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Desmos is built into the digital SAT, but most students don’t get any formal instruction on how to actually use it.

Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly walkthrough of the Desmos basics you’ll need to recognize graph features, solve equations visually, and boost your speed on test day.

Linear Equations:
To graph something like y = 2x + 3, just type it into Desmos — exactly like that. You’ll instantly see:

• A line appear
• The slope (m = 2) → tells you how steep it is
• The y-intercept (b = 3) → where it crosses the y-axis

Desmos will even label intercepts automatically when you hover or click. Perfect for slope problems, linear systems, or questions asking where two graphs meet.

Exponential Equations:
To graph exponential growth or decay, input something like y = 2 * 3^x. That’s growth. If it’s y = 2 * (0.5)^x, that’s decay.

Key points to look for:

• Y-intercept at (0, a)
• Horizontal asymptote at y = 0 (graph will level off)
• Use Desmos to plug in specific x-values if the SAT asks something like “what is y when x = 3?”

You can also add tables in Desmos to test specific values without manually calculating.

Transformations:

If a question says: “The graph of f(x) = x² is shifted 3 units to the right and up 2. What is the new function?”

Type this in Desmos:

1. Type the original function: f(x) = x^2
2. Then type the transformed one: g(x) = (x - 3)^2 + 2

Desmos will graph both so you can see the change.

Refresher on what these shifts mean:

• f(x + h) → shifts left
• f(x - h) → shifts right
• f(x) + k → shifts up
• f(x) - k → shifts down
• a * f(x) → stretches or compresses vertically
• -f(x) → reflects over the x-axis
• f(-x) → reflects over the y-axis

Intersections and Systems:

Example question:
Which x-value satisfies both
y = 2x + 5 and y = -x^2 + 4x + 1?

Here’s how Desmos makes this easy:

1. Graph both equations
2. Desmos instantly shows the intersection points
3. Hover and click to get the x-values (those are your solutions)

This beats substitution or elimination and gets you straight to the answer.

Quadratic Roots (a.k.a. Zeros or x-intercepts):

Let’s say they ask:
What are the zeros of f(x) = x^2 - 5x + 6?

Steps:

1. Enter: f(x) = x^2 - 5x + 6
2. Zoom in on where the graph touches the x-axis
3. Hover or click the x-intercepts:
   • You’ll see: x = 2 and x = 3

These are the solutions to x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0
Done without factoring or using the quadratic formula!

Find Maximum or Minimum (Vertex) of a Parabola:

Example: What’s the maximum value of f(x) = -x^2 + 4x + 1?

Just do this:

1. Type: y = -x^2 + 4x + 1
2. Desmos shows the parabola
3. Hover over the vertex: That’s your maximum

You’ll see it at (2, 5)
So the maximum value is 5

Inequalities and Shaded Regions:

If the question says:
Which region satisfies both:
y ≤ 2x + 3 and y > -x - 1?

Desmos can show this:

1. Enter each inequality
2. Desmos shades the correct region
3. The overlap = solution set

Just be sure you type ≤ or > using the correct symbols. (You can find them in the Desmos keyboard on test day.) Alternatively, you could also type in <= or >=

Using Tables and Sliders:

If they give you points and ask what quadratic fits:

Points: (−1, 0), (0, 1), (1, 0)

Do this:

1. Click the + sign → Add Table
2. Enter the points
3. Type: y = a(x - h)^2 + k and adjust a, h, and k until the curve fits the table

Or use sliders:

• Type: y = a*x^2 + b*x + c
• Desmos gives you sliders for a, b, and c
• Adjust until it goes through all points

Once it fits, you’ve reverse-engineered the equation with no guessing needed!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Desmos:

• Forgetting parentheses: 2(x + 3)^2 is not the same as 2x + 3^2
• Using Desmos when a question is faster in your head
• Misinterpreting graphs: always check which axis is which

5 Problem Types Where Desmos Should Be Your First Move:

1. Systems of equations → Graph both and find the intersection
2. Absolute value questions → Graph both sides and find where they meet
3. Quadratics asking for max/min → Find vertex
4. Function transformations → Graph original and transformed together
5. Inequalities or region shading → Visualize the overlap instantly

Practice Exercises:

Now that you’ve got the hang of the main Desmos tools, here are a few SAT-style practice problems to try on your own.

