What’s the SAT math take a look at? The way to ace it

The SAT is a standardized, complete evaluation that faculties and different establishments of upper schooling use to see how a lot college students retained from highschool. The take a look at lasts three hours and is normally taken by eleventh and twelfth graders hoping to achieve an edge within the faculty admission course of. 

The SAT math part consists of a calculator part and a non-calculator part. 

The non-calculator part comes first and has 20 complete questions: 15 multiple-choice questions and 5 grid-in questions. 25 minutes are given for this part. The calculator part has 38 complete questions: 30 multiple-choice questions and eight grid-in questions. 55 minutes are given for this part. 

What are grid-in questions? 

Grid-in questions are a sort of query you’ll encounter on the SAT math take a look at. These are also referred to as student-response questions, which means that it isn’t a a number of alternative query the place you must select from a set of choices. You’ll need to unravel the issue and write your reply within the supplied grid-in part on the reply sheet. 

You’ll obtain clear directions on the way to proceed with these questions on the take a look at. If you need to see an instance of the way to fill these out, check out the grid-in under

Should you remedy an issue and the reply you get is 3/2, check out the grid-in above to see the way to will enter 3/2.

What matters are examined within the math part? 

The Faculty Board, which is the official administrator of the SAT, breaks the SAT math take a look at down into 4 teams of questions. 

• The primary group known as Coronary heart of Algebra. Such a query focuses on features and linear equations, in addition to programs of linear equations. You’ll encounter 19 of those questions on the take a look at.

• The second group known as Drawback Fixing and Information Evaluation. This part covers ratios and percentages, with the principle ability being the flexibility to use math to real-world conditions. You’ll encounter 17 of those questions on the take a look at. 

• The third group, Passport to Superior Math, covers extra complicated features and equations. This part goals to organize college students for extra superior topics, like calculus and statistics. You’ll encounter 16 of those questions on the take a look at. The final group of questions is Extra Subjects in Math, which covers trigonometry, geometry, complicated numbers, and radian measure. The take a look at will cowl six questions from the extra matters part, three within the non-calculator part and three within the calculator part.

How are you going to put together successfully for the SAT math part? 

Your largest assist when making ready for the SAT math take a look at is follow questions and exams. There’s an abundance of books, web sites, and different useful sources which have follow assessments out there for college kids. 

Attempt to take quite a lot of assessments, each computer-based and paper-based. The benefit of some computer-based assessments is that you will have the likelihood to obtain suggestions in your solutions immediately. Nevertheless, one benefit of paper-based follow assessments is that you would be able to higher mimic actual testing circumstances. 

When starting to review, decide which topic areas you might be weakest in. For instance, in case you have bother with algebra, plan to overview algebra-related matters. 

The benefit of taking SAT math follow assessments is that they typically replicate actual query codecs. The SAT math may be very predictable and foreknowledge of what is going to be on the take a look at might help you examine extra successfully. For instance, the take a look at is organized from simpler to tougher. Because of this the questions will get progressively tougher. 

Ideas for doing properly on the SAT math take a look at

Use the Elimination Methodology 

You’ve got in all probability heard that the SAT math take a look at not has one thing referred to as a guessing penalty. Earlier than March 2016, in case you guessed incorrectly, you’ll obtain a small penalty. Since that does not exist anymore, use the elimination technique to your benefit. 

Should you’ve tried to unravel the issue however nonetheless do not know what the reply is, you may enhance your probabilities of getting the proper reply by eliminating the solutions you recognize are clearly improper, and taking your greatest guess. You will not be penalized for a improper reply!

Be Cautious with the Reply Grid (A number of Alternative Part) 

It would sound easy and apparent, however watch out: The reply grid is unforgiving. 

1. Whereas working by means of the a number of alternative part, you may discover the reply and have solved an issue accurately, however you will not get credit score in case you fill out the improper bubble on the grid. Just be sure you’re filling out the proper bubble for the proper query.

2. Additionally, maintain monitor of any questions you’ve got skipped. It is very straightforward to get combined up and fill within the bubble for a query you’ve got skipped. For instance for instance that you’ve got skipped query 3 in your take a look at booklet. Be careful! Do not fill within the reply for query 4 within the house for query 3. 

Some skilled take a look at takers advocate circling the questions in your reply booklet that you have skipped after which going again and evaluating your booklet to your grid afterward. This lets you consciously skip the query in each locations, your take a look at booklet and your reply sheet. 

