Grade: Grade 10 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Timed Modules SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Mixed Practice Set

Learn

A mixed practice set simulates real test conditions by combining different question types in random order. Unlike focused drills that practice one skill, mixed sets require you to switch between topics and strategies - just like on the actual SAT or ACT.

Why Mixed Practice Is Essential

  • Builds mental flexibility: Switching between topics strengthens your ability to recall different concepts
  • Mirrors real tests: SAT and ACT questions are not grouped by topic
  • Reveals true readiness: You may know topics in isolation but struggle to identify which skills to use
  • Improves retention: Mixed practice leads to better long-term memory than blocked practice

How to Approach a Mixed Set

  1. Read carefully: Identify what the question is actually asking
  2. Classify the question: What topic/skill is being tested?
  3. Choose your strategy: What's the most efficient approach?
  4. Solve and check: Does your answer make sense?
  5. Move on: Don't dwell - you can return if time permits

Pacing Strategy

For this 12-question set, target 15 minutes total (about 1:15 per question). After 90 seconds on any problem, make your best guess and move on. Mark problems you want to revisit.

Examples

See how to quickly identify question types and choose strategies.

Example 1: Recognize and Solve

Question: If 2x + 3y = 12 and x = 3, what is y?

Type: Linear equation (substitution)

Strategy: Plug in x = 3, solve for y

Solution: 2(3) + 3y = 12 → 6 + 3y = 12 → 3y = 6 → y = 2

Time: ~30 seconds

Example 2: Word Problem Translation

Question: Maria has 3 times as many books as Tom. Together they have 28 books. How many does Maria have?

Type: System of equations / word problem

Strategy: Let T = Tom's books. Maria = 3T. T + 3T = 28

Solution: 4T = 28, T = 7. Maria = 3(7) = 21 books

Time: ~45 seconds

Example 3: Data Interpretation

Question: A bar graph shows sales of $200, $350, $275, $400 for Q1-Q4. What was the average quarterly sales?

Type: Statistics / mean

Strategy: Sum and divide by 4

Solution: (200 + 350 + 275 + 400) / 4 = 1225 / 4 = $306.25

Time: ~40 seconds

Practice

MIXED SET: Set a timer for 15 minutes. Work through all 12 problems. Record your answers and time.

1. Solve for x: 4(x - 2) = 3x + 5

A) 13   B) 3   C) -3   D) -13

2. A triangle has angles measuring 45 degrees and 72 degrees. What is the measure of the third angle?

A) 53 degrees   B) 63 degrees   C) 73 degrees   D) 117 degrees

3. If f(x) = 3x - 7, what is the value of x when f(x) = 11?

A) 4   B) 6   C) 18   D) 26

4. The ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:5. If there are 24 students total, how many are girls?

A) 9   B) 12   C) 15   D) 18

5. What is the slope of a line perpendicular to y = 2x + 5?

A) 2   B) -2   C) 1/2   D) -1/2

6. A shirt originally priced at $60 is on sale for 30% off. What is the sale price?

A) $18   B) $30   C) $42   D) $78

7. Simplify: (2x³)(3x²)

A) 5x⁵   B) 6x⁵   C) 5x⁶   D) 6x⁶

8. The mean of five numbers is 18. If four of the numbers are 12, 15, 20, and 22, what is the fifth number?

A) 18   B) 21   C) 23   D) 25

9. Which expression is equivalent to (x + 4)(x - 4)?

A) x² - 16   B) x² + 16   C) x² - 8x - 16   D) x² + 8x - 16

10. A car travels at 50 mph for 2 hours, then 60 mph for 3 hours. What is the average speed for the entire trip?

A) 55 mph   B) 56 mph   C) 58 mph   D) 110 mph

11. If 3^n = 81, what is the value of 3^(n-2)?

A) 3   B) 9   C) 27   D) 79

12. In a right triangle, one leg is 5 and the hypotenuse is 13. What is the length of the other leg?

A) 8   B) 12   C) 14   D) 18

After the Set

Time taken: _____ minutes

Score: _____ / 12

Questions skipped or guessed: _____

Target: 10+ correct in 15 minutes or less

Check Your Understanding

Review your performance on the mixed set.

  1. How did your performance compare to the focused drills? Was it harder to switch between topics?
  2. Which question types did you find easiest to identify and solve?
  3. Were there any problems where you used an inefficient strategy?
  4. What patterns do you notice in the questions you got wrong?

Answer Key

1) A   2) B   3) B   4) C   5) D   6) C   7) B   8) B   9) A   10) B   11) B   12) B

Next Steps

  • Review each wrong answer using the error analysis from the previous lesson
  • Retake this set in one week and compare your scores
  • Continue to the next unit in SAT/ACT Skills
  • Schedule regular mixed practice sessions (2-3 times per week)