CHAPTER 19

Additional Topics
in Math
In addition to the questions in Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and REMEMBER
Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math, the SAT Math Test Six of the 58 questions
includes several questions that are drawn from areas of geometry, (approximately 10%) on the SAT
Math Test will be drawn from
trigonometry, and the arithmetic of complex numbers. They include
Additional Topics in Math, which
both multiple-choice and student-produced response questions. Some
includes geometry, trigonometry,
of these questions appear in the no-calculator portion, where the use of
and the arithmetic of complex
a calculator is not permitted, and others are in the calculator portion, numbers.
where the use of a calculator is permitted.

Let’s explore the content and skills assessed by these questions.

Geometry
The SAT Math Test includes questions that assess your understanding REMEMBER
of the key concepts in the geometry of lines, angles, triangles, circles, You do not need to memorize a large
and other geometric objects. Other questions may also ask you to find collection of geometry formulas.
the area, surface area, or volume of an abstract figure or a real-life Many geometry formulas are
provided on the SAT Math Test in the
object. You don’t need to memorize a large collection of formulas, but
Reference section of the directions.
you should be comfortable understanding and using these formulas to
solve various types of problems. Many of the geometry formulas are
provided in the reference information at the beginning of each section
of the SAT Math Test, and less commonly used formulas required to
answer a question are given with the question.

To answer geometry questions on the SAT Math Test, you should

recall the geometry definitions learned prior to high school and know
the essential concepts extended while learning geometry in high
school. You should also be familiar with basic geometric notation.

Here are some of the areas that may be the focus of some questions on
the SAT Math Test.

§ Lines and angles

w Lengths and midpoints
w Measures of angles
w Vertical angles
w Angle addition
w Straight angles and the sum of the angles about a point
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PART 3 | Math

w Properties of parallel lines and the angles formed when parallel

lines are cut by a transversal

w Properties of perpendicular lines

§ Triangles and other polygons
w Right triangles and the Pythagorean theorem
w Properties of equilateral and isosceles triangles
w Properties of 30°-60°-90° triangles and 45°-45°-90° triangles

PRACTICE AT w Congruent triangles and other congruent figures

satpractice.org w Similar triangles and other similar figures
The triangle inequality theorem
w The triangle inequality
states that for any triangle, the
length of any side of the triangle w Squares, rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and other
must be less than the sum of the quadrilaterals
lengths of the other two sides of
the triangle and greater than the w Regular polygons
difference of the lengths of the § Circles
other two sides.
w Radius, diameter, and circumference
w Measure of central angles and inscribed angles
w Arc length, arc measure, and area of sectors
w Tangents and chords
§ Area and volume
w Area of plane figures
w Volume of solids
w Surface area of solids
You should be familiar with the geometric notation for points and lines,
line segments, angles and their measures, and lengths.
y
e m
E
4
P
D
2
B
Q
M
x
–4 –2 O 2 4
–2
C
–4

In the figure above, the xy-plane has origin O. The values of x on the
horizontal x-axis increase as you move to the right, and the values of y
on the vertical y-axis increase as you move up. Line e contains point P,

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 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

which has coordinates (−2, 3); point E, which has coordinates (0, 5);
and point M, which has coordinates (−5, 0). Line m passes through the
origin O (0, 0), the point Q (1, 1), and the point D (3, 3).

Lines e and m are parallel—they never meet. This is written e || m.

You will also need to know the following notation:

​
§  ​ the line containing the points P and E (this is the same as line e )

§ ​​  
__
§ PE : the length of segment PE (you can write PE = 2√2 ​ )
​
§ the ray starting at point P and extending indefinitely in the
direction of point E
​
§ the ray starting at point E and extending indefinitely in the
direction of point P

§ ​
§ △PEB : the triangle with vertices P, E, and B
§ Quadrilateral BPMO: the quadrilateral with vertices B, P, M, and O
_ _
§ BP​ ⊥ PM : segment BP is perpendicular to segment PM (you should
also recognize that the right angle box within ∠BPM means this
angle is a right angle)

A 12 D


E
1 m
B C

In the figure above, line ℓ is parallel to line m, segment BD is perpendicular to

line m, and segment AC and segment BD intersect at E. What is the length of
segment AC?

