SAT Quadratics Guide: Every Formula and Trick
Quadratics appear on nearly every Digital SAT Math module. Here's every formula, factoring trick, and Desmos shortcut you need.
The Three Forms of a Quadratic
Each form exposes different information about the parabola.
- Standard: y = ax² + bx + c — y-intercept is visible.
- Vertex: y = a(x − h)² + k — vertex is (h, k).
- Factored: y = a(x − r₁)(x − r₂) — roots are r₁ and r₂.
Fastest Way to Find Roots
Graph the quadratic in Desmos. The x-intercepts are the roots. If Desmos isn't practical, factor first; if it doesn't factor cleanly, use the quadratic formula.
What to do after reading this
- Turn the article into one action: a bank drill, a timed module, or a score calculation.
- Write down the exact skill or habit you are testing.
- Review the result before reading another guide.
Related SAT guides
- Every SAT Math Formula You Need to Memorize
The complete list of Digital SAT math formulas to memorize — including what the reference sheet already covers and what it doesn't.
- How to Use Desmos on the Digital SAT
A tactical guide to using the built-in Desmos graphing calculator on the Digital SAT Math section — the shortcuts that save the most time.
Mistakes to avoid
- Reading multiple guides without doing practice between them.
- Using broad practice when the article points to a narrow skill.
- Treating format knowledge as score improvement before testing it under time.
Use this in practice
Practice on 1600.now
Apply what you just read. Run the numbers in the SAT score calculator, take a full Digital SAT module, or drill targeted skills in the question bank.
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