1/3 = 27/3 + 1/3 = 28/3 \).
Set 1: \( 2x – 5 = x + 4 \implies x = 9 \).
Set 2: \( 2x – 5 = -(x + 4) \implies 3x = 1 \implies x = 1/3 \).
Sum: \( 9 + 1/3 = 27/3 + 1/3 = 28/3 \).
8. If \( \sin(\theta) = 3/5 \) and \( \pi/2 < \theta < \pi \), find \( \tan(\theta) \).
Detailed Solution:
In Quadrant II, sine is positive but cosine is negative. Using \( \sin^2 + \cos^2 = 1 \):
\( \cos^2(\theta) = 1 – (3/5)^2 = 16/25 \implies \cos(\theta) = -4/5 \).
\( \tan(\theta) = \frac{\sin}{\cos} = \frac{3/5}{-4/5} = -3/4 \).
In Quadrant II, sine is positive but cosine is negative. Using \( \sin^2 + \cos^2 = 1 \):
\( \cos^2(\theta) = 1 – (3/5)^2 = 16/25 \implies \cos(\theta) = -4/5 \).
\( \tan(\theta) = \frac{\sin}{\cos} = \frac{3/5}{-4/5} = -3/4 \).
9. A sphere is inscribed in a cube that has a surface area of 216. Find the volume of the sphere.
Detailed Solution:
Surface Area of Cube = \( 6s^2 = 216 \implies s^2 = 36 \implies s = 6 \).
The diameter of the inscribed sphere equals the side of the cube, so \( d = 6 \) and \( r = 3 \).
Volume \( V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 = \frac{4}{3}\pi(27) = 36\pi \).
Surface Area of Cube = \( 6s^2 = 216 \implies s^2 = 36 \implies s = 6 \).
The diameter of the inscribed sphere equals the side of the cube, so \( d = 6 \) and \( r = 3 \).
Volume \( V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 = \frac{4}{3}\pi(27) = 36\pi \).
10. Find the sum of the infinite geometric series: \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} 3(1/4)^n \).
Detailed Solution:
First term \( a = 3(1/4)^1 = 3/4 \). Common ratio \( r = 1/4 \).
Sum \( S = \frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{3/4}{1 – 1/4} = \frac{3/4}{3/4} = 1 \).
First term \( a = 3(1/4)^1 = 3/4 \). Common ratio \( r = 1/4 \).
Sum \( S = \frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{3/4}{1 – 1/4} = \frac{3/4}{3/4} = 1 \).
11. If \( x + \frac{1}{x} = 3 \), what is the value of \( x^4 + \frac{1}{x^4} \)?
Detailed Solution:
Square both sides: \( (x + \frac{1}{x})^2 = 3^2 \implies x^2 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^2} = 9 \implies x^2 + \frac{1}{x^2} = 7 \).
Square again: \( (x^2 + \frac{1}{x^2})^2 = 7^2 \implies x^4 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^4} = 49 \implies x^4 + \frac{1}{x^4} = 47 \).
Square both sides: \( (x + \frac{1}{x})^2 = 3^2 \implies x^2 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^2} = 9 \implies x^2 + \frac{1}{x^2} = 7 \).
Square again: \( (x^2 + \frac{1}{x^2})^2 = 7^2 \implies x^4 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^4} = 49 \implies x^4 + \frac{1}{x^4} = 47 \).
12. A function \( f(x) \) satisfies \( f(x) + 2f(1-x) = x^2 \) for all real \( x \). What is \( f(2) \)?
Detailed Solution:
Let \( x = 2 \): \( f(2) + 2f(-1) = 4 \).
Let \( x = -1 \): \( f(-1) + 2f(2) = 1 \).
This is a system: \( A + 2B = 4 \) and \( B + 2A = 1 \).
Multiply the second by 2: \( 2B + 4A = 2 \).
Subtract the first: \( 3A = -2 \implies A = -2/3 \). Wait, let’s re-solve carefully.
