<p>In "general" math questions, and especially SAT ones, this approach often works:
in geometry - assume the easiest configuration, in algebra - assign the most "convenient" numeric values to variables.
Good algebraic example - Blue Book / 657 / 18 /.</p>
<p>For a circle in a triangle question.
Since this question does not give any specifics on a triangle, the answer will be the same for any kind of a triangle.</p>
<p>Let's then assume that our triangle is equilateral.
We still have to make the most difficult in geometry solutions leap - draw additional lines.
Since xiggi took care of it, we can just enjoy the view: three equal triangles, each having the incenter of the big triangle as a "top" vertex and a side of the big triangle as a base.
Solution.
One side of the big triangle = 16/3,
area of one small triangle - (1/2)x(16/3)x1 = 8/3,
total area = (8/3)x3 = 8.</p>
<p>This is a classic question from a higher level elementary geometry, and I think it belongs to the SAT II math.
Oh well, time's a changin'.</p>