Best formulas to know for the SAT Math section?

Hey everyone, I'm studying for the SAT Math section and I was wondering what the most important formulas are to have handy while practicing. Any recommendations for a formulas sheet or your personal favorites?

Hi there! It's important to have a strong foundation in essential formulas for the SAT Math section. Some of the most crucial ones include:

1. Quadratic formula: For any quadratic equation of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, the roots can be found using x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a.

2. Slope-intercept form: Linear equations can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

3. Distance formula: The distance (d) between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is found using d = √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2).

4. Midpoint formula: The midpoint (M) between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) can be calculated as M = ((x1 + x2) / 2, (y1 + y2) / 2).

5. Pythagorean theorem: For a right triangle with legs a and b, and hypotenuse c, a^2 + b^2 = c^2.

6. Trigonometric ratios: In a right triangle, with angle θ, the sine, cosine, and tangent functions are defined as sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse, cos(θ) = adjacent / hypotenuse, and tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent.

7. Circle equations:

- Standard form: (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2, where (h, k) is the center and r is the radius.

- Area: A = πr^2.

- Circumference: C = 2πr.

8. Exponent rules:

- Multiplication: a^m x a^n = a^(m+n).

- Division: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n).

- Power of a power: (a^m)^n = a^(mn).

9. Logarithm rules:

- Product: logb(mn) = logb(m) + logb(n).

- Quotient: logb(m/n) = logb(m) - logb(n).

- Power: logb(m^n) = n x logb(m).

10. Arithmetic sequence: The nth term (an) of an arithmetic sequence with first term a1 and common difference d can be found using an = a1 + (n - 1)d.

11. Geometric sequence: The nth term (an) of a geometric sequence with first term a1 and common ratio r can be found using an = a1 x r^(n - 1).

12. Probability: The probability of an event occurring is given by P(event) = the number of favorable outcomes / the number of possible outcomes.

Creating a formula sheet for reference while studying can be a great help. Make sure to become comfortable with each formula and know when to apply them. Good luck with your SAT preparation!