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SAT Linear Inequalities Questions

Linear work with a range of answers instead of one. Shaded regions, and flipping the sign when you multiply by a negative.

In short

  • Linear Inequalities is part of Algebra, about 35% of the scored Math questions: 13 to 15 on every test.
  • Math questions from all four areas are mixed in each module and arranged from easiest to hardest.
  • Inequality boundary is the trap Rivie's practice tests set most often in Linear Inequalities questions.

Common traps

Most common first, from Rivie's ten practice tests.

Inequality boundary

Strict vs. non-strict inequality, or 'fewer than X' vs. 'no more than X.' The wrong choice off-by-ones because it includes (or excludes) the endpoint.

The usual mistake: You compute the boundary value correctly but don't re-read the inequality direction or whether the endpoint is included.

Sign flip when isolating

Multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative requires flipping the inequality sign; the wrong choice keeps the original direction.

The usual mistake: You handle the magnitude correctly and forget the sign-flip rule. The distractor is always the un-flipped version of the right answer.

Try a question

From Rivie's practice tests. Pick an answer to see why it is right or wrong.

If 2(x − 3) > 10, which is a possible value of x?

Practice more Linear Inequalities questions free

Video lessons

Free on YouTube, picked for this topic.

Digital SAT Math - Desmos Lesson #5 InequalitiesGraphs inequalities and systems to test solutionsTutorllini Test Prep · 9 minSAT Math on Khan Academy: Linear Inequality Word Problems (Foundations)Writes inequalities from at least and at most storiesScalar Learning · 8 minSAT Math on Khan Academy: Graphs of Linear Systems and Inequalities (Foundations)Reads shaded regions and boundary lines by handScalar Learning · 6 min

Frequently asked questions

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How many Linear Inequalities questions are on the SAT?

College Board does not publish a count for each topic. Linear Inequalities is one of 5 topics in Algebra, which makes up about 35% of the scored Math questions, 13 to 15 per test. That works out to about three Linear Inequalities questions on a typical test.

What is the most common mistake on SAT Linear Inequalities questions?

In Rivie's ten practice tests, the trap set most often in Linear Inequalities questions is inequality boundary. You compute the boundary value correctly but don't re-read the inequality direction or whether the endpoint is included.

How can I practice Linear Inequalities for the SAT?

Rivie's question bank sorts practice questions by topic and difficulty, so you can work on Linear Inequalities on its own, and your study plan brings back the questions you miss. The free plan includes a full-length practice test and 100 practice questions a week.

More Math topics

All SAT topics

Algebra

Linear Equations in One Variable

Algebra

Linear Functions

Algebra

Linear Equations in Two Variables

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