3. One other tip when taking the SAT math is to attend to mark your solutions on the grid. As a substitute of transferring your solutions after each query, wait till you’ve got solved 5 questions and mark all of them without delay. This can assist together with your focus and can lower the prospect of creating a mistake. 

Backside line: At all times double and triple-check your reply grid together with your solutions within the booklet. 

Skip Forward and Transfer Round 

One widespread mistake that take a look at takers make is spending an excessive amount of time on the questions that they discover troublesome. They work on the query for a very long time, wasting your minutes that might be used to unravel two or three different simpler questions. 

The answer? Should you come throughout a query that appears troublesome, otherwise you discover a query the place the answer is not apparent, circle the query and transfer on to a different query that you would be able to remedy rapidly. Depart the hardest questions for final. 

By the point you come again to the tougher questions, it’s possible you’ll understand that the reply was less complicated than you initially thought.  

Use Your Calculator Correctly 

One part of the SAT math take a look at means that you can use a calculator as an aide. Nevertheless, do not permit the calculator to sluggish you down. 

Some test-takers make the error of pulling out their calculators for each single query throughout this part. Realistically, there will probably be some questions that you just will not want to make use of your calculator for. As a substitute of utilizing it as a crutch, give attention to utilizing your prior information in regards to the query to get so far as you may within the answer with out the calculator. This can prevent time as properly. 

It’s also possible to use the calculator to double-check your solutions. Upon getting completed the take a look at, you need to use the further time to undergo the take a look at once more and double-check your solutions utilizing the calculator. 

Handle Your Stress

One of the simplest ways to handle your stress earlier than taking the SAT math take a look at is to take management of your scenario. As soon as the sensation of helplessness is gone, you will be higher capable of see what you want to give attention to throughout your finding out. 

The essential factor is to have concrete issues to do. Make a listing of your strengths and weaknesses, after which create a schedule to work on every of the matters. 

One other technique is to make use of rest workouts when you end up too burdened to pay attention. Under are some really helpful workouts. 

1. Attempt to visualize a relaxed ocean shore with the waves coming in easily. There’s heat sand beneath your toes, the sunshine from the solar warming your pores and skin, and the faint sound of seagulls. Now think about you are carrying a small pail or bucket. You set all of your worries and anxieties in that bucket, then drop it on the fringe of the water and watch it float away till it is out of sight. That is referred to as ocean dumping. 

2.  Take a brief stroll outdoors if you really feel overwhelmed, and attempt to begin exercising. Exercising and bodily motion assist launch endorphins, which might help you keep alert and is a pure method to regulate stress.  

3. Play music whilst you’re finding out. Some individuals discover it helpful to hearken to one thing with a daily, regular beat, like reggae or hip-hop. These kind of music have a mathematical rhythm and might help your studying course of. Should you do not wish to hearken to music, strive a recording of ocean sounds, rain sounds, or white noise. 

4. Should you discover it troublesome to deal with stress by yourself, take into account seeing a counselor. They can provide you extra tips about controlling your stress and finding out successfully. 

After all, because the date for the take a look at will get nearer and nearer, you is perhaps battling anxious ideas. The most effective factor to do is to slowly lower how typically you examine because the date approaches. This may appear counterproductive, however analysis exhibits that spending the previous couple of days earlier than the take a look at cramming and finding out may be detrimental. As a substitute, do one thing that makes you cheerful, like seeing a film or hanging out with pals. Preserve the take a look at out of your thoughts!

5. Lastly, work fastidiously and patiently through the take a look at, keep in mind to take deep, clear breaths, and use your test-taking methods. 

Under are examples of SAT math issues that you need to use to follow. Most of them are similar to those that the Faculty Board has put out for follow, together with reply explanations with just a few extra suggestions for fixing. 

Instance issues that you must be capable of remedy – No calculator part

A number of alternative questions

1) A line, r, goes by means of two factors: (6, -9) and (5, 2). If line r is translated down 4 models and proper seven models, what’s the slope of the brand new line? 

