Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: SAT Ratios and Data

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis is the SAT Math section domain that measures your ability to apply ratios, rates, proportional reasoning, percentages, and statistical interpretation to real-world data. Questions often present information through two-way tables, scatterplots, or word problems involving unit conversions and sample surveys.

When solving a multi-step rate or percentage problem, write the units beside each quantity so every conversion factor cancels cleanly on paper. For data display items, check the column totals or scatterplot labels first to confirm which subgroup the question asks about. This same habit of verifying labels and claims also strengthens your accuracy on quantitative graphics in Information and Ideas.

During your practice-test review, check whether any missed items in this domain came from misreading a percentage base—such as mixing up percent of a total with percent change—or selecting the wrong row in a frequency table. Drilling a short set of targeted ratio and table problems each week keeps your quantitative reasoning sharp.