\( f(-1) = 1 – 2f(2) \). Substitute: \( f(2) + 2(1 – 2f(2)) = 4 \implies f(2) + 2 – 4f(2) = 4 \implies -3f(2) = 2 \implies f(2) = -2/3 \). (Note: If choice isn’t there, recalculated: \( f(2) + 2f(-1) = 4 \), \( f(-1) + 2f(2) = 1 \). \( f(-1) = 1-2f(2) \). \( f(2) + 2 – 4f(2) = 4 \rightarrow -3f(2) = 2 \). Let’s assume A was meant as -2/3).
Let \( x = 2 \): \( f(2) + 2f(-1) = 4 \).
Let \( x = -1 \): \( f(-1) + 2f(2) = 1 \).
This is a system: \( A + 2B = 4 \) and \( B + 2A = 1 \).
Multiply the second by 2: \( 2B + 4A = 2 \).
Subtract the first: \( 3A = -2 \implies A = -2/3 \). Wait, let’s re-solve carefully.
\( f(-1) = 1 – 2f(2) \). Substitute: \( f(2) + 2(1 – 2f(2)) = 4 \implies f(2) + 2 – 4f(2) = 4 \implies -3f(2) = 2 \implies f(2) = -2/3 \). (Note: If choice isn’t there, recalculated: \( f(2) + 2f(-1) = 4 \), \( f(-1) + 2f(2) = 1 \). \( f(-1) = 1-2f(2) \). \( f(2) + 2 – 4f(2) = 4 \rightarrow -3f(2) = 2 \). Let’s assume A was meant as -2/3).
13. If \( 2^a = 3 \), \( 3^b = 4 \), and \( 4^c = 8 \), what is the product \( abc \)?
Detailed Solution:
Substitute: \( 3^b = 4 \implies (2^a)^b = 4 \implies 2^{ab} = 4 \).
Then \( 4^c = 8 \implies (2^{ab})^c = 8 \implies 2^{abc} = 2^3 \).
Therefore, \( abc = 3 \).
Substitute: \( 3^b = 4 \implies (2^a)^b = 4 \implies 2^{ab} = 4 \).
Then \( 4^c = 8 \implies (2^{ab})^c = 8 \implies 2^{abc} = 2^3 \).
Therefore, \( abc = 3 \).
14. In a sequence, \( a_1 = 2 \) and \( a_{n+1} = \frac{1}{1-a_n} \). What is \( a_{2025} \)?
Detailed Solution:
Calculate terms: \( a_1 = 2 \), \( a_2 = 1/(1-2) = -1 \), \( a_3 = 1/(1-(-1)) = 1/2 \), \( a_4 = 1/(1-1/2) = 2 \).
The sequence cycles every 3 terms: \( (2, -1, 1/2) \). Since 2025 is a multiple of 3, \( a_{2025} = a_3 = 1/2 \).
Calculate terms: \( a_1 = 2 \), \( a_2 = 1/(1-2) = -1 \), \( a_3 = 1/(1-(-1)) = 1/2 \), \( a_4 = 1/(1-1/2) = 2 \).
The sequence cycles every 3 terms: \( (2, -1, 1/2) \). Since 2025 is a multiple of 3, \( a_{2025} = a_3 = 1/2 \).
15. How many real solutions does the equation \( \sqrt{x+3} – \sqrt{x-2} = 5 \) have?
Detailed Solution:
The maximum value of the difference \( \sqrt{x+3} – \sqrt{x-2} \) occurs as \( x \) approaches its minimum allowed value (\( x=2 \)). At \( x=2 \), the value is \( \sqrt{5} \approx 2.23 \). As \( x \to \infty \), the difference approaches 0. Since 5 is greater than the maximum possible value, there are 0 solutions.
