Grade: Grade 11 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Weekly Full-Length Tests SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Mixed Set Practice

Learn

Mixed practice is where all your skills come together. Unlike topic-specific drills, mixed sets require you to quickly identify question types and switch between different problem-solving strategies—exactly like the real test.

Why Mixed Practice is Different

  • Context switching: You must shift gears between algebra, geometry, and data analysis
  • No priming: You can't predict what's coming next
  • Real test simulation: Matches actual SAT/ACT question distribution
  • Reveals true readiness: Exposes gaps that topic-focused practice hides

Mixed Set Strategies

  1. Quick classification: Spend 5 seconds identifying question type before solving
  2. Strategy selection: Choose your approach based on question type
  3. Flexible pacing: Some questions take 30 seconds, others take 2 minutes
  4. Strategic skipping: Mark difficult questions and return if time allows

Building a Weekly Routine

Day Focus Duration
Monday Topic-specific drill (weak area) 30 min
Wednesday Mixed set practice 45 min
Friday Error review and retry 30 min
Saturday Full-length practice test 3-4 hours
Sunday Test review and planning 1 hour

Score Tracking

Track your performance on mixed sets over time:

  • Record raw score (correct/total)
  • Note time taken vs. target time
  • Track accuracy by question type
  • Monitor improvement trends weekly

Examples

See the variety of question types you'll encounter in a mixed set.

Example 1: Algebra

If 2(x + 3) - 5 = 3x - 2, what is x?

Solution: 2x + 6 - 5 = 3x - 2 → 2x + 1 = 3x - 2 → 3 = x

Example 2: Geometry

A rectangle has length 12 and perimeter 38. What is its width?

Solution: P = 2L + 2W → 38 = 2(12) + 2W → 38 = 24 + 2W → W = 7

Example 3: Data Analysis

The mean of 5 numbers is 12. If one number (8) is removed, what is the new mean?

Solution: Total = 5 × 12 = 60. New total = 60 - 8 = 52. New mean = 52/4 = 13

Practice

Complete this 12-question mixed set in 15 minutes. Questions are not grouped by topic.

Target time: 15 minutes for 12 questions

This set includes algebra, geometry, data analysis, and problem-solving questions.

1. What is the slope of the line 3x - 2y = 12?

2. A store increases prices by 15%, then offers a 15% discount. What is the net percent change from the original price?

3. If f(x) = x^2 - 5x + 6, what are the zeros of f?

4. A circle has area 36pi. What is its circumference?

5. The ratio of teachers to students is 1:18. If there are 684 students, how many teachers are there?

6. Simplify: (x^3 * x^4) / x^2

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

8. If the median of {3, 7, x, 12, 15} is 9, what is x?

9. A car depreciates 12% per year. If it's worth $25,000 now, what will it be worth in 2 years?

10. What is the y-intercept of the line passing through (2, 5) and (4, 11)?

11. If cos(A) = 0.8 in a right triangle, what is tan(A)?

12. A bag contains 4 red, 3 blue, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a blue or green marble?

Record your results:

  • Time taken: ___ minutes
  • Questions correct: ___ / 12
  • Algebra correct: ___ / 4
  • Geometry correct: ___ / 4
  • Data/Probability correct: ___ / 4

Check Your Understanding

Reflect on your mixed set performance.

  1. Which question types did you find easiest in the mixed context?
  2. Did any question types feel harder when mixed with others?
  3. How did your pacing compare to topic-specific drills?
  4. What patterns do you notice in your errors?
  5. Which strategies from this unit helped you most?

Next Steps

  • Complete at least one mixed set per week leading up to test day
  • Gradually increase set size: 12 → 20 → 30 questions
  • Review errors using the system from the previous lesson
  • Schedule your first full-length practice test
  • Return to earlier lessons in this unit to strengthen weak areas