How to Tackle Hard SAT Module 2 Questions: Real Strategies from 800 Scorers

By Laura Whitmore

If you're preparing for the SAT, chances are you’ve heard that Math Module 2 is tough. And you’re right—this section is where students tend to run out of time or freeze up on multi-step problems. I’ve seen this across the board, and my colleague Huzefa from Scalar Learning has seen the same. We both scored perfect 800s on the SAT Math, but not because we never made mistakes. We just learned how to work through tough questions quickly and efficiently—and that’s what we teach our students.

Want a quick break from reading? My YouTube video is ready for you!

Here are 5 practical strategies and examples we use to help students succeed on the SAT’s hardest math problems:

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1

Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Strategy—Just Start

One of the biggest mistakes students make in Module 2 is spending too long trying to figure out the best way to solve a problem. That hesitation costs time. The key is to start with some strategy, even if it’s not the most elegant. Often, just writing down step one will lead to step two—and then the rest follows.

We encourage students to commit to a method, work through it, and adjust if needed. It’s better to try something than to freeze.

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2

Use Multiple Approaches: Desmos, Algebra, and Patterns

Every student has a preferred approach, but being flexible makes a big difference. For example, we tackled a triangle problem where the perimeter was 624. Some students solved it by using geometry and special right triangle rules. Others noticed a pattern: dividing the perimeter by 6 gave the right answer every time. Both work.

We also use Desmos frequently, especially for graphing questions. It’s not just a calculator—it’s a problem-solving tool. And if you’re not already using it during your prep, you should start.

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  3

Skip and Come Back Later

If you hit a wall, flag the question and move on. Many students feel like they have to finish problems in order, but that’s not true. Skipping a dense, wordy question and saving it for the end can make a big difference.

I watched a student recently spend five seconds reading a complicated physics-style problem and wisely skip it. He came back later and solved it with a clear head. That’s smart test-taking.

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  4

Watch Out for Traps in the Language

Problems involving percentages, exponential functions, or equivalent expressions often have phrasing designed to confuse you. For instance, “A is 190% greater than B” means you add 190% to B—not multiply B by 1.9. That detail alone causes tons of errors.

We also reviewed a function question where a common mistake is forgetting how negative exponents work. Something as small as misreading -a^0 as 1 instead of -1 will throw off the entire solution.

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  5

Double-Check with Desmos—Especially on Free Response

In multiple choice, the answer choices can guide you. But in free response questions, you’re on your own. That’s why we always recommend students double-check their answers with Desmos. If your algebra is shaky or you tend to make small errors, Desmos is your best friend!

One of our go-to tricks: enter both expressions into Desmos and adjust the slider (if there's a variable involved) until the graphs line up. It’s simple, visual, and effective.

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⭐️ Bonus Tip ⭐️

Use All Your Time Wisely

Especially in Module 1, where most students have leftover time, don’t just sit there. Rework the problems using a different method. Try it by hand, then with Desmos. If your answer changes the second time through, that’s a red flag.

It’s not about being perfect the first time—it’s about building in systems to catch mistakes. The students who do best aren’t always the ones who know the most math. They’re the ones who double-check, work efficiently, and don’t give up.

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If you want help applying these strategies, I’d recommend getting started with 1:1 tutoring. It’s the fastest way to identify what’s holding you back and build a plan that gets results.

If you found these tips helpful, be sure to check out our future posts and videos—we’ll keep sharing what works so you can walk into the SAT feeling confident and in control.

Happy prepping!