SAT Math Practice
Nonlinear Functions

Evaluate quadratic and exponential functions, and model real-world growth and decay scenarios.

64 original nonlinear functions questions in the SAT Ranker bank, with instant scoring and an Elo-based rank once you sign up. Below are a few free samples with full explanations.

Sign up free to practice all 64Try ranked mode
Sample question 1 · medium

If f(x) = 2x² − 3, what is f(−2)?

-11
5
1
8

f(−2) = 2(−2)² − 3 = 2(4) − 3 = 8 − 3 = 5.

Sample question 2 · medium

If f(x) = -2x² + 5, what is f(5)?

-45
-5
55
-55

f(5) = -2(5)² + 5 = -2(25) + 5. The answer is -45. -5 multiplies by 5 instead of squaring it; 55 treats (5)² as -25, losing the sign of the square; -55 squares correctly but subtracts the 5 instead of adding it.

Sample question 3 · medium

If f(x) = x² + 9, what is f(-3)?

6
0
18
19

f(-3) = 1(-3)² + 9 = 1(9) + 9. The answer is 18. 6 multiplies by -3 instead of squaring it; 0 treats (-3)² as -9, losing the sign of the square.

Sample question 4 · medium

If f(x) = x² + 2, what is f(6)?

8
-34
38
34

f(6) = 1(6)² + 2 = 1(36) + 2. The answer is 38. 8 multiplies by 6 instead of squaring it; -34 treats (6)² as -36, losing the sign of the square; 34 squares correctly but subtracts the 2 instead of adding it.

Sample question 5 · medium

If f(x) = -2x² + 2, what is f(-1)?

0
4
-4
1

f(-1) = -2(-1)² + 2 = -2(1) + 2. The answer is 0. 4 multiplies by -1 instead of squaring it; -4 squares correctly but subtracts the 2 instead of adding it.

More topics
SAT Math skills
Linear Equations in One VariableLinear Equations in Two VariablesLinear FunctionsLinear InequalitiesSystems of Linear EquationsEquivalent ExpressionsNonlinear Equations and SystemsRatios, Rates, Proportions, and UnitsPercentagesOne-Variable DataTwo-Variable DataProbabilitySample Statistics and Margin of ErrorEvaluating Statistical ClaimsRight Triangles and TrigonometryCirclesArea and VolumeLines, Angles, and Triangles