Grade: 9 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Diagnostic Assessment Lesson: 4 of 6 SAT: ProblemSolving+DataAnalysis ACT: Math

Targeted Skills

Learn

Based on your diagnostic results, this lesson focuses on developing specific skills that are commonly tested on the SAT and ACT. Understanding which skills to target helps you study more efficiently and effectively.

Key Skill Areas for SAT/ACT Math

  • Algebraic Reasoning: Solving equations, inequalities, and systems
  • Data Analysis: Interpreting graphs, tables, and statistical measures
  • Problem Solving: Multi-step word problems and real-world applications
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Ratios, proportions, and percentages

Prioritizing Your Study

Focus first on skills where you scored lowest on your diagnostic, but also practice maintaining your strengths. A balanced approach ensures overall improvement.

Examples

Skill Focus: Solving Linear Equations

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

Step 1: Distribute: 3x - 12 = 2x + 5

Step 2: Subtract 2x: x - 12 = 5

Step 3: Add 12: x = 17

Skill Focus: Interpreting Data

A bar graph shows monthly sales: Jan = $2000, Feb = $2500, Mar = $3000. What is the average monthly sales?

Solution: Average = (2000 + 2500 + 3000) / 3 = $2500

Practice Quiz

Test your targeted skills with these 10 questions. Click to reveal answers.

Question 1: Solve for x: 5x + 3 = 28

Answer: x = 5

5x = 25, so x = 5

Question 2: If y = 2x + 7 and x = 4, what is y?

Answer: y = 15

y = 2(4) + 7 = 8 + 7 = 15

Question 3: Solve: 2(x + 3) = x + 10

Answer: x = 4

2x + 6 = x + 10; x = 4

Question 4: What is 15% of 80?

Answer: 12

0.15 x 80 = 12

Question 5: If the mean of 4, 8, and x is 7, find x.

Answer: x = 9

(4 + 8 + x) / 3 = 7; 12 + x = 21; x = 9

Question 6: A shirt costs $40 after a 20% discount. What was the original price?

Answer: $50

$40 = 80% of original; original = 40/0.80 = $50

Question 7: Solve: 3x - 7 = 2x + 5

Answer: x = 12

3x - 2x = 5 + 7; x = 12

Question 8: If f(x) = x^2 - 3, what is f(5)?

Answer: 22

f(5) = 25 - 3 = 22

Question 9: The ratio of cats to dogs is 3:5. If there are 40 animals total, how many are cats?

Answer: 15 cats

8 parts = 40; 1 part = 5; cats = 3 x 5 = 15

Question 10: What is the slope of the line passing through (2, 3) and (6, 11)?

Answer: 2

Slope = (11 - 3)/(6 - 2) = 8/4 = 2

Check Your Understanding

  • Can you solve one-step and two-step equations confidently?
  • Do you understand how to calculate percentages and ratios?
  • Can you interpret simple data from tables and graphs?

Next Steps

  • Identify 2-3 skills that need more practice
  • Create a study plan for the next week
  • Continue to the next lesson to review common mistakes