A Look at the Algebra Standard

For many students taking the SAT, it’s been a while since they’ve sat in an algebra class. The specific conceptual elements that were once familiar have been obscured by years of additional math training. How does one solve a system of equations? A refresher on the substitution and elimination methods, in addition to additional, time-saving methods might be in order. The SAT is also eager to know if you recall the details of linear equations. What does “b” stand for in slope-intercept form, y=mx+b. How does this valuable equation apply to narrative SAT problems? Let’s see an example. We’re given this equation which, conveniently, is already in slope intercept form.  h = 3a + 28.6  Now, the question:

A pediatrician uses the model above to estimate the height h of a boy, in inches, in terms of the boy’s age a, in years, between the ages of 2 and 5. Based on the model, what is the estimated increase, in inches, of a boy’s height each year?   

There are a number of ways to solve this problem, and we’ll talk about all of them in class (the SAT doesn’t care how you arrive at the correct answer, just as long as you do arrive at it). But the SAT uses very specific vocabulary throughout the test, and when we are presented an equation in slope intercept form and the question asks us for an “increase,” you can be fairly certain that it’s the slope they’re seeking.

-Nick Chase
Owner, Lead Educator
Score Higher Tutoring