A. 11

B. -11

C. -15/7

D. 15/7

The way to remedy: 

Use the slope system m = (y₂ – y₁)/(x₂ – x₁) and substitute within the given factors. 

m = 2 – (-9) / 5 – 6 

m = 11/-1

m = -11

Reply: 

B. -11/1 or -11

Clarification: A typical technique to unravel this query is to subtract 4 from the y-values of the factors and add seven to the x-values of the factors after which attempt to discover the slope of the brand new line. Nevertheless, the important thing to fixing this downside is recognizing {that a} line translated means the road is solely shifted to a unique spot on the coordinate aircraft. Subsequently, we will simply use the factors we’re given, discover the change in y over the change in x, and get the proper reply. Recognizing this will even assist save time and reduce the margin for error. 

2) The quantity of water, given in gallons, in a leaking plastic swimming pool may be estimated by the equation y = -5.8529x + 10,000, the place x represents time in minutes since 2:00 pm. What’s the greatest interpretation of the quantity -5.8529, when contemplating the context of this downside? 

A. The time in minutes since 2:00 pm

B. The quantity of water in gallons within the swimming pool since 2:00 pm

C. The estimated fee of water loss per minute

D. The quantity of water in gallons earlier than the leak

Reply: 

C. The estimated fee of water loss per minute. 

Clarification: Should you encounter an issue much like this one, your largest problem would be the reply decisions. It is essential to learn them fastidiously and decide which info given in the issue is related to what’s being requested. A tip is to be aware of the which means of the elements of the completely different formulation you may encounter on the take a look at. For instance, if you recognize that the m within the system y = mx + b is all the time the slope and that the slope is the speed of enhance or lower, you may simply and rapidly remedy this sort of downside. 

3) If w = 5y – 2y³ + 9 and x = 8y² – 4y + 2, what’s 6x – 2w by way of y? 

A. 4y³ + 48y² – 34y – 6 

B. 4y³ + 52y² – 34y – 6 

C. -12y³ – 16y² + 38y + 50

D. 12y³ – 16y² – 38y + 50

The way to remedy: 

Substitute x with 8y² – 4y + 2 and w with -2y³ + 5y + 9 in 6x – 2w

6(8y² – 4y + 2) – 2(-2y³ + 5y + 9) 

Use the distributive property and mix like phrases. 

48y² – 24y + 12 + 4y³ – 10y – 18

4y³ + 48y² – 34y – 6

Reply: 

A. 4y³ + 48y² – 34y – 6

Clarification: The abilities examined on this query are substituting and simplifying polynomials. Learning the fundamentals of mathematical properties, just like the distributive property and mixing like phrases, will assist remedy issues of this type. It is essential to be systematic and cautious when fixing issues like this one. Should you do not maintain monitor of the way you mix the completely different phrases, it is very straightforward to start out mixing them up. 

4) If a^3/2 = x, what’s a by way of x? 

A. (sq. root of x cubed) 

B. x² 

C. (the third root of x squared)

D. x³ 

The way to remedy: 

Apply exponent guidelines. 

a^3/2 = x

√(a³) = x

[√(a³)]² = x²

a³ = x²

a = third root of x² 

Reply:

C. (the third root of x squared)

Clarification: This query requires information of exponent guidelines and the way to use them. There are lots of methods to strategy this downside, however so long as you recognize the fundamentals, you have to be properly ready. 

5) What’s the following complicated quantity system equal to? (Word: i² = -1) 

(12i – 4)(10 + 8i)

A. 88i – 136 

B. -42

C. 88

D. 88i – 56

The way to remedy: 

Use the distributive property and mix like phrases. 

(12i – 4)(10 + 8i) 

120i + 96i² – 40 – 32i

96i² + 88i – 40

96(-1) + 88i – 40

88i – 136

Reply: 

A. 88i – 136

Clarification: To resolve this downside, the distributive property must be used. You additionally want to have the ability to use i² accurately and perceive what a fancy quantity, i, represents, particularly the sq. root of -1. 

6) Benedicte is making bracelets and earrings for her small enterprise. Bracelets value $1.50 to make, and a pair of earrings value $1.25 to make. Every bracelet wants one string and every pair of earrings wants two strings. She has a most price range of $150.00. She has a package deal of jewellery strings with 600 strings. Ideally, she desires the ratio of bracelets to pairs of earrings to exceed 2 to 1. 

Write a set of inequalities to signify these circumstances, if b is the variety of bracelets and e is the variety of pairs of earrings. 

