Question ID 9adb86ed

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Circles

Trigonometry

ID: 9adb86ed

Points and lie on a circle with center . The radius of this circle is inches. Triangle has a perimeter of
inches. What is the length, in inches, of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9adb86ed Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since it's given that 𝑃 is the center of a circle with a radius of 9 inches, and that points 𝑄 and 𝑅 lie on
that circle, it follows that 𝑃𝑄
¯ and 𝑅𝑃
¯ of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 each have a length of 9 inches. Let the length of 𝑄𝑅 ¯ be 𝑥 inches. It

follows that the perimeter of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 is 9 + 9 + 𝑥 inches. Since it's given that the perimeter of triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 is 31
inches, it follows that 9 + 9 + 𝑥 = 31, or 18 + 𝑥 = 31. Subtracting 18 from both sides of this equation gives 𝑥 = 13.
Therefore, the length, in inches, of 𝑄𝑅
¯ is 13.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9966235e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume

Trigonometry

ID: 9966235e

A cube has an edge length of inches. A solid sphere with a radius of inches is inside the cube, such that the
sphere touches the center of each face of the cube. To the nearest cubic inch, what is the volume of the space in the
cube not taken up by the sphere?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9966235e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The volume of a cube can be found by using the formula 𝑉 = 𝑠3 , where 𝑉 is the volume and 𝑠 is the
edge length of the cube. Therefore, the volume of the given cube is 𝑉 = 68 , or 314,432 cubic inches. The volume of a
3

4
sphere can be found by using the formula 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟3 , where 𝑉 is the volume and 𝑟 is the radius of the sphere. Therefore,
3
4 3
the volume of the given sphere is 𝑉 = 𝜋(34) , or approximately 164,636 cubic inches. The volume of the space in the
3

Subtracting the approximate volume of the sphere from the volume of the cube gives 314,432 − 164,636 = 149,796 cubic
cube not taken up by the sphere is the difference between the volume of the cube and volume of the sphere.

inches.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a0369739
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Lines, angles, and

Trigonometry triangles

ID: a0369739

In triangle , the measure of angle is and is an altitude of the triangle. The length of is and the
length of is greater than the length of . What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a0369739 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that in triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶, the measure of angle 𝐵 is 90° and 𝐵𝐷 is an altitude of the triangle.
Therefore, the measure of angle 𝐵𝐷𝐶 is 90°. It follows that angle 𝐵 is congruent to angle 𝐷 and angle 𝐶 is congruent to
angle 𝐶. By the angle-angle similarity postulate, triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is similar to triangle 𝐵𝐷𝐶. Since triangles 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and 𝐵𝐷𝐶 are
𝐴𝐶 𝐵𝐶
= . It's also given that the length of 𝐴𝐵
¯ is 15 and the length of 𝐴𝐶
¯ is 23 greater than the
𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐷
¯ is 15 + 23, or 38. Substituting 15 for 𝐴𝐵 and 38 for 𝐴𝐶 in the equation 𝐴𝐶 = 𝐵𝐶
similar, it follows that
length of 𝐴𝐵 ¯ . Therefore, the length of 𝐴𝐶
𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐷
38 𝐵𝐶 𝐵𝐶 38
=
15 𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐷 15
yields . Therefore, the value of is .

𝐵𝐷
𝐵𝐶
Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of . Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a07ed090
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume

Trigonometry

ID: a07ed090

The figure shown is a right circular cylinder with a radius of and height of . A second right circular cylinder (not
shown) has a volume that is times as large as the volume of the cylinder shown. Which of the following could
represent the radius , in terms of , and the height , in terms of , of the second cylinder?

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: a07ed090 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The volume of a right circular cylinder is equal to 𝜋𝑎2 𝑏, where 𝑎 is the radius of a base of the
cylinder and 𝑏 is the height of the cylinder. It’s given that the cylinder shown has a radius of 𝑟 and a height of ℎ. It follows
that the volume of the cylinder shown is equal to 𝜋𝑟2 ℎ. It’s given that the second right circular cylinder has a radius of 𝑅
and a height of 𝐻. It follows that the volume of the second cylinder is equal to 𝜋𝑅2 𝐻. Choice C gives 𝑅 = 7𝑟 and 𝐻 = 8ℎ.
2
Substituting 7𝑟 for 𝑅 and 8ℎ for 𝐻 in the expression that represents the volume of the second cylinder yields 𝜋(7𝑟) (8ℎ),
or 𝜋(49𝑟2 )(8ℎ), which is equivalent to 𝜋(392𝑟2 ℎ), or 392(𝜋𝑟2 ℎ). This expression is equal to 392 times the volume of the
cylinder shown, 𝜋𝑟2 ℎ. Therefore, 𝑅 = 7𝑟 and 𝐻 = 8ℎ could represent the radius 𝑅, in terms of 𝑟, and the height 𝐻, in terms
of ℎ, of the second cylinder.

