How to answer it
- Substitute the input in parentheses.
- Apply exponents before multiplying.
- Then multiply, add and subtract in order.
Worked example
An original question in the SAT format, already answered.
SAT MathWorked example
f(x) = 2x² − 3
What is the value of f(−2)?
- A−11
- B−5
- C5
- D13
Answer: C. f(−2) = 2(−2)² − 3 = 2(4) − 3 = 5. Choice A comes from treating −2² as −4.
The most common trap
Squaring a negative without parentheses. (−2)² is 4, not −4.
Practice it
Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix nonlinear functions with the rest of SAT Math, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the SAT prep plan works, or browse the other SAT skill guides.