A. 1.25b + 1.5e ≤ 150.0

1b + 2e ≤ 600

b > 2e

B. 1.5b + 1.25e ≤ 150.0

1b + 2e ≥ 600

2b > e

C. 1.5b + 1.25e ≤ 150.0

1b + 2e ≤ 600

b > 2e

D. 1.5b + 1.25e ≤ 150.0

1b + 2e ≤ 600

2b > e

Reply: 

C. 1.5b + 1.25e ≤ 150.0

1b + 2e ≤ 600

b > 2e

Clarification: The primary inequality ought to inform us one thing in regards to the most sum of money she’s spending, so the price of the bracelets plus the price of the earrings needs to be lower than or equal to her complete price range. The second inequality tells us about how a lot string she will use, so the quantity of string she makes use of for the bracelets plus the quantity of string she makes use of for every pair of earrings needs to be lower than or equal to 600. 

The final inequality we will remedy by organising the ratio as a fraction as proven under 

b / e > 2 / 1 

b > 2e

7) What are the options to 3x² – 7x + 2 = 0? 

A. x = 12 and x = 4

B. x = 1/4 and x = 2 

C. x = 1/3 and x = 4 

D. x = 1/3 and x = 2 

The way to remedy: 

Use the quadratic equation. 

x = [-b ± √(b² – 4ac)] / 2a 

x = [-(-7) ± √((-7)^2 – 4×3×2)] / 2(3)

x = [-(-7) ± √((-7)^2 – 24)] / 6

x = [7 ±  √(49 – 24)] / 6 

x = [7 ±  √(25)] / 6 

x = (7 ± 5) / 6

x = (7+ 5)/6 = 12/6 = 2 

or

x = (7- 5)/6 = 2/6 = 1/3 

Reply:

D.
x = 1/3 and x = 2

Clarification: Memorize the quadratic system! It would turn out to be essential to apply it to the non-calculator part, and it is NOT going to be supplied on the system sheet. It is also essential to discover ways to use it. Grow to be aware of what the letters a, b, and c imply, and the way to acknowledge them in a quadratic equation. 

Grid-in questions 

8) A perform f(x) is outlined for all actual numbers by the next equation

f(x) = (3x^2 + 4) / 2. What’s f(f(2))?  

The way to remedy: 

Discover f(2). 

f(2) = (3(2)² + 4) / 2 

f(2) = (3(4) + 4) / 2 

f(2) = 16 / 2

f(2) = 8

Discover f(f(2)), or f(8). 

f(8) = (3(8)^2 + 4) / 2 

f(8) = (3(64) + 4) / 2

f(8) = 196 / 2 

f(8) = 98

Reply: 98

Clarification: Some questions with features require solely a information of the way to substitute a price into an equation. The one catch with this query is that you must use the worth you bought from step one within the second step to reply what the issue is asking. 

9) Nate is baking a large souffle for a contest. The souffle has risen to 1 1/2 inches over the brim of the dish after 18 minutes within the oven. Assuming that the souffle is rising at a continuing fee, after what number of minutes will the souffle rise to 4 1/2 inches over the brim of the dish? 

The way to remedy: 

The non-calculator part might require a sure degree of reasoning expertise. 

1 1/2 inches = 18 minutes 

Subsequently…

3 inches = 36 minutes 

Subsequently…

1 1/2 inches + 3 inches = 18 minutes + 36 minutes

4 inches = 54 minutes

You might additionally arrange a proportion to unravel the issue. 

1 / 12 = 4.5 / x 

x = 54 

Reply: 54 minutes

Clarification: As proven above, this query largely simply requires good reasoning expertise. It’s doable to arrange a proportion to unravel it proper to start with, however coping with fractions and decimals in a proportion with out a calculator may result in points in case you aren’t cautious. 

10) If (x)^-1 = 4, what’s (x)^-2? 

The way to remedy: 

Rule: (x)^-1 = 1/x

(x)^-1 = 4

x = 1/4 

(x)^-2

1/x² 

1/(1/4)² 

1/(1/16)

16

Reply: 16 

Clarification: Utilizing the exponent rule, this query is sort of easy to unravel. Whereas it might appear troublesome to comply with, the steps are actually a formality. A great information of the exponent rule makes this one of many simpler questions right here. 

Instance issues that you must be capable of remedy – Calculator part 

A number of alternative questions

1) On the native aquarium, the imply age of the male penguins is 8 years outdated, and the imply age of the feminine penguins is 5 years outdated. What’s true in regards to the imply age m of the mixed group of penguins on the aquarium? 

