Why Trap Answers Exist
The SAT is designed to distinguish between students who truly understand concepts and those who only partially get it. Trap answers exploit common mistakes and misconceptions.
Trap #1: The Sign Error
**What it looks like:** The answer is correct in magnitude but has the wrong sign.
**Example:** If the correct answer is -3, you'll often see +3 as an option.
How to avoid:
Trap #2: The Partial Answer
**What it looks like:** You're asked for 2x, but one answer choice is just x.
How to avoid:
Trap #3: The Off-By-One Error
**What it looks like:** In counting problems, the answer is one more or one less than correct.
**Example:** "How many integers from 1 to 10 inclusive?" — Some students answer 9.
How to avoid:
Trap #4: The Unit Mismatch
**What it looks like:** The question gives values in one unit but asks for the answer in another.
How to avoid:
Trap #5: The Percentage Pitfall
**What it looks like:** Confusing percentage increase/decrease with the final value.
**Example:** "Price increases by 20%" — trap answer might be just the 20% amount, not the new total.
How to avoid:
Trap #6: The Exponent Mistake
**What it looks like:** Confusing operations with exponents, especially with negative bases.
How to avoid:
Trap #7: The Graph Misread
**What it looks like:** Reading the wrong axis, scale, or point from a graph.
How to avoid:
The Meta-Strategy
When you're unsure between two answers:
Practice identifying these traps, and you'll start seeing them everywhere!