SAT word problems fall into several common categories: linear equations and systems of equations, ratios, proportions, and percentages, distance, rate, and time problems, work and mixture problems, and geometry-based scenarios. Each type requires translating real-world situations into mathematical expressions to solve.

The CUBE strategy is an active reading technique: Circle numerical values and units, Underline key information and relationships, Box the specific question being asked, and Eliminate irrelevant details. This method helps ensure you capture essential information needed to form an equation correctly.

Words like "sum" or "increased by" indicate addition, "difference" or "less than" indicate subtraction, "product" or "times" indicate multiplication, and "quotient" or "per" indicate division. For example, "Five more than twice a number is 17" translates to the equation 2x + 5 = 17.

Before submitting, verify that your final answer is in the correct units and meets the specific requirements of the question. This step helps catch discrepancies that may arise from misinterpreting the problem, such as answering in the wrong measurement or format.

To set up a system of equations, assign variables to unknown quantities and maintain consistency throughout the problem. Establish relationships between variables based on the problem's conditions. For instance, if someone buys twice as many bananas as apples and spends $48 at $2 per apple and $3 per banana, you would set up: 2a + 3(2a) = 48.

The compound interest formula is A = P(1 + r)^t, where A is the final amount, P is the principal, r is the annual interest rate as a decimal, and t is the number of years. For an investment of $5,000 at 3% annual interest compounded annually for 5 years, you would calculate A = 5000(1 + 0.03)^5.