A. m = 13

B. m <  6.3

C. 5 < m < 8

D. m < 5 

Reply: 

C. 5 < m < 8

Clarification: This query is fascinating as a result of it does not require any calculations to get the proper reply, solely the flexibility to motive utilizing the idea of imply. The most important mistake you can also make on this query is discovering the imply of the 2 means.

Imply age of the male penguins is 8

Imply age of the feminine penguins is 5

For the sake of argument, suppose the imply age of feminine penguins can also be 8. Then the mixed imply can also be 8. Nevertheless, in actuality the imply age of the feminine penguins is smaller than 8. Subsequently, the mixed imply can’t be larger than 8. It needs to be smaller than 8 

By the identical token, suppose the imply age of male penguins can also be 5. Then the mixed imply can also be 5. Nevertheless, in actuality the imply age of the male penguins is greater than 5. Subsequently, the mixed imply can’t be smaller than 5. It needs to be larger than 5. 

2) A perform f is outlined by f(x) = 4x³ – 2x² + cx – 5. The perform goes by means of the factors (0,-5), (p, 0), and (2,25). What’s the worth of c? 

A. 3

B. -5 

C. 1

D. 2

The way to remedy: 

Set one of many given factors in and remedy for c. Use (2, 25)

f(x) = 4x³ – 2x² + cx – 5 

25 = 4(2)³ – 2(2)² + c(2) – 5 

25 = 32 – 8 + 2c – 5 

25 = 19 + 2c 

6 = 2c 

3 = c 

Reply: 

A. 3

Clarification: A great understanding of the way to consider polynomial features is essential to unravel this downside. One of the simplest ways to unravel this downside is to make use of the factors given. Nevertheless, a few of the factors are there to trick you. Should you use the purpose (0,-5), you will truly cancel out c, the worth you are attempting to seek out. Discover additionally that in case you use p, you’ll get c by way of p. Nevertheless, your reply have to be a quantity, not a variable. 

3) Jamie is visiting Norway and buys a memento cup for his mother. He will get a 15% low cost and pays ok kroner, together with a 25% gross sales tax on the discounted gross sales value. Write an expression that expresses the unique value, p, of the cup by way of ok. 

A. p = ok * 0.85 * 1.25

B. p = ok / (0.85 * 1.25) 

C. p = ok / (0.85 * 0.25) 

D. p = ok * 0.85 * 0.25

Reply: 

B. p = ok / (0.85 * 1.25) 

Clarification: The most important mistake you can also make on this downside is misunderstanding what the query is asking for. It is perhaps straightforward to assume that you must search for how a lot Jamie paid for the cup, however the query is searching for the unique value, which means you must set your answer up in a different way. 

At all times reread and be sure you actually perceive what you might be searching for. 

4) In a fictional city in Norway, roughly 2 in 7 individuals have inexperienced eyes. If the inhabitants of the city is about 856,000, roughly how many individuals have inexperienced eyes?  

A. 428,000

B. 214,000

C. 122,000

D. 245,000

The way to remedy: 

Arrange a proportion and remedy. 

2 / 7 = x / 856,000

7x = 1,712,000

x ≈ 245,000

Reply: 

D. About 245,000 individuals

Clarification: There are a number of methods to unravel this downside, however understanding the way to arrange a proportion might help you to unravel it quicker. A proportion means that you can write a comparability between a component and an entire. On this instance, we’ve 2 because the half. So for each 7 individuals, 2 individuals have inexperienced eyes. We write a proportion to use this worth to a bigger inhabitants. x individuals have inexperienced eyes in an entire inhabitants of 856,000 individuals. 

As soon as we set it up, we cross multiply and remedy for x, which supplies us a price of about 245,000 individuals within the city who’ve inexperienced eyes. 

5) A faculty canteen sells membership sandwiches for $5.99 and iced teas for $2.99. On the finish of the day, the canteen has made $487.85 from promoting a complete of 115 gadgets. What number of sandwiches did they promote? 

A. 48

B. 56

C. 67

D. 88

The way to remedy: 

1. Arrange your system of equations and remedy it. 

x = sandwiches 

y = iced teas

5.99x + 2.99y = 487.85

x + y = 115

y = 115 – x

5.99x + 2.99(115 – x) = 487.85 

5.99x + 343.85 – 2.99x = 487.85

3x = 144

x = 48 

Reply: 

A. 48 sandwiches

Clarification: Figuring out the way to remedy programs of equations is a vital ability. Should you can set one up accurately, utilizing variables to signify the unknown values, you are well-equipped to unravel an issue like this simply and rapidly. 