Problem 1: Linear Equations

Graph the equation:
y = 3x − 5

Questions:

1. What is the slope and y-intercept?
2. What is the x-intercept? (Hint: set y = 0 and solve for x)

Problem 2: Exponential Decay

Graph the equation:
y = 10 * (0.5)^x

Questions:

1. What is the y-intercept?
2. As x gets larger, what value does y approach?
3. What is the value of y when x = 3?

Problem 3: Graph Transformations

Given
f(x) = x²

1. Graph f(x − 3) + 2 and describe the transformations.
2. Identify the vertex of the transformed graph.

Problem 4: Solving Systems of Equations

Find the intersection point of the following:

• y = 2x + 1
• y = -x + 4

Problem 5: Interpreting Graphs from Points

The quadratic equation: y = ax² + bx + c passes through these three points:

• (0, 2)
• (1, 0)
• (−1, 0)

Find the equation of the parabola.

Give these a try and post your answers below!

Let me know if there are any other Desmos topics you’d like to review such as transformations, systems, function inverses, or anything else you're stuck on. Best of luck with your studying!

Hi, I want to improve my reading score from a 760 to a 780-800. The reason being that I want to superstore at least a 1560 to be above average for most top schools that I aim to apply to, and to give myself a better chance at getting admitted. I know my 760 is already a great score and I’m glad I have achieved that, but my goal ultimately is a 1560, and I am 20 points short.

I know all the grammar rules; vocabulary isn’t a problem for me; it is the longer passages. I always seem to run out of time for the second module, and it could be because I process what I read at too slow of a pace to the point that I run out of time. Another issue I find myself having is that I have to reread twice or three times to actually comprehend what the sentence means. How do I improve upon this? Reading books, less screen time, change my strategy as to how I read and save time on questions? I’m kind of at a loss. Thanks.

I'm kind of stuck on how to study for english, I asked my friends who got higher scores and they said it's hard to improve and they just used what they already knew. I'm just hoping I can have help finding resources to improve my score. However, math I don't really have a problem with resources, I just would prefer to gave advice on how to study for those specific subsections. Thanks!

help Like plz tell me 🙏

Guys my December SAT math analysis shows one empty bar(in algebra). I retake the test on March and my analysis shows all the bars full yet the same score 730. How's this possible?

I want to retake the test on June but I'm uncertain if I'll score 790 or 800. I am very strong in math. No weakness at all. I constantly score 790&800 throughout the bluebook tests, but I still get low score in the real exam and the funny thing is some of those tests are harder than the real exam. Any help please? How can make those scores reflect on the real exam?

Hi may I know if there is any Apps that will help me remember vocabulary on a daily basis? I guess what I want to say is that I am not very organized, my mom wants me to memorize words to improve my SAT R&W everyday to potentially improve my score for the R&W section. But I really don't think I can just get a bunch of words from a piece of people and try to memorize it that way.

I wonder what methods you used to improve your vocabulary? BTW, I plan to take my third SAT test in June this year and I am a raising senior. Thx!

Hey y’all, I took the SAT for the first time and got a 1270. If I’m being honest i did not study at all except for like 3 study sessions with a tutor during July🌚(I know)…

I’m planning on retaking it obviously so I want to try to get at least a 1400, does anyone have any tips/resources to raise my score (math especially..)?😊

I took the SAT a week or two ago. Seemed pretty hard and I probably got a choke score. That being said, I have two months until my next one. What's the best strategic way to prep for a better score, english and math? I maxed out khan academy and the practice tests, it's just that those type of questions don't always show up on the test. Harder ones do though lol.

Ermm, so I've been doing multiple practices test and try to improve my score with an error log. The scores did improve but not much (from 550-600), but after I scrolled thru a few post of the pro-SAT, all of them said it's better for u to be good at something is by actually engage with it! And as of right now there are sooo many resources and all kinds of thing and I am really frustrated on deciding which to study first and my SAT is on May 3, what should I prioritize? try my best to read a bunch of books or practice tests? Please help me guys.
sorry for the poor English, it wasn't my 1st language.

Would 1200 be too low?

