9 Must-Know Math Skills Every Student Should Have Down Cold for the Digital SAT

Preparing for the Digital SAT can feel overwhelming for many students and parents. The test moves quickly, and every second counts. That means having certain math skills down cold is not just helpful—it’s essential. If your teen struggles with basic math concepts, relying solely on the calculator won’t cut it. The calculator is a tool, but the brain is faster and sharper. This post breaks down 9 must-know math skills every student should have down cold for the Digital SAT to help your child gain confidence and improve their score.

1. Basic Operations: Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, Dividing

Even though the Digital SAT allows calculator use, students who can perform basic operations quickly in their heads or on paper save valuable time. For example, if your child needs a calculator every time they multiply 2 by 6, that slows them down. Mastering these basics means fewer keystrokes and faster problem-solving. Encourage daily practice with simple drills to build speed and accuracy.

2. Converting Between Percent, Decimal, and Fractions

Understanding how to switch between percents, decimals, and fractions instantly is a game changer. Knowing that 1/4 equals 25% or 0.25 helps students avoid unnecessary calculations or calculator input. This skill speeds up solving problems involving ratios, probability, and data interpretation. Flashcards or quick quizzes can help your teen memorize common conversions.

3. PEMDAS: Order of Operations

Many students lose easy points by mixing up the order of operations. PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) must be automatic. For example, in the expression 3 + 4 × 2, multiplication comes before addition, so the answer is 11, not 14. Practicing problems that require multiple steps will help your child avoid careless mistakes.

4. Distributive Property

The distributive property is a powerful tool for simplifying expressions and solving equations. Students should be comfortable applying it both forwards and backwards. For example, knowing that 3(x + 4) equals 3x + 12 can save time and reduce errors. This skill often appears in algebra questions and can be a source of easy points.

5. Fractions: Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, Dividing, and Simplifying

Fractions can trip up many students, especially when they involve mixed numbers or require simplification. Your teen should know how to:

• Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

• Multiply and divide fractions

• Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

• Simplify fractions to their lowest terms

  
  

While the Desmos calculator can handle these tasks, doing them mentally or on paper is faster and more reliable under timed conditions.

6. Exponents: Basic Rules Including Negative and Fractional Exponents

Exponents appear frequently on the Digital SAT. Students should understand:

• How to multiply and divide powers with the same base

• The meaning of zero and negative exponents

• How to interpret fractional exponents

  
  

Mastering these rules helps students simplify expressions quickly and avoid common pitfalls.

7. Square Roots and Their Properties

Square roots are another common topic. Students should know:

• How to simplify square roots

• The product rule

• The quotient rule

  
  

Understanding these rules helps with simplifying radical expressions and solving equations involving roots.

8. Reading Charts, Graphs, and Tables

Data interpretation questions often involve charts, graphs, or tables. These are usually straightforward points if students know how to:

• Identify key information quickly

• Understand labels and units

• Calculate percentages or differences from data

• Recognize trends or patterns

  
  

Practice with sample SAT data questions can build confidence and speed.

9. Familiarity with the Desmos Calculator

The Digital SAT uses the Desmos calculator, which is powerful but only as useful as the student’s knowledge of math. Knowing where functions are, how to input expressions quickly, and using shortcuts can save time. However, the calculator won’t solve problems without a solid understanding of the math behind them. Encourage your teen to practice with Desmos regularly to build fluency.

If your child struggles with these 9 must-know math skills every student should have down cold for the Digital SAT, consider a tutoring program focused on strengthening these basics before tackling more advanced topics. Solid foundational skills lead to faster problem-solving, fewer mistakes, and higher scores.

Helping your teen master these skills now will make the Digital SAT less intimidating and more manageable. The goal is to build confidence and speed so they can focus on the tougher questions without getting stuck on the basics.