Since segment AC and segment BD intersect at E, ∠AED and ∠CEB are

vertical angles, and so the measure of ∠AED is equal to the measure of
∠CEB. Since line ℓ is parallel to line m, ∠BCE and ∠DAE are alternate PRACTICE AT
interior angles of parallel lines cut by a transversal, and so the measure satpractice.org
of ∠BCE is equal to the measure of ∠DAE. By the angle-angle theorem, A shortcut here is remembering that
△AED is similar to △CEB, with vertices A, E, and D corresponding to 5, 12, 13 is a Pythagorean triple
vertices C, E, and B, respectively. (5 and 12 are the lengths of the sides
of the right triangle, and 13 is the
Also, △
_ AED is a right_
triangle, so_by the Pythagorean theorem, length of the hypotenuse). Another
AE = √AD + DE = √12 + 5 = √169 = 13. Since △AED is similar to
2 2 2 2
common Pythagorean triple is 3, 4, 5.
△CEB, the ratios of the lengths of corresponding sides of the two

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PART 3 | Math

ED 5
triangles are in the same proportion, which is ​  _ = _ = 5. Thus,
EB 1
AE 13 13 13 _ 78
​  _ = _ = 5, and so EC = _ _
5 ​. Therefore, AC = AE + EC = 13 + 5 ​ = ​  5 ​.
EC EC
Note some of the key concepts that were used in Example 1:

§ Vertical angles have the same measure.

§ When parallel lines are cut by a transversal, the alternate interior
angles have the same measure.

§ If two angles of a triangle are congruent to (have the same measure

as) two angles of another triangle, the two triangles are similar.
E§ The Pythagorean theorem: a2 + b2 = c 2, where a and b are the
lengths of the legs of a right triangle and c is the length of the
hypotenuse.

§ If two triangles are similar, then all ratios of lengths of

corresponding sides are equal.

§ If point E lies on line segment AC, then AC = AE + EC.

Note that if two triangles or other polygons are similar or congruent,
the order in which the vertices are named does not necessarily indicate
how the vertices correspond in the similarity or congruence. Thus, it
was stated explicitly in Example 1 that “△AED is similar to △CEB, with
vertices A, E, and D corresponding to vertices C, E, and B, respectively.”

You should also be familiar with the symbols for congruence and
similarity.

§ Triangle ABC is congruent to triangle DEF, with vertices A, B, and C

corresponding to vertices D, E, and F, respectively, and can be
written as △ABC ≅ △DEF. Note that this statement, written with the
symbol ≅, indicates that vertices A, B, and C correspond to vertices D,
E, and F, respectively.

§ Triangle ABC is similar to triangle DEF, with vertices A, B, and C

corresponding to vertices D, E, and F, respectively, and can be
written as △ABC ~ △DEF. Note that this statement, written with
the symbol ~, indicates that vertices A, B, and C correspond to
vertices D, E, and F, respectively.

x°

In the figure above, a regular polygon with 9 sides has been divided into
9 congruent isosceles triangles by line segments drawn from the center of the
polygon to its vertices. What is the value of x?

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 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

The sum of the measures of the angles around a point is 360°. Since
the 9 triangles are congruent, the measures of each of the 9 angles are
equal. Thus, the measure of each of the 9 angles around the center
360°
point is ​  _ = 40°. In any triangle, the sum of the measures of the
9
interior angles is 180°. So in each triangle, the sum of the measures
of the remaining two angles is 180° − 40° = 140°. Since each triangle
is isosceles, the measure of each of these two angles is the same.
140°
Therefore, the measure of each of these angles is ​  _ = 70°. Hence,
2
the value of x is 70.

Note some of the key concepts that were used in Example 2:

§ The sum of the measures of the angles about a point is 360°.

§ Corresponding angles of congruent triangles have the same
measure.

§ The sum of the measure of the interior angles of any triangle is 180°.
§ In an isosceles triangle, the angles opposite the sides of equal
length are of equal measure.

