SAT Functions
To solve problems about functions on the SAT, you need to know:
Contents
Examples
The table above shows some values of the function If and , what is ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Correct Answer: E
Solution:
Incorrect Choices:
(A)
Tip: Read the entire question carefully.
You will get this wrong answer if you do this: We are told that not that,(B)
Tip: Just because a number appears in the question doesn’t mean it is the answer.(C)
Tip: Read the entire question carefully.
If you solve for , you will get this wrong answer.(D)
Tip: Read the entire question carefully.
If you solve for instead of you will get this wrong answer.
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The graph of is shown above. If , which of the following is ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
As shown below, Therefore, and
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Incorrect Choices:
(A)
Tip: The line is a horizontal line that crosses the -axis at
You will get this wrong answer if you find the slope of the horizontal line between and instead of evaluating at(B)
If you solve for , you will get this wrong answer. does not mean that It means that the value of when is .(C)
Tip: Read the entire question carefully.
If you find that and you then solve for , instead of you will get this wrong answer.(E)
Tip: Read the entire question carefully.
If you solve for , you will get this wrong answer. We're looking for
Review
If you thought these examples difficult and you need to review the material, these links will help:
SAT Tips for Functions
- The line is a horizontal line that crosses the -axis at
- The line is a vertical line that crosses the x-axis at
- For
- The domain of is the set of all in the domain of such that is in the domain of .
- Follow order of operations.
- SAT General Tips