When straightforward issues like this one come up, remedy them first. This provides you with somewhat increase of confidence to deal with those that are not really easy. 

6) Rebecca’s automobile will get 29 miles per gallon. If gasoline prices $3.56 per gallon, how a lot would it not value for her to drive from Tallahassee, Florida, to Key West, Florida, if the space between the 2 cities is about 641 miles?  

A. $81.50

B. $77.35

C. $67.52 

D. $78.68 

The way to remedy: 

641 miles / 29 miles per gallon = 22.1 gallons of gasoline 

22.1 gallons * $ 3.56 per gallon = $ 78.68 for gasoline

Reply: 

D. $78.68

Clarification: This downside requires no different expertise than easy multiplication, division, and software of mathematical ideas to on a regular basis life. Once more, attempt to get these less complicated questions right rapidly, as a result of it provides you with a lift of confidence to unravel those which might be a bit tougher. 

7) The sum of two optimistic integers is 20, and the distinction between these numbers multiplied by 2 is 12. What’s the product of those two numbers? 

A. 7

B. 13

C. 91

D. 20

The way to remedy: 

Arrange and remedy a system of equations with two unknowns. 

x + y = 20 

2(x – y) = 12 

x = 20 – y 

2[(20 – y) – y] = 12 

2(20 – 2y) = 12 

40 – 4y = 12 

-4y = -28 

y = 7 

x + y = 20 

x + 7 = 20 

x = 13 

13 * 7 = 91 

Reply: 

C. 91 

Clarification: Once more, it is essential to be sure you discover precisely what the query is asking for. You need to you should definitely discover the product of the 2 numbers on the finish. It is also essential to arrange the issue accurately, precisely the best way it is acknowledged within the phrase downside. 

Grid-in questions

8) If 12 – 7x is 9 greater than 4, discover the worth of 6x. 

The way to remedy: 

12 – 7x = 4 + 9 

12 – 7x = 13 

-7x = 1 

x = -1/7

6x = 6(-1/7) = -6/7

Reply: -6/7

Clarification: The phrases used on this downside can simply be intimidating at first look. You is perhaps confused by way of “is” and “greater than,” as a result of they don’t seem to be usually used to say “equal to” and “add.” 

You additionally should keep in mind that the issue is asking you to seek out 6x, not simply x.

9) Roy, Colin, and Sam have been capturing penalty kicks at soccer follow at the moment. Colin scored two-thirds as many occasions as Sam, and Roy scored half as many occasions as Colin. They scored a complete of 96 targets. What number of targets did Sam rating? 

The way to remedy: 

Use one letter to signify the targets Sam scored, for instance, g. 

*2/3g represents the variety of targets Colin scored. We then put Roy’s targets by way of Sam’s targets so we will mix like phrases: 1/2(2/3g) = 2/6g = 1/3g.*

g + 2/3g + 1/3g = 96 

3/3g + 2/3g + 1/3g = 96

6/3g = 96

2g = 96 

g = 48

Plug g again into your authentic equation to double-check. 

g + 2/3g + 1/3g = 96 

(48) + 2/3(48) + 1/3(48) = 96

48 + 32 + 16 = 96 

96 = 96 

Reply: 48 targets

Clarification: It is easy to get confused by the fractional phrases on this downside. Utilizing just one unknown will enormously simplify your work and enable you undergo the take a look at extra effectively. In actuality, the mathematics on this downside is not troublesome in any respect. So long as you arrange your equation accurately, you may succeed at this sort of downside. 

10) When a = 12 and b = 9, by a lot does the worth of 3a² + 2b exceed the worth of 2b² + 3a ?

The way to remedy: 

Remedy every expression individually. 

2b² + 3a

2(9)² + 3(12)

2(81) + 36

162 + 36

198 

3a² + 2b

3(12)² + 2(9)

3(144) + 2(9)

432 + 18

450

450 – 198 = 252

Reply: 252

Clarification: This query requires a information of algebra and evaluating an expression with two unknowns. The most important mistake you can also make on this downside is a calculating error with the assorted values you must maintain monitor of.