A
Y

X
B

In the figure above, ∠AXB and ∠AYB are inscribed in the circle. Which of the
following statements is true?
A) The measure of ∠AXB is greater than the measure of ∠AYB.
B) The measure of ∠AXB is less than the measure of ∠AYB.
C) The measure of ∠AXB is equal to the measure of ∠AYB.
D) There is not enough information to determine the relationship between the
measure of ∠AXB and the measure of ∠AYB.

Choice C is correct. Let the measure of arc AB be d °. Since ∠AXB is PRACTICE AT

inscribed in the circle and intercepts arc AB , the measure of ∠AXB is satpractice.org
. Thus, the measure of ∠AXB is ​ _
equal to half the measure of arc AB
d°
 ​. At first glance, it may appear
2 as though there's not enough
Similarly, since ∠AYB is also inscribed in the circle and intercepts information to determine the
, the measure of ∠AYB is also ​ _
arc AB
d°
. Therefore, the measure of relationship between the two angle
2
measures. One key to this question
∠AXB is equal to the measure of ∠AYB.
is identifying what is the same about
Note the key concept that was used in Example 3: the two angle measures. In this
case, both angles intercept arc AB.
§ The measure of an angle inscribed in a circle is equal to half the
measure of its intercepted arc.

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PART 3 | Math

You also should know these related concepts:

§ The measure of a central angle in a circle is equal to the measure

of its intercepted arc.

§ An arc is measured in degrees, while arc length is measured in

linear units.

You should also be familiar with notation for arcs and circles on
the SAT:

§ A circle may be identified by the point at its center; for instance,

“the circle centered at point M” or “the circle with center at point M.”
 , will
§ An arc named with only its two endpoints, such as arc AB
always refer to a minor arc. A minor arc has a measure that is less
than 180°.

§ An arc may also be named with three points: the two endpoints

and a third point that the arc passes through. So, arc ACB  has
endpoints at A and B and passes through point C. Three points
may be used to name a minor arc or an arc that has a measure of
180° or more.
REMEMBER In general, figures that accompany questions on the SAT Math Test are
Figures are drawn to scale on the intended to provide information that is useful in answering the question.
SAT Math Test unless explicitly They are drawn as accurately as possible EXCEPT in a particular
stated otherwise. If a question states question when it is stated that the figure is not drawn to scale. In
that a figure is not drawn to scale,
general, even in figures not drawn to scale, the relative positions of
be careful not to make unwarranted
points and angles may be assumed to be in the order shown. Also, line
assumptions about the figure.
segments that extend through points and appear to lie on the same line
may be assumed to be on the same line. A point that appears to lie on a
line or curve may be assumed to lie on the line or curve.

The text “Note: Figure not drawn to scale.” is included with the figure
when degree measures may not be accurately shown and specific
lengths may not be drawn proportionally. The following example
illustrates what information can and cannot be assumed from a figure
not drawn to scale.
B

A C
D

Note: Figure not drawn to scale.

A question may refer to a triangle such as ABC above. Although the

note indicates that the figure is not drawn to scale, you may assume
the following from the figure:

§ ABD and DBC are triangles.

§ D is between A and C.
§ A, D, and C are points on a line.

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 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

_
§ The length of AD   ​
§ The measure of angle ABD is less than the measure of angle ABC.
You may not assume the following from the figure:
_ _
§ The length of ​​
§ The measures of angles BAD and DBA are equal.
§ The measure of angle DBC is greater than the measure of angle ABD.
§ Angle DBC is a right angle.

