SAT Desmos tips, step by step

100 Desmos techniques for SAT Math, each worked in the calculator you get on test day, each ending on a practice question.

30 free on the 3-day trial. No card.

What students are saying

A circle from three points, in three steps

Loading Desmos…

In the xy-plane, a circle passes through the points $\left(0,\,0\right)$ , $\left(6,\,0\right)$ , and $\left(0,\,8\right)$ . What equation defines the circle?

1
Type $\left(0,\,0\right)$ , $\left(6,\,0\right)$ , and $\left(0,\,8\right)$ into a table.
Three points appear on the graph.
2
Type the general circle as a regression: $x_1^2+y_1^2+Dx_1+Ey_1+F \sim 0$ .
The expression list shows values for $D$ , $E$ , and $F$ .
3
Read $D$ , $E$ , and $F$ .
$D=-6$ , $E=-8$ , and $F=0$ give $x^2+y^2-6x-8y=0$ as the final answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Desmos on the SAT?

Yes. The digital SAT has the Desmos graphing calculator built into Bluebook, and it stays open for both Math modules.

What calculators are allowed on the SAT?

The built-in Desmos calculator, or your own scientific or graphing calculator. College Board no longer keeps an approved list; it bans calculators with CAS, a QWERTY keyboard, or internet, Bluetooth or cellular connectivity, and phones, tablets and laptops can't be used as calculators.

Can you use a calculator on the whole SAT?

On the whole Math section, yes. There's no calculator on Reading and Writing.

Is the SAT's Desmos the same as regular Desmos?

It's the same graphing calculator in a test version. Desmos hosts that version on its own site, so you can practice on exactly what you'll see.

How do you use Desmos on the SAT?

Most of it comes down to a few moves: graph both sides and click where they cross, fit a regression with ~, drag a slider, or click a point to read its coordinates. CuePrep has 100 Desmos techniques, each walked step by step in the same calculator and finished with a practice question in SAT format. 30 are free on the 3-day trial.

Make Desmos muscle memory

30 free on the 3-day trial. No card.