The New SAT in 2016: Math that Matters Most
The new SAT is scheduled to debut in 2016. During the wait, the College Board is revealing sample questions and the reasoning behind the questions. The new Math section requires students to “apply their mathematics knowledge, skills, and understandings in challenging, authentic contexts.” Students will be “asked to address real-world problems drawn from science, social studies, and careers and demonstrate a capacity for sustained reasoning over the multiple steps required to answer many of the questions on the exam.” So no longer are there only math problems without a context; students have to now apply mathematical knowledge to a variety of contexts given. The Collegeboard has New SAT Sample Questions available to help you familiarize yourself with this section.
Here is one example of a math problem grounded in real world contexts.
When a scientist dives in salt water to a depth of 9 feet below the surface,
the pressure due to the atmosphere and surrounding water is 18.7
pounds per square inch. As the scientist descends, the pressure increases
linearly. At a depth of 14 feet, the pressure is 20.9 pounds per square
inch. If the pressure increases at a constant rate as the scientist’s depth
below the surface increases, which of the following linear models best
describes the pressure p in pounds per square inch at a depth of d feet
below the surface?
A) p = 0.44d + 0.77
B) p = 0.44d + 14.74
C) p = 2.2d – 1.1
D) p = 2.2d – 9.9
Stumped? Below is the video solution.
Remember, the key to success is preparation. If you will
be taking the new SAT in 2016, start preparing now. One way to do this is to take more challenging courses in school. Attempt an honors course or AP course if you know you can easily ace a general course. This will help you prepare for the rigorous content that will be present not only on the SAT but also in your college courses.
– College Board sample: Retrieved May 9, 2014, from https://www.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/focus_on_math_that_matters_most.pdf
