Summary
◦ There are only six arithmetic operations tested on the SAT: addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, exponents, and square roots.
◦ These operations must be performed in the proper order (PEMDAS), beginning with operations
inside parentheses.
◦ Apply the distributive law whenever possible. This is usually enough to find the answer.
◦ A fraction is just another way of expressing division.
◦ You must know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Don’t forget that you can also
use your calculator in the section where it is permitted.
◦ If any problems involving large or confusing fractions appear, try to reduce the fractions first.
Before you multiply two fractions, for example, see if it’s possible to reduce either or both of the
fractions.
◦ If you know how to work out fractions on your calculator, use it when it is allowed to help you with
questions that involve fractions. If you intend to use your calculator for fractions, make sure you
practice. You should also know how to work with fractions the old-fashioned way.
◦ A decimal is just another way of expressing a fraction.
◦ When a calculator is permitted, use it to add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals. When the
calculator is not allowed, try rounding and estimating before doing the math with your pencil and
paper.
◦ Exponents are a kind of shorthand for expressing numbers that are the product of the same factor
multiplied over and over again.
◦ To multiply two exponential expressions with the same base, add the exponents.
◦ To divide two exponential expressions with the same base, subtract the exponents.
◦ To raise one exponential expression to another power, multiply the exponents.
◦ To remember the exponent rules, think MADSPM.
◦ When you raise a positive number greater than 1 to a power greater than 1, the result is larger. When
you raise a positive fraction less than 1 to an exponent greater than 1, the result is smaller. A
negative number raised to an even power becomes positive. A negative number raised to an odd
power remains negative.