O
A C

In the given figure, O is the center of the circle, segment BC is tangent to the
circle at B, and A lies on segment OC. If OB = AC = 6, what is the area of the
shaded region?
__
A) 18√3 − 3π
__
B) 18√3 − 6π
__
C) 36√3 − 3π
__
D) 36√3 − 6π
_ _
Since segment BC is tangent to the circle at B, it follows that BC ⊥ OB, PRACTICE AT
and so triangle OBC is a right triangle with its right angle at B. Since satpractice.org
OB = 6 and OB and OA are both radii of the circle, OA = OB = 6, and On complex multistep questions
OC = OA + AC = 12. Thus, triangle OBC is a right triangle with the such as Example 4, start by
length of the hypotenuse (OC = 12) twice the length of one of its legs identifying the task (finding the
(OB = 6). It follows that triangle OBC is a 30°-60°-90° triangle with its area of the shaded region) and
30° angle at C and its 60° angle at O. The area of the shaded region is considering the intermediate
steps that you’ll need to solve for
the area of triangle OBC minus the area of the sector bounded by radii
(the area of triangle OBC and the
OA and OB.
area of sector OBA) in order to
In the 30°-60°-90° triangle OBC, the length of side OB, which is get to the final answer. Breaking
opposite the 30° angle, is 6. Thus, the length of side BC, which up this question into a series of
_
is opposite the 60° angle, is 6√ 3 . Hence, the area of triangle OBC smaller questions will make it more
_ _ manageable.
1
is ​  _ (6)(6√ 3 ) = 18√  3 ​. Since the sector bounded by radii OA and OB
2
60 1
has central angle 60°, the area of this sector is ​  _  ​ = ​  _ ​ of the area of
360 6
the circle. Since the circle has radius 6, its area is π (6)2 = 36π, and so
1
the area of the sector is ​  _ ​(36π ) = 6π. Therefore, the area of the shaded
_ 6
region is 18√  3 ​ − 6π, which is choice B.

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PART 3 | Math

Note some of the key concepts that were used in Example 4:

§ A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius of the circle

Edrawn to the point of tangency.

§ Properties of 30°-60°-90° triangles.

§ Area of a circle.
x
§ The area of a sector with central angle x ° is equal to ​  —
360
of the
area of the entire circle.
​

X b Y
a 135° 135°
45° 45°
W Z

Trapezoid WXYZ is shown above. How much greater is the area of this
trapezoid than the area of a parallelogram with side lengths a and b and base
angles of measure 45° and 135°?
A) _1 ​  a2
2_
B) √2 a2
C) ​ 
 ​ 
_
D) √2 ab

PRACTICE AT In the figure, draw a line segment from Y to the point P on side WZ
satpractice.org of the trapezoid such that ∠YPW has measure 135°, as shown in the
Note how drawing the parallelogram figure below.
within trapezoid WXYZ makes it b
X Y
much easier to compare the areas
of the two shapes, minimizing the a
amount of calculation needed to 135° 45°
W Z
arrive at the solution. Be on the P
lookout for time-saving shortcuts
such as this one. Since in trapezoid WXYZ side XY is parallel to side WZ, it follows that
WXYP is a parallelogram with side lengths a and b and base angles of
measure 45° and 135°. Thus, the area of the trapezoid is greater than
a parallelogram with side lengths a and b and base angles of measure
45° and 135° by the area of triangle PYZ. Since ∠YPW has measure
135°, it follows that ∠YPZ has measure 45°. Hence, triangle PYZ is a
1
45°-45°-90° triangle with legs of length a. Therefore, its area is ​  _ a 2,
2
which is choice A.

Note some of the key concepts that were used in Example 5:

§ Properties of trapezoids and parallelograms

§ Area of a 45°-45°-90° triangle

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 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

Some questions on the SAT Math Test may ask you to find the area,
surface area, or volume of an object, possibly in a real-life context.

E
2 in 1
in
4

5 in

Note: Figure not drawn to scale.

A glass sculpture in the shape of a right square prism is shown. The base of the
sculpture’s outer shape is a square of side length 2 inches. The sculpture has a
hollow core that is also in the shape of a right square prism. The glass in the
1 inch thick, and the height of both the glass and the hollow core is
sculpture is _
4
5 inches. What is the volume, in cubic inches, of the glass in the sculpture?
A) 1.50
B) 8.75
C) 11.25
D) 20.00

The volume of the glass in the sculpture can be calculated by PRACTICE AT

subtracting the volume of the inside hollow core from the volume of satpractice.org
the outside prism. The inside and outside volumes are square-based Pay close attention to detail on a
prisms of different sizes. The outside dimensions of the prism are question such as Example 6. You
5 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches, so its volume is (5)(2)(2) = 20 cubic must take into account the fact that
1
inches. Each side of the sculpture is ​  _ inch thick, so each side the sculpture has a hollow core that
4 is also a right square prism, with the
1 _ 1 3
length of the inside volume is 2 – –  ​ = ​  _ , or 1.5 inches. Thus, the
_ same height but a different-sized
4 4 2
base, when subtracting the volume
inside volume of the hollow core is (5)(1.5)(1.5) = 11.25 cubic inches.
of the hollow core from the volume
Therefore, the volume of the glass in the sculpture is 20 – 11.25 = 8.75
of the entire sculpture.
cubic inches, which is choice B.

