Complete Tutorial for Digital SAT:
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
The Problem Solving and Data Analysis section of the Digital SAT
tests your ability to interpret data, work with percentages and ratios,
analyze graphs, and solve real-world math problems. This guide will cover
all key concepts, question types, and strategies to help you excel.
1. Key Concepts in Problem Solving and Data
Analysis
A. Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages
1. Ratios compare two quantities (e.g., 3:2).
o Example: If the ratio of boys to girls is 3:2 and there are 30 boys, how
many girls are there?
Solution:
32=30x23=x30 → x=20x=20 girls.
2. Proportions state that two ratios are equal.
o Example: If 5 pens cost $10, how much do 8 pens cost?
Solution:
510=8x105=x8 → x=$16x=$16.
3. Percentages represent parts per hundred.
o Example: A shirt costs $40 after a 20% discount. What was the original
price?
Solution:
xx.
Let original price =
x−0.20x=40x−0.20x=40 → 0.80x=400.80x=40 → x=$50x=$50.
B. Unit Conversion and Rates
Unit Rate = Quantity per 1 unit (e.g., miles per hour).
o Example: If a car travels 240 miles in 4 hours, what is its speed in mph?
Solution:
240 miles4 hours=60 mph4 hours240 miles=60 mph.
Unit Conversion requires multiplying by conversion factors.
o Example: Convert 5 feet to inches (1 ft = 12 in).
Solution:
5 ft×12 in/ft=60 in5 ft×12 in/ft=60 in.
C. Statistics and Data Interpretation
1. Mean (Average) = Sum of values ÷ Number of values.
o Example: Find the mean of 5, 7, 10.
Solution:
5+7+103=223≈7.3335+7+10=322≈7.33.
2. Median = Middle value in an ordered list.
o Example: Find the median of 3, 1, 7, 4, 6.
Solution: Ordered list: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 → Median = 4.
3. Mode = Most frequent value.
o Example: Find the mode of 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5.
Solution: Mode = 5.
4. Range = Max – Min.
o Example: Find the range of 10, 3, 7, 15.
Solution: 15−3=1215−3=12.
5. Interpreting Graphs (Bar, Line, Scatter, Pie Charts):
o Identify trends, compare data points, and extract relevant numbers.
D. Probability
Probability = Desired OutcomesTotal OutcomesTotal OutcomesDesired Outcomes.
o Example: A bag has 3 red and 2 blue marbles. What’s P(red)?
Solution: 3553.
Compound Probability (Independent Events):
o Example: If P(rain) = 0.3 and P(late) = 0.2, what’s P(rain AND late)?
Solution: 0.3×0.2=0.060.3×0.2=0.06.
2. Common Question Types & Strategies
A. Percent Increase/Decrease
Formula:
Percent Change=New - OldOld×100%Percent Change=OldNew - Old×100%.
Example: A stock rises from $50 to $65. What’s the % increase?
Solution:
65−5050×100%=30%5065−50×100%=30%.
B. Linear vs. Exponential Growth
Linear: Grows by a fixed amount (e.g., +5 every year).
Exponential: Grows by a fixed percentage (e.g., 10% yearly).
C. Data Table & Graph Analysis
Steps:
1. Read the title and labels.
2. Identify key trends (increasing, decreasing, peaks).
3. Extract exact numbers when needed.
D. Margin of Error & Surveys
Margin of Error (MoE) shows uncertainty in survey results.
o Example: A poll shows 60% approval with a 4% MoE → True value is likely
between 56% and 64%.
3. Step-by-Step Problem Solving Approach
1. Understand the Question: Identify what’s being asked.
2. Extract Data: Pull numbers from tables/graphs if given.
3. Choose the Right Formula: Apply percentage, ratio, or statistics rules.
4. Solve Step-by-Step: Avoid calculation errors.
5. Check Units & Reasonableness: Ensure the answer makes sense.
4. Practice Problems
Problem 1 (Ratios)
A recipe uses flour and sugar in a 5:2 ratio. If 10 cups of flour are used,
how much sugar is needed?
