SAT PYQs for Math: Most Repeated Question Types

Published by Shikha Kumari on Nov 10, 2025

Algebra questions appear in 35% of SAT Math PYQs (13-15 per test), followed by advanced math at 35% (13-15), problem-solving/data analysis at 15% (5-7), and geometry/trigonometry at 15% (5-7), per College Board’s official test specifications for the 2026 digital SAT. Linear equations dominate algebra (8-10 questions), quadratic functions lead advanced math (6-8), rates/ratios rule problem-solving (3-4), and circles/triangles top geometry (3-4 each). Master these with College Board’s PYQs 1-6 on Bluebook, where solving 50 algebra items boosts scores by 100 points.

This blog details the most repeated SAT Math PYQ types for 2026, with exact frequencies from College Board’s 2023-2025 tests, sample questions from PYQ 4’s Module 2, solving strategies for linear systems (2 minutes each), and a 12-week practice plan targeting 90% accuracy in high-frequency areas. You’ll prepare for the digital SAT’s 70 Math questions across two 35-minute modules, using Desmos and scratch paper effectively.

SAT Math Structure in 2026 Digital Format

The 2026 digital SAT Math section includes 70 questions in two 35-minute modules, with the second adapting based on first-module performance, as outlined in College Board’s specifications. Module 1 has 22 questions (mix of easy/medium), Module 2 48 (medium/hard if strong performance). PYQs 1-6 replicate this, with 75% multiple-choice and 25% student-produced responses. College Board’s data shows 90% of Math score variance comes from algebra and advanced math mastery.

Module Breakdown by Difficulty

College Board’s PYQ 5 shows Module 1 averages 60% algebra/problem-solving, Module 2 70% advanced math/geometry if adaptive path unlocks—practice both in Bluebook to handle transitions.

Algebra: Most Repeated SAT Math PYQs (35%)

Algebra covers 13-15 questions per test, focusing on linear equations, systems, and inequalities. PYQ 3’s Module 1 includes 4 linear equation setups from word problems, solvable in 90 seconds with substitution.

Linear Equations and Systems

Linear systems appear 4-5 times per PYQ, like Test 2 Question 12: “2x + 3y = 12, x – y = 1” solved via elimination. College Board’s answer key notes 80% accuracy when isolating variables first.

Inequalities and Functions

Inequalities test graphing (3 questions), such as PYQ 4’s “x > 2” shaded region. Functions model real-world scenarios (3-4), e.g., linear cost functions in Test 6.

Advanced Math: High-Frequency PYQs (35%)

Advanced math includes quadratics, exponentials, and polynomials, with 6-8 quadratic questions per test. PYQ 1’s Module 2 features vertex form conversions, testing completion of square.

Quadratic Functions

Quadratics dominate with factoring, vertex, and roots—PYQ 5 Q22: “x² – 6x + 8 = 0” factors to (x-2)(x-4). College Board’s strategies recommend FOIL check for 95% accuracy.

Exponential and Polynomial

Exponentials model growth (3 questions), like Test 4’s compound interest. Polynomials test degree identification (2-3).

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis (15%)

Rates, ratios, and percentages appear 3-4 times, with PYQ 2 Q10 testing unit rates in tables. Statistics include mean/median (2 questions).

Rates, Ratios, Percentages

PYQ 3’s ratio problem: “3:5 mixture, 40 total” solved via cross-multiplication. College Board’s data shows 85% success with proportion setup.

Statistics and Probability

Probability uses counting (1-2 questions), like Test 5’s “5 choices, 2 correct” as 1/10.

Geometry and Trigonometry (15%)

Circles and triangles each appear 3-4 times, with PYQ 4 Q28 using SOHCAHTOA for right triangles.

Circles and Triangles

Circle equations test center-radius (2 questions), PYQ 6 Q30: “(x-3)² + (y+2)² = 16”. Triangles use area/perimeter (3).

Trigonometry Basics

Sine/cosine ratios in right triangles (2 questions), Test 3 Q32: opposite/hypotenuse.

How to Practice Repeated SAT Math PYQs

College Board’s Bluebook app lets you filter PYQs by type—complete 20 algebra questions weekly from Tests 1-6. For quadratics, solve PYQ 5 Module 2 in 15 minutes, check with answer key.

12-Week PYQ Math Plan

1. Weeks 1-3: 50 algebra PYQs (focus linear systems).
2. Weeks 4-6: 40 advanced math (quadratics vertex).
3. Weeks 7-9: 30 problem-solving (rates tables).
4. Weeks 10-12: 30 geometry (circles/trig).

Adaptive Module Strategies for Math PYQs

Strong Module 1 performance (70% accuracy) unlocks harder Module 2 questions worth more points. PYQ 4 simulation shows 18/22 in Module 1 leads to 28/48 in Module 2.

Desmos and Scratch Paper Use

Desmos graphs quadratics in 10 seconds—practice in PYQ 1. Scratch paper for systems prevents 20% errors.

Conclusion

This blog has covered SAT PYQs for Math most repeated question types for 2026, with algebra at 35% (13-15 questions, linear systems 4-5), advanced math 35% (quadratics 6-8), problem-solving 15% (rates 3-4), geometry 15% (circles 3-4), drawn from College Board’s PYQs 1-6 and Bluebook data. Sample questions like PYQ 5 Q22 quadratics and PYQ 4 Q28 trig, plus strategies (90-second linear solves, Desmos vertex), and a 12-week plan targeting 90% accuracy in high-frequency areas, prepare you for the digital SAT’s 70 questions across adaptive modules. Start with 20 algebra PYQs this week—your 700+ Math score is within reach.