Coordinate Geometry
Questions on the SAT Math Test may ask you to use the coordinate
plane and equations of lines and circles to describe figures. You
may be asked to create the equation of a circle given the figure or
use the structure of a given equation to determine a property of a

249
PART 3 | Math

figure in the coordinate plane. You should know that the graph of
E(x − a)2 + (y − b)2 = r 2 in the xy-plane is a circle with center (a, b) and
radius r.

x 2 + (y + 1)2 = 4
The graph of the given equation in the xy-plane is a circle. If the center of this
circle is translated 1 unit up and the radius is increased by 1, which of the
following is an equation of the resulting circle?
A) x 2 + y 2 = 5
B)
C) x2 + (y + 2)2 = 5
D) x2 + (y + 2)2 = 9

The graph of the equation x 2 + (y

_
+ 1)2 = 4 in the xy-plane is a circle
with center (0, −1) and radius √ 4 = 2. If the center is translated 1 unit
up, the center of the new circle will be (0, 0). If the radius is increased
by 1, the radius of the new circle will be 3. Therefore, an equation of
the new circle in the xy-plane is x 2 + y 2 = 32 = 9, so choice B is correct.

E
x 2 + 8x + y 2 − 6y = 24
The graph of the equation above in the xy-plane is a circle. What is the radius
of the circle?

The given equation is not in the standard form (x − a)2 + (y − b)2 = r 2.

You can put it in standard form by completing the square. Since the
coefficient of x is 8 and the coefficient of y is −6, you can write the
equation in terms of (x + 4)2 and (y − 3)2 as follows:

x 2 + 8x + y 2 − 6y = 24
(x 2 + 8x + 16) − 16 + (y 2 − 6y + 9) − 9 = 24

(x + 4)2 − 16 + (y − 3)2 − 9 = 24

(x + 4)2 + (y − 3)2 = 24 + 16 + 9

(x + 4)2 + (y − 3)2 = 49

Since 49 = 72, the radius of the circle is 7. (Also, the center of the circle
is (−4, 3).)

Trigonometry and Radians

Questions on the SAT Math Test may ask you to apply the definitions
of right triangle trigonometry. You should also know the definition of
radian measure; you may also need to convert between angle measure
in degrees and radians. You may need to evaluate trigonometric
π π π
functions at benchmark angle measures such as 0, ​  _ ​, ​  _ ​, ​  _ ​,
6 4 3

250
 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

π
and ​  _ ​  radians (which are equal to the angle measures 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°,
2
and 90°, respectively). You will not be asked for values of trigonometric
functions that require a calculator.

For an acute angle, the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and

tangent can be defined using right triangles. (Note that the functions
are often abbreviated as sin, cos, and tan, respectively.)
B

A C

For ∠C in the right triangle above:

AB length of leg opposite ∠C
§ sin(∠C ) = _BC
= ___
length of hypotenuse
PRACTICE AT
satpractice.org
AC length of leg adjacent to ∠C
§ cos(∠C ) = _
BC
= ___
length of hypotenuse
The acronym “SOHCAHTOA” may
help you remember how to compute
AB length of leg opposite ∠C sin(∠C ) sine, cosine, and tangent. SOH
§ tan(∠C ) = _ = ___ = _
AC length of leg adjacent to ∠C cos(∠C ) stands for Sine equals Opposite
over Hypotenuse, CAH stands
The functions will often be written as sin C, cos C, and tan C, respectively. for Cosine equals Adjacent over
Hypotenuse, and TOA stands for
Note that the trigonometric functions are actually functions of the
Tangent equals Opposite over
measures of an angle, not the angle itself. Thus, if the measure of ∠C
Adjacent.
is, say, 30°, you can write sin(30°), cos(30°), and tan(30°), respectively.

Also note that sine and cosine are cofunctions and that
length of leg opposite ∠B _ AC
sin B = ​  ___  ​ = ​  = cos C. This is the
length of hypotenuse BC
complementary angle relationship: sin(x °) = cos(90° − x °).

