Problem-Solving & Data Analysis - Overview

Problem-Solving & Data Analysis (PSDA) focuses on applying mathematics to real-world situations. You’ll learn how to analyze data, interpret graphs and tables, work with ratios and percentages, and make informed conclusions from numerical information.

Many PSDA questions are presented in practical contexts involving science, business, finance, surveys, and everyday situations. Success in this domain depends on understanding relationships, interpreting data correctly, and choosing efficient solution strategies.

TipWhat You’ll Learn

By working through this domain, you’ll learn how to:

  • Solve ratio, rate, and percent problems
  • Interpret tables, charts, and graphs
  • Analyze statistical measures and distributions
  • Understand probability and counting principles
  • Evaluate relationships between variables
  • Apply mathematics to real-world contexts

Course Structure

The Problem-Solving & Data Analysis domain is organized into four units.

Ratios, Rates, and Percents

Develop the quantitative reasoning skills needed for many real-world SAT problems.

Topics include:

  • Ratios and proportions
  • Proportional relationships
  • Rates and unit rates
  • Unit conversions
  • Percents and percent change

Statistics

Learn how to summarize, interpret, and compare data.

Topics include:

  • Mean, median, mode, and range
  • Weighted averages
  • Standard deviation (conceptual)
  • Boxplots and data interpretation
  • Data trends and misleading graphs

Probability

Study uncertainty, chance, and counting methods.

Topics include:

  • Basic probability concepts
  • Compound probability
  • Independent and dependent events
  • Counting principles

Tables & Scatterplots

Learn how to interpret and analyze relationships displayed in data.

Topics include:

  • Two-way tables
  • Scatterplots
  • Line of best fit
  • Correlation and causation

SAT PSDA Tips

  • Carefully identify the quantities being compared before calculating.
  • Track units throughout multi-step problems.
  • Read tables, graphs, and charts completely before solving.
  • Focus on interpreting what a statistic means, not just calculating it.
  • Distinguish between correlation and causation.
  • Use estimation when appropriate to eliminate incorrect answer choices quickly.

Assess Your Progress

After completing the lessons in each unit, strengthen your skills with:

  • Unit assessments
  • The Problem-Solving & Data Analysis Domain Test
  • Full-Length SAT Practice Tests

Select a unit from the sidebar to begin.