So happy to be done with these test OMG. I used nextleveleducate.com and it was so helpful. I had Leah and she was super great I would definitely recommend. Theres an in person tutoring center in LA if you're from there, but they also do all remote tutoring as well I did that one and it was so convientent

Honestly plz don't say to use questions bank and all , does anyone have a pdf In which all maths questions are written only questions , it would be helpful for me , any handwritten notes would work too

I’m taking the SAT in May, so I have about a month left to prepare, but I’m really struggling with the reading section. My average score is 650, and I just can’t seem to improve. My main issue is with the second module, where the long passages with complex answer choices appear. I read the text, but I find it hard to understand because there’s just so much information, and the answers often seem unrelated to the text. Its always these inference and command of evidence. Do you have any tips or strategies that helped you? I’ve read all the prep books I could find and have been doing past tests, but I keep making the same mistakes.

Hello everyone. So i was one of the many people who gave the march 8th exam and due to technical problems, had my exams canceled. I had to retake the exam and all which all of us probably know. I want to give the exam again and as far as i know, collegeboard gave people who were affected a voucher code for a free exam in the future. In my collegeboard account, it says that i have 1 free test. However, idk how to access it. It asks for a 12 digit code. Is it in my email? IDK. Please help.

A bit of context: few weeks back, i was having my first ever sat exam but while doing it, the college board app suddenly submit everyone’s test halfway through the math section. This was a mistake by college board so they offered anyone affected by this a full refund and a makeup test. Everything was going fine until i noticed that SAT was sending more emails than usual… there must’ve been 20+ emails with the same content send to me for the next 24 hours. Honestly, it was really funny to see so i didn’t bother to check what was going on. I guess they really wanted me to know what i needed to do

Hi I just found out that if you wanna study in university you have to get 1500+ points on SAT. But i have no idea where should i start. If is it possible can someone give me study materials or sites to practice?

I got a 1370 with minimal studying, my school does a sat program for smarter 7th graders( idk why they only do 7th and not 8th, so dumb) but I'm pretty sure I got the best score in school history. What do I do next? I'm really happy but idk what to do next? Might js grind brawl stars and stop studying cuz I have nothing left important to study for other than finals.

I’m a rlly good at math and science over but when it comes to the SAT I do horribly. Any tips on how to improve overall? I got a 1030 without studying and I know it’s a pretty bad score but when taking the test I thought the content was pretty easy :(

I’m a rlly good at math and science over but when it comes to the SAT I do horribly. Any tips on how to improve overall? I got a 1030 without studying and I know it’s a pretty bad score but when taking the test I thought the content was pretty easy :(

Hi so, I took my first SAT in december and got a 1400 and I took my school SAT recently and dropped to a 1370. I am disappointed because I wanted to get a better score but I was on call with an academic advisor and she went on a tangent about how recently schools are more focused on EC's than your SAT score, she started giving examples where the valedictorian that she tutored with a 1550+ SAT did not get into UT (Austin) while some else with a 1350 got in with good EC's. the point she was trying to make was that there are other things I can focus on instead of repeatedly taking the SAT. I understand what she was saying and she even encouraged me to try to take the ACT. She was great honestly but I have an issue. My goal SAT score was a 1550+ and I am familiar with the SAT formatting and how it is doen and hence feel weird to switch to the ACT and learn the test again. I mean as far as my SAT goes, I only struggle with english , literally only that. now I am confused, I wanted to study for 3 months till june for the June SAT and try the July ACT (I feel pretty good about Science/ math compared to english so I am assuming it wont take a lot but Honestly I am indecisive). I feel like I havnt given the SAT my all since I had to manage both my school and SAT and it was mostly be cram studying a week before the test to get my scores mentioned earlier .so what do I do ? study , get like SAT course and take it in June and then try the ACT in July ? or whats best :) oh and I am junior in high school.

Took my first SAT in march as an international student, got very disappointing scores : total score 1160 530 rw and 630 math I studied for 4 months and covered all the topics. Finished khan academy and questionbank too. I plane to take the may SAT and boost my score by minimum 200 points. How can I improve ? Any tips would be appreciated!

HEY! So I moved to the US 7 months ago. English being my 3rd language and I knew about the test few weeks before its date.

Any thoughts about my score? Any tips and tricks to improve my score ;3?

Please be nice because I already had enough 🥲