Z
R
Q P Y X

In the figure above, right triangle PQR is similar to right triangle XYZ, with
vertices P, Q, and R corresponding to vertices X, Y, and Z, respectively.
If cos R = 0.263, what is the value of cos Z?

RQ ZY
By the definition of cosine, cos R = _ and cos Z = _ ​  . Since triangle
RP ZX
PQR is similar to triangle XYZ, with vertices P, Q, and R corresponding
RQ ZY
to vertices X, Y, and Z, respectively, the ratios ​  _ ​ and ​  _ are equal.
RP ZX
RQ ZY
Therefore, since cos R = _ ​ = 0.263, it follows that cos Z = _ = 0.263.
RP ZX
Note that this is why, to find the values of the trigonometric functions
of, say, d °, you can use any right triangle with an acute angle of
measure d ° and then take the appropriate ratio of lengths of sides.

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PART 3 | Math

Note that since an acute angle of a right triangle has measure between
0° and 90°, exclusive, right triangles can be used only to find values of
trigonometric functions for angles with measures between 0° and 90°,
exclusive. The definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent can be extended
to all values. This is done using radian measure and the unit circle.
y
2
1 B

A x
–2 –1 O 1 2
–1
–2

The circle above has radius 1 and is centered at the origin, O. An

angle in the coordinate plane is said to be in standard position if it
meets these two conditions: (1) its vertex lies at the origin and (2) one
of its sides lies along the positive x-axis. Since ∠AOB above, formed
by segments OA and OB, meets both these conditions, it is said to be
in standard position. As segment OB, also called the terminal side of
∠AOB, rotates counterclockwise about the circle, while OA is anchored
along the x-axis, the radian measure of ∠AOB is defined to be the
length s of the arc that ∠AOB intercepts on the unit circle. In other
words, the measure of ∠AOB is s radians.

When an acute ∠AOB is in standard position within the unit circle, the
x-coordinate of point B is cos(∠AOB), and the y-coordinate of point B
π
is sin(∠AOB). When ∠AOB is greater than 90 degrees (or ​  _ radians),
2
and point B extends beyond the boundaries of the positive x-axis
and positive y-axis, the values of cos(∠AOB) and sin(∠AOB) may be
negative depending on the coordinates of point B. For any ∠AOB, place
PRACTICE AT ∠AOB in standard position within the circle of radius 1 centered at
satpractice.org the origin, with side OA along the positive x-axis and terminal side
To convert from degrees to radians, OB intersecting the circle at point B. Then the cosine of ∠AOB is the
multiply the number of degrees x-coordinate of B, and the sine of ∠AOB is the y-coordinate of B. The
by 2π / 360 degrees. To convert tangent of ∠AOB is the sine of ∠AOB divided by the cosine of ∠AOB.
from radians to degrees, multiply
the number of radians by An angle with a full rotation about point O has measure 360°. This
360 degrees / 2π. angle intercepts the full circumference of the circle, which has

length 2π. Thus, ​  ​ ​   

 ​. It follows that
2π
measure of an angle in radians = _ × measure of an angle in
360°
360°
degrees and measure of an angle in degrees = _ × measure of an
2π
angle in radians.

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 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

Also note that since a rotation of 2π about point O brings you back to the
same point on the unit circle, sin(s + 2π ) = sin(s), cos(s + 2π ) = cos(s),
and tan(s + 2π ) = tan(s), for any radian measure s.

Let angle DEF be a central angle in a circle of radius r, as shown in the

following figure.
D

s
E
r F

A circle of radius r is similar to a circle of radius 1, with constant of

proportionality equal to r. Thus, the length s of the arc intercepted by
angle DEF is r times the length of the arc that would be intercepted by
an angle of the same measure in a circle of radius 1. Therefore, in the
figure above, s = r × (radian measure of angle DEF ), or radian measure of
s
angle DEF = _ ​   ​  .
r

y
4
B
A
x
–4 O 4

–4
_ _
In the figure above, the coordinates of point B are (−√2, ​ √
​ 2 ). What is the
measure, in radians, of angle AOB?
A) _π
4
B) _π
2
C) 3π
_
4
D) 5π
_
4
_
Let C be the point (−√ 2 , 0). Then triangle BOC, shown
_
in the figure PRACTICE AT
below, is a right triangle with both legs of length √ 2 ​. satpractice.org
Always be on the lookout for special
y
right triangles. Here, noticing that
4 segment OB is the hypotenuse of
B a 45°-45°-90° triangle makes this
A question easier to solve.
x
–4 C O 4