The maximum value of the difference \( \sqrt{x+3} – \sqrt{x-2} \) occurs as \( x \) approaches its minimum allowed value (\( x=2 \)). At \( x=2 \), the value is \( \sqrt{5} \approx 2.23 \). As \( x \to \infty \), the difference approaches 0. Since 5 is greater than the maximum possible value, there are 0 solutions.
16. What is the sum of the squares of the roots of \( x^2 – 5x + 3 = 0 \)?
Detailed Solution:
Let roots be \( r_1, r_2 \). By Vieta’s: \( r_1 + r_2 = 5 \) and \( r_1r_2 = 3 \).
\( r_1^2 + r_2^2 = (r_1 + r_2)^2 – 2r_1r_2 = 5^2 – 2(3) = 25 – 6 = 19 \).
Let roots be \( r_1, r_2 \). By Vieta’s: \( r_1 + r_2 = 5 \) and \( r_1r_2 = 3 \).
\( r_1^2 + r_2^2 = (r_1 + r_2)^2 – 2r_1r_2 = 5^2 – 2(3) = 25 – 6 = 19 \).
17. If \( \log_x(y) = 2 \) and \( \log_y(z) = 3 \), what is \( \log_{xz}(y) \)?
Detailed Solution:
\( y = x^2 \implies x = y^{1/2} \).
\( z = y^3 \).
\( \log_{xz}(y) = \log_{y^{1/2} \cdot y^3}(y) = \log_{y^{3.5}}(y) = 1/3.5 = 2/7 \).
\( y = x^2 \implies x = y^{1/2} \).
\( z = y^3 \).
\( \log_{xz}(y) = \log_{y^{1/2} \cdot y^3}(y) = \log_{y^{3.5}}(y) = 1/3.5 = 2/7 \).
18. A rectangular box has face areas of 12, 15, and 20. What is the volume of the box?
Detailed Solution:
Let dimensions be \( L, W, H \).
\( LW=12, WH=15, LH=20 \).
Multiply them: \( (LWH)^2 = 12 \cdot 15 \cdot 20 = 3600 \).
Volume \( V = LWH = \sqrt{3600} = 60 \).
Let dimensions be \( L, W, H \).
\( LW=12, WH=15, LH=20 \).
Multiply them: \( (LWH)^2 = 12 \cdot 15 \cdot 20 = 3600 \).
Volume \( V = LWH = \sqrt{3600} = 60 \).
19. Find the remainder when \( x^{100} \) is divided by \( x^2 – 3x + 2 \).
Detailed Solution:
\( x^2 – 3x + 2 = (x-2)(x-1) \). Let \( R(x) = ax + b \).
\( P(2) = 2^{100} = 2a + b \).
\( P(1) = 1^{100} = a + b \).
Subtract: \( a = 2^{100} – 1 \).
Then \( b = 1 – (2^{100} – 1) = 2 – 2^{100} \).
\( x^2 – 3x + 2 = (x-2)(x-1) \). Let \( R(x) = ax + b \).
\( P(2) = 2^{100} = 2a + b \).
\( P(1) = 1^{100} = a + b \).
Subtract: \( a = 2^{100} – 1 \).
Then \( b = 1 – (2^{100} – 1) = 2 – 2^{100} \).
20. What is the value of \( \sin(15^\circ) \)?
Detailed Solution:
Use \( \sin(45-30) = \sin 45 \cos 30 – \cos 45 \sin 30 \).
\( = (\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2})(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) – (\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2})(\frac{1}{2}) = \frac{\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{2}}{4} \).
Use \( \sin(45-30) = \sin 45 \cos 30 – \cos 45 \sin 30 \).
\( = (\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2})(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) – (\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2})(\frac{1}{2}) = \frac{\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{2}}{4} \).
21. If \( a \) and \( b \) are the roots of the equation \( x^2 – m x + 1 = 0 \), what is the value of \( a^3 + b^3 \)?
Detailed Solution:
Using Vieta’s formulas, \( a+b = m \) and \( ab = 1 \).
The identity for the sum of cubes is \( a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)^3 – 3ab(a+b) \).
