Did you know that you could be excited about a calculator? Whether it’s a palm-sized scientific calculator or the 1.5 pound TI-84, most students are used to lugging a calculator around in their backpacks and, up until last year, to using it on the old paper version of the SAT. When the Digital SAT debuted in March 2024, Desmos, a popular online graphic calculator, was also made accessible to students inside the exam’s Bluebook app. Desmos is more than just a calculator, it’s a powerful tool that will help students tackle the SAT’s math problems. There’s just one catch: you have to know how to use it! Read on to familiarize yourself with the Desmos calculator and learn how you can use it to do everything from simple calculations to plotting functions. Time to dive into Desmos!
Get the Details on Desmos
The Digital SAT’s Math test includes two modules with 22 questions, and unlike the old SAT, calculators are permitted throughout both modules. Although students can still use their own calculators, the Desmos calculator’s user-friendly interface is ideal for answering both multiple choice and student-produced response questions. Use Desmos during test prep practice for everything from basic arithmetic to statistics. So, when test day arrives, you’ll not only know where everything is, but you’ll also know how to use it most efficiently.
- Basic Functions. The calculator’s main area is where you’ll input equations. Below that, you’ll see buttons for basic arithmetic, trigonometric functions, square roots, mean, median, range, and more.
- Graphing Area. On the right side of the screen, there’s a graphing area where equations and functions will appear graphically. You can zoom in and out, and you can also adjust the viewing window to focus on different parts of the graph, which makes it a powerful tool for accessing complex data and visualizing mathematical concepts.
- Keyboard Shortcuts. Desmos supports some keyboard shortcuts that make entering equations faster. For example, pressing “x” will automatically give you the x-variable for graphing, and “^” is used for exponents.
- Copy and paste. Need to quickly input equations or other values into the calculator? No problem. With Desmos, all you need to do is copy text from the exam and paste it.
- Scientific Calculator Functions. Desmos doubles as a scientific calculator. For example, to calculate 424³, simply type it into Desmos, and the result appears instantly.
- Sliders. Solve for unknown constants by loading equations into Desmos and noting where the value at which the two lines overlap. You can also simply adjust variables using sliders. For example, if you’re given the equation y = x² + kx – 8 and need to find the value of k for the graph to pass through (2, 0), you can adjust the slider for k in real-time. This interactive feature makes it easy to explore how changing variables affect the graph and solve problems quickly.
Get the Most Out of Desmos
- Graphing. Graphing is one of Desmos’ standout features, especially for non-linear equations like parabolas. For instance, input the equation y = x² – 4x + 3 into Desmos, and it will instantly generate the graph. This saves time, allowing you to focus on interpreting the graph instead of plotting it by hand. Desmos makes graphing quadratic and other complex functions a breeze.
- Solve Equations. Desmos excels at solving equations, including systems of equations. For example, if you’re given 2x + 7 = 19, you can graph both sides as y = 2x + 7 and y = 19. The point of intersection is the solution. This method works for more complex equations as well, speeding up the process and eliminating the need for tedious algebra.
- Analyze Functions. Graphing functions on Desmos can help you easily identify key points like intercepts, maxima, and minima. For example, input the cubic function f(x) = x³ – 3x + 2 into Desmos, and it will generate the graph. You can quickly spot the x- and y-intercepts and any turning points, which is especially useful for solving word problems involving these values.
- Statistics and Trigonometry. Desmos is also great for handling statistics and trigonometry. If given a data set like [4, 8, 12, 16, 20], Desmos can instantly calculate the mean, median, and standard deviation. Similarly, for trigonometric functions, you can input y = sin(x), and Desmos will plot the wave function for you, making it easier to analyze and interpret.
- Fractions and exponents. Click the ‘a to the power of b’ button or press shift-6 on your keyboard to type an exponent, and click the right arrow on the on-screen or physical keyboard to move out of an exponent (or parentheses, denominator, or radical). Just use the division sign for fractions. Then, to transform your decimal answer to a fraction, click the fraction symbol.
Get Ready
- Practice makes perfect. Knowing that Desmos can help with graphing, statistics, and more is just the beginning. To make sure you’re ready for test day, use Desmos during your test prep practice through the Bluebook app’s practice tests or the Desmos online calculator here.
- Know when to do it yourself. Although Desmos can be a powerful tool for solving problems, it’s important not to lean on it too heavily. Use it to check your work, visualize tricky concepts, or handle complicated calculations, but don’t bypass understanding the underlying math. Often, the best approach is to write expressions out manually and use Desmos to do the remaining arithmetic or simply use it to double-check your answers. This ensures you have a solid grasp of the material without over-relying on the calculator.
How A+ Can Help
Now that you’ve unlocked one of the secrets to scoring big on the SAT’s Math section, you are one step closer to reaching your score goals. If you are looking for more strategies and support—from honing your comma skills to word problems—consider signing up for one of A+ Test Prep and Tutoring’s SAT test prep programs. You will be matched with an experienced tutor who is excited to get to know you and provide individualized instruction targeted at your strengths and weaknesses.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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