Solution:
52=10x25=x10 → x=4x=4 cups.
Problem 2 (Statistics)
Find the median and mean of: 12, 8, 15, 10, 7.
Solution:
Ordered list: 7, 8, 10, 12, 15 → Median = 10.
Mean: 7+8+10+12+155=525=10.457+8+10+12+15=552=10.4.
Problem 3 (Probability)
A die is rolled. What’s P(odd number)?
Solution:
Odd numbers = 1, 3, 5 → 36=1263=21.
5. Final Tips for Success
✅ Memorize Key Formulas (percent change, mean, probability).
✅ Practice Graph Interpretation (SAT often uses real-world data).
✅ Double-Check Units (e.g., km vs. miles, dollars vs. cents).
✅ Use the Calculator Wisely (only when necessary).
✅ Manage Time (skip hard questions and return later).
By mastering these concepts and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-
prepared for the Problem Solving and Data Analysis section of the
Digital SAT! 🚀
Percentage Increase Problems: "A Number is X% More
Than Another"
These problems involve finding a value that is a certain
percent greater than another number or variable. They frequently appear
in SAT math, finance, and real-world scenarios.
Key Concept
If a number yy is P%P% more than xx, then:
y=x+(P100×x)=x(1+P100)y=x+(100P×x)=x(1+100P)
Shortcut: Multiply xx by (1+decimal form of P%)(1+decimal form of P%).
Problem Types & Examples
Type 1: Given Original, Find Increased Value
Q1: If a number xx is 20% more than 50, what is xx?
Solution:
x=50+(20%×50)=50+10=60x=50+(20%×50)=50+10=60
Or:
x=50×1.20=60x=50×1.20=60
Answer: 6060
Type 2: Given Increased Value, Find Original
Q2: If 88 is 10% more than a number yy, what is yy?
Solution:
88=y+(10%×y)=1.10y88=y+(10%×y)=1.10yy=881.10=80y=1.1088=80
Answer: 8080
Type 3: Percentage More Than a Variable
Q3: If zz is 25% more than kk, express zz in terms of kk.
Solution:
z=k+0.25k=1.25kz=k+0.25k=1.25k
Answer: z=1.25kz=1.25k
Type 4: Multi-Step Increase
Q4: A shirt costs $40. If the price increases by 15% and then by another
10%, what is the final price?
Solution:
First increase:
40×1.15=$4640×1.15=$46
Second increase:
46×1.10=$50.6046×1.10=$50.60
Answer: $50.60$50.60
Type 5: Reverse Multi-Step Increase
Q5: After two successive increases of 20% and 30%, a phone costs $156.
What was the original price?
Solution:
Let original price = xx.
x×1.20×1.30=156x×1.20×1.30=156x×1.56=156x×1.56=156x=1561.56=100
x=1.56156=100
Answer: $100$100
SAT-Style Practice Questions
Multiple Choice
Q6: If yy is 40% more than xx, and x=80x=80, what is yy?
A) 112
B) 120
C) 128
D) 136
Solution:
y=80×1.40=112y=80×1.40=112
Answer: A) 112
Grid-In (No Choices)
Q7: A laptop is 25% more expensive than a tablet. If the tablet costs
$320, how much does the laptop cost?
Solution:
Laptop=320×1.25=$400Laptop=320×1.25=$400
Answer: 400400
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding percentages incorrectly (e.g., 20% + 30% ≠ 50% if applied
successively).
❌ Misplacing the decimal (e.g., 15% = 0.15, not 1.5).
❌ Confusing "% more than" with "% of" (e.g., "50% more than 100" is
150, not 50).
Summary of Key Formulas
Scenario Formula
yy is P%P% more than xx y=x×(1+P100)y=x×(1+100P)
Find original after P%P
x=y1+P100x=1+100Py
% increase
Multiply by (1+p1)(1+p2)(1+p1)(1+p2
Successive increases
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