Substituting the values: \( m^3 – 3(1)(m) = m^3 – 3m \).
Using Vieta’s formulas, \( a+b = m \) and \( ab = 1 \).
The identity for the sum of cubes is \( a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)^3 – 3ab(a+b) \).
Substituting the values: \( m^3 – 3(1)(m) = m^3 – 3m \).
22. A bag contains 4 red marbles and 6 blue marbles. If 3 marbles are drawn at random without replacement, what is the probability that exactly 2 are red?
Detailed Solution:
Total ways to choose 3 marbles: \( \binom{10}{3} = \frac{10 \times 9 \times 8}{3 \times 2 \times 1} = 120 \).
Ways to choose 2 red and 1 blue: \( \binom{4}{2} \times \binom{6}{1} = 6 \times 6 = 36 \).
Probability = \( 36/120 = 3/10 \).
Total ways to choose 3 marbles: \( \binom{10}{3} = \frac{10 \times 9 \times 8}{3 \times 2 \times 1} = 120 \).
Ways to choose 2 red and 1 blue: \( \binom{4}{2} \times \binom{6}{1} = 6 \times 6 = 36 \).
Probability = \( 36/120 = 3/10 \).
23. What is the minimum value of the function \( f(x) = x^2 + \frac{16}{x^2} \) for \( x \neq 0 \)?
Detailed Solution:
By the AM-GM inequality: \( \frac{x^2 + \frac{16}{x^2}}{2} \geq \sqrt{x^2 \cdot \frac{16}{x^2}} \).
\( \frac{f(x)}{2} \geq \sqrt{16} = 4 \).
So, \( f(x) \geq 8 \). The minimum value is 8.
By the AM-GM inequality: \( \frac{x^2 + \frac{16}{x^2}}{2} \geq \sqrt{x^2 \cdot \frac{16}{x^2}} \).
\( \frac{f(x)}{2} \geq \sqrt{16} = 4 \).
So, \( f(x) \geq 8 \). The minimum value is 8.
24. In triangle \( ABC \), \( AB = 5 \), \( BC = 12 \), and \( AC = 13 \). What is the length of the altitude from \( B \) to side \( AC \)?
Detailed Solution:
Since \( 5^2 + 12^2 = 13^2 \), triangle \( ABC \) is a right triangle with the right angle at \( B \).
Area = \( \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times 12 = 30 \).
Also, Area = \( \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base}(AC) \times \text{altitude}(h) \).
\( 30 = \frac{1}{2} \times 13 \times h \implies h = 60/13 \).
Since \( 5^2 + 12^2 = 13^2 \), triangle \( ABC \) is a right triangle with the right angle at \( B \).
Area = \( \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times 12 = 30 \).
Also, Area = \( \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base}(AC) \times \text{altitude}(h) \).
\( 30 = \frac{1}{2} \times 13 \times h \implies h = 60/13 \).
25. If \( \log_{10}(2) = a \) and \( \log_{10}(3) = b \), express \( \log_{5}(12) \) in terms of \( a \) and \( b \).
Detailed Solution:
Using the change of base formula: \( \log_5(12) = \frac{\log_{10}(12)}{\log_{10}(5)} \).
\( \log_{10}(12) = \log_{10}(2^2 \cdot 3) = 2a + b \).
\( \log_{10}(5) = \log_{10}(10/2) = \log_{10}(10) – \log_{10}(2) = 1 – a \).
Result: \( \frac{2a+b}{1-a} \).
Using the change of base formula: \( \log_5(12) = \frac{\log_{10}(12)}{\log_{10}(5)} \).
\( \log_{10}(12) = \log_{10}(2^2 \cdot 3) = 2a + b \).
\( \log_{10}(5) = \log_{10}(10/2) = \log_{10}(10) – \log_{10}(2) = 1 – a \).
Result: \( \frac{2a+b}{1-a} \).
Score: 0 / 25
