Using SAT® Skills Insight™ [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Mathematics Skill Groups: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1. Number and Operations

Academic Skills

A typical student in this score band can do the following:

  • SKILL 1: Solve problems using ideas from basic set theory and basic number theory
  • SKILL 2: Recognize and apply ratio, proportion, or percent in solving problems
  • SKILL 3: Use properties of real number operations, ordering, and the zero-product property
  • SKILL 4: Solve problems involving counting techniques

Suggestions for Improvement

To prepare for the next score band, try the following:

  • Determine values or properties of numbers in a sequence when given a description of the sequence
  • Create and use ratios, fractions, or percents in solving problems
  • Solve more-complex counting problems (e.g., permutations, combinations, and inclusion/exclusion)

Skill Examples

The example questions below demonstrate the Academic Skills found in this score band. Without looking at the answers, try out the questions to see how comfortable you feel with the skills they test.

Skill 1—Example

Solve problems using ideas from basic set theory and basic number theory

X = set of positive integer factors of 6.
Y = set of positive integer factors of 9.
Z = set of positive integer factors of 15.

X, Y, and Z represent three sets of numbers, as defined above. What is the set of numbers that belong to set Z but to neither set X nor set Y ?

  • {1, 3}
  • {1, 5}
  • {5, 15}
  • {2, 3, 5}
  • {1, 3, 5, 15}
Answer: C
Skill 2—Example

Recognize and apply ratio, proportion, or percent in solving problems

There are 150 teachers at a meeting, 40 percent of whom are male. Of the male teachers at the meeting, 35 percent teach elementary school. How many of the male teachers at the meeting teach elementary school ?

  • 21
  • 35
  • 69
  • 72
  • 129
Answer: A
Skill 3—Example

Use properties of real number operations, ordering, and the zero-product property

If (p + 1)(t - 3) = 0 and p is positive, what is the value of t ?

  • -3
  • -1
  • 0
  • 1
  • 3
Answer: E
Skill 4—Example

Solve problems involving counting techniques

If n is a positive 2-digit integer and both digits of n are the same, how many different values are possible for n ?

  • 9
  • 10
  • 12
  • 16
  • 18
Answer: A