The SAT Math exam contains questions where you'll need to know how to factor down a quadratic equation. The following practice questions ask you to do that, and then to plug in your solution to solve a given expression.

Practice questions

  1. What is the value of
    SAT1001_eq2001
    if ab = 1/3 and a + b = 6?
  2. What is the value of p2 + q2 if p2q2 = 7 and p4q4 = 28? A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

Answers and explanations

  1. The correct answer is 25. Remember that a2 b2 = (a + b)(ab). Plug in the values of a + b and ab to solve for a2b2:
    SAT1001_eq2002
    Now plug 2 in for a2b2:
    SAT1001_eq2003
  2. The correct answer is Choice (C). Start by factoring p4q4:
    SAT1001_eq2004
    Now plug in the values that the question gives you:
    SAT1001_eq2005

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

Ron Woldoff is the founder of National Test Prep, where he helps students prepare for the SAT, GMAT, and GRE. He is the author of several books, including GRE For Dummies and 1,001 GRE Practice Questions For Dummies.

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