–4

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PART 3 | Math

Hence, triangle BOC is a 45°-45°-90° triangle. Thus, angle COB has

measure 45°, and angle AOB has measure 180° − 45° = 135°. Therefore,
2π 3π
the measure of angle AOB in radians is 135° × ​  _  ​ = ​  _  ​, which is
360° 4
choice C.

sin(x) = cos(K − x)
In the equation above, the angle measures are in radians and K is a constant.
Which of the following could be the value of K?
A) 0
π
B) ​  _
4
_
C) ​ 
D) π

The complementary angle relationship for sine and cosine implies

that the equation sin(x) = cos(K − x) holds if K = 90°. Since 90° =
2π π π
​ _ × 90° = _ radians, the value of K could be ​ _, which is choice C.
360° 2 2

Complex Numbers
REMEMBER The SAT Math Test includes questions on the arithmetic of complex
The number i is defined to be the numbers.
solution to equation
_
x2 = −1. Thus,
i  = −1, and i = √−1 .
2 The square of any real number is nonnegative. The number i is defined _
to be the solution to the equation x 2 = −1. That is, i 2 = −1, or i = √ −1 .
Note that i 3 = i 2(i ) = −i and i 4 = i 2(i 2) = −1(−1) = 1.

A complex number is a number _ of the form a + bi, where a and b are

REMEMBER real number constants and i = √ −1 . This is called the standard form of
If you have little experience working a complex number. The number a is called the real part of a + bi, and
with complex numbers, practice the number b is called the imaginary part of a + bi.
adding, subtracting, multiplying, and
dividing complex numbers until you Addition and subtraction of complex numbers are performed by adding
are comfortable doing so. You may their real and complex parts. For example,
see complex numbers on the SAT
§ (−3 − 2i ) + (4 − i ) = (−3 + 4) + (−2i + (−i )) = 1 − 3i
Math Test.
§ (−3 − 2i ) − (4 − i ) = (−3 − 4) + (−2i − (−i )) = −7 − i
Multiplication of complex numbers is performed similarly to
multiplication of binomials, using the fact that i 2 = −1. For example,

(−3 − 2i)(4 − i) = (−3)(4) + (−3)(−i) + (−2i)(4) + (−2i)(−i)

= −12 + 3i − 8i + (−2)(−1)i 2

= −12 − 5i + 2i 2

= −12 – 5i + 2(−1)

= −14 − 5i

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 Chapter 19 | Additional Topics in Math

The complex number a − bi is called the conjugate of a + bi. The product

of a + bi and a − bi is a 2 − abi + abi − b 2i 2; this reduces to a 2 + b 2, a real
number. The fact that the product of a complex number and its
conjugate is a real number can be used to perform division of complex
numbers.

−3 − 2i −3 − 2i 4+i
​  _ = _ ​ × ​  _
4−i 4−i 4+i
(−3 − 2i )(4 + i )
= ​  __
(4 − i )(4 + i )

–12 – 3i – 8i – 2i 2
= ​ __
42 – i 2
–10 – 11i
= ​  _ 17

10 _ 11
= –_
17 – 17 ​  i

E
1 + i ​  ?
In the complex number system, which of the following is equal to ____
_ 1−i
(Note: i = √−1) ​
A) i
B) 2i
C) −1 + i
D) 1 + i

 by
Multiply both the numerator and denominator of ​ 
remove i from the denominator.

1+i 1+i 1+i

​  _ = _ × _
1–i 1–i 1+i
(1 + i )(1 + i )
= ​  __
(1 – i )(1 + i )
1 + 2i + i 2
= ​  _
12 – i 2
1 + 2i – 1
= ​  _
1 – (–1)
2i
= ​  _
2

=i

Choice A is the correct answer.

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