and watch out for careless errors.
GRIDDING IN: A TEST DRIVE
To get a feel for this format, let’s work through two examples. As you will see, Grid-In problems are just
regular SAT Math problems.
16.If a + 2 = 6 and b + 3 = 21, what is the value of ?Here’s How to Crack It
You need to solve the first equation for a and the second equation for b. Start with the first equation, and
solve for a. By subtracting 2 from both sides of the equation, you should see that a = 4.
Now move to the second equation, and solve for b. By subtracting 3 from both sides of the second
equation, you should see that b = 18.
The question asked you to find the value of . That’s easy. The value of b is 18, and the value of a is 4.
Therefore, the value of is .
That’s an ugly-looking fraction. How in the world do you grid it in? Ask yourself this question: “Does
fit?” Yes! Grid in .
Your math teacher wouldn’t like it, but the scoring computer will. You shouldn’t waste time reducing
to a prettier fraction or converting it to a decimal. Spend that time on another problem instead. The fewer