Miscellaneous Test Topics

We’ll use the questions on the Miscellaneous Topics Diagnostic Test to point
out more topics you’ll need to be prepared to deal with on the SAT Subject
Test: Mathematics.

SYMBOLISM, DEFINITIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS

One miscellaneous question type that turns up with great regularity is the
type that presents you with a new symbol representing an unfamiliar
operation, or a new word with an unfamiliar definition, or a new procedure
with unfamiliar steps. In Example 1 you have a new symbol and operation

Example 1

An  operation   §   is  defined for all real    numbers a   and b   by  the equation    

    If  −3  §   x   =   0,  what    is  the value   of  x?

1.

(A) −13.5

(B) −9

(C) 0

(D) 3

(E) 9