Desmos or Bust
Two linear equations have "no solution." What does this look like visually on Desmos?
Two parallel lines (they have the same slope and never cross).
A Reading question asks for the main idea. Choice A uses exact, identical phrases lifted word-for-word from the text, while Choice C uses fresh synonyms you didn't see in the paragraph. Which one is far more likely to be a College Board trap?
Choice A.
Takeaway: Don't fall for recycled language. College Board loves lifting exact words to package an answer that actually twists the meaning. Correct answers almost always rephrase the core idea using brand-new synonyms.
ambivalent.
If a scientist has an "ambivalent" stance toward a new hypothesis, are they completely against it, fully supportive, or mixed/conflicted?
Mixed or conflicted (torn between two sides).
QA: "Ambi" = both (like ambidextrous). You have feelings on both sides of the fence; you're on the fence.
undermine.
What does it mean to "undermine" something?
Weaken, damage, or erode the foundation of an argument.
A question gives you f(x) = -3(x - 4)^2 + 12 and asks for the maximum value of f(x). What is it, and what coordinate do you look at on Desmos?
12. You look at the y-value of the vertex/peak.
A: galaxies. However,
B: galaxies; however,
Which one is grammatically superior?
Neither! Cross off BOTH. A period and semicolon do the exact same job, so two identical options cancel each other out.
anomalous.
A marine biologist detects an "anomalous" temperature spike in a deep-sea trench. What does that mean about the measurement?
It deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected; an irregular outlier.
You spot a semicolon (;) used inside a sentence, but it is not separating two complete independent clauses.
How is this possible?
It's a super-comma list!
In a complex list where the items themselves already contain internal commas (e.g., "The tour stopped in Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and Chicago, Illinois.").
Which of the following points lies on the line y = 3x - 8?
A) (2, -1)
B) (3, 1)
C) (4, 5)
D) (1, -3)
B.
Type the equation on line 1, and type the four coordinates as points on lines 2 through 5. Look to see which dot lands directly on the line.
A bar graph shows Bar A looking 3x taller than Bar B, but claiming "A is triple B" is false. What visual trap is on the axis?
y-axis doesn't start at 0 (truncated axis). Always check the baseline numbers, not just relative bar sizes!
Takeaway: Graphs don't always start at 0! Check the baseline, not just bar height.
substantiate.
An author introduces archaeological findings to "substantiate" their earlier argument. What are they doing to the claim?
Backing it up, validating it, or providing concrete proof.
QA: "Substance." Giving an argument actual substance so it doesn't fall flat.
What is the grammar error here: "Walking through the park, the fallen leaves covered Sarah's shoes."
Dangling modifier. The modifier "Walking through the park" must immediately touch the person walking (Sarah), not the leaves.
A question asks: "If f(x) = x2 - 4x + 9, what is the value of f(7)?
30.
Type f(x) = x2 - 4x + 9 on line 1, and on line 2 simply type f(7). Desmos immediately displays 30.
How many total characters does Bluebook allow you to enter for a negative grid-in answer versus a positive grid-in answer?
6 characters for negative (accounting for the minus sign); 5 characters for positive.
Resource: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/english-sat-test-directions-bb.pdf
ephemeral.
What does this word mean?
Lasting for a very short time; fleeting, brief, or temporary.
If a circle equation is (x - 3)^2 + (y + 5)^2 = 49, what is the center point and what is the radius?
Center: (3, -5), Radius: 7 (sqrt49).
A dataset of 20 home prices has a median of $300,000 and a mean of $310,000. A new luxury mansion selling for $$4,500,000 is added to the dataset.
Which statement is true about the updated dataset?
A) The median will increase significantly more than the mean.
B) The mean will increase significantly more than the median.
C) Both increase by the exact same dollar amount.
D) The median decreases while the mean increases.
B (The mean increases significantly more than the median).
Outliers pull the mean heavily in their direction, while the median is resistant and barely shifts to the adjacent number.
You use Desmos to solve a system of equations for a student-produced response, and the calculator outputs $x = 0.6666666667. What is the safest way to enter this into Bluebook so you don't get marked wrong for rounding?
Enter it as the exact fraction (2/3) or truncate/ round at the fourth digit.
Resource: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/english-sat-test-directions-bb.pdf
ubiquitous.
What does "ubiquitous" mean?
Everywhere; present or found across all settings simultaneously.
idiosyncratic.
uh.. what does this word mean?
Peculiar, unique, or quirky to an individual; distinctly characteristic of a single person or thing.