Choice A is incorrect. Substituting 8𝑟 for 𝑅 and 7ℎ for 𝐻 in the expression that represents the volume of the second
2
cylinder yields 𝜋(8𝑟) (7ℎ), or 𝜋(64𝑟2 )(7ℎ), which is equivalent to 𝜋(448𝑟2 ℎ), or 448(𝜋𝑟2 ℎ). This expression is equal to 448,
not 392, times the volume of the cylinder shown.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting 8𝑟 for 𝑅 and 49ℎ for 𝐻 in the expression that represents the volume of the second
2
cylinder yields 𝜋(8𝑟) (49ℎ), or 𝜋(64𝑟2 )(49ℎ), which is equivalent to 𝜋(3,136𝑟2 ℎ), or 3,136(𝜋𝑟2 ℎ). This expression is equal
to 3,136, not 392, times the volume of the cylinder shown.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting 49𝑟 for 𝑅 and 8ℎ for 𝐻 in the expression that represents the volume of the second
2
cylinder yields 𝜋(49𝑟) (8ℎ), or 𝜋(2,401𝑟2 )(8ℎ), which is equivalent to 𝜋(19,208𝑟2 ℎ), or 19,208(𝜋𝑟2 ℎ). This expression is
equal to 19,208, not 392, times the volume of the cylinder shown.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2d2cb85e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Lines, angles, and

Trigonometry triangles

ID: 2d2cb85e

In the figure, , the measure of angle is , and the measure of angle is . What is the value
of ?

ID: 2d2cb85e Answer

Correct Answer: 156

Rationale

The correct answer is 156. In the figure shown, the sum of the measures of angle 𝑈𝑉𝑆 and angle 𝑅𝑉𝑆 is 180°. It’s given
that the measure of angle 𝑅𝑉𝑆 is 41°. Therefore, the measure of angle 𝑈𝑉𝑆 is (180 − 41)°, or 139°. The sum of the
measures of the interior angles of a triangle is 180°. In triangle 𝑈𝑉𝑆, the measure of angle 𝑈𝑉𝑆 is 139° and it's given that
the measure of angle 𝑉𝑆𝑇 is 29°. Thus, the measure of angle 𝑉𝑈𝑆 is (180 − 139 − 29)°, or 12°. It’s given that 𝑅𝑇 = 𝑇𝑈.
Therefore, triangle 𝑇𝑈𝑅 is an isosceles triangle and the measure of 𝑉𝑈𝑆 is equal to the measure of angle 𝑇𝑅𝑈. In
triangle 𝑇𝑈𝑅, the measure of angle 𝑉𝑈𝑆 is 12° and the measure of angle 𝑇𝑅𝑈 is 12°. Thus, the measure of angle 𝑈𝑇𝑅 is
(180 − 12 − 12)°, or 156°. The figure shows that the measure of angle 𝑈𝑇𝑅 is 𝑥°, so the value of 𝑥 is 156.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d3b9c8d8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving One-variable data:

and Data Analysis Distributions and
measures of center
and spread

ID: d3b9c8d8

The box plots summarize the masses, in kilograms, of two groups of gazelles. Based on the box plots, which of the
following statements must be true?

A. The mean mass of group 1 is greater than the mean mass of group 2.

B. The mean mass of group 1 is less than the mean mass of group 2.

C. The median mass of group 1 is greater than the median mass of group 2.

D. The median mass of group 1 is less than the median mass of group 2.

ID: d3b9c8d8 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

It follows that the median mass of the gazelles in group 1 is 25 kilograms, and the median mass of the gazelles in group
Choice C is correct. The median of a data set represented in a box plot is represented by the vertical line within the box.

2 is 24 kilograms. Since 25 kilograms is greater than 24 kilograms, the median mass of group 1 is greater than the
median mass of group 2.

Choice A is incorrect. The mean mass of each of the two groups cannot be determined from the box plots.

Choice B is incorrect. The mean mass of each of the two groups cannot be determined from the box plots.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 65c49824
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Percentages

and Data Analysis

ID: 65c49824

A school district is forming a committee to discuss plans for the construction

of a new high school. Of those invited to join the committee, 15% are parents of
students, 45% are teachers from the current high school, 25% are school and
district administrators, and the remaining 6 individuals are students. How many
more teachers were invited to join the committee than school and district
administrators?

ID: 65c49824 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 8. The 6 students represent of those invited to join the

committee. If x people were invited to join the committee, then . Thus, there were people invited
to join the committee. It follows that there were teachers and school and district
administrators invited to join the committee. Therefore, there were 8 more teachers than school and district
administrators invited to join the committee.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1ea09200
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Evaluating

and Data Analysis statistical claims:
Observational
studies and
experiments

ID: 1ea09200

A sample of 40 fourth-grade students was selected at random from a certain

school. The 40 students completed a survey about the morning
announcements, and 32 thought the announcements were helpful. Which of the
following is the largest population to which the results of the survey can be
applied?

A. The 40 students who were surveyed

B. All fourth-grade students at the school

C. All students at the school

D. All fourth-grade students in the county in which the school is located

ID: 1ea09200 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Selecting a sample of a reasonable size at random to use for a survey allows the results from that
survey to be applied to the population from which the sample was selected, but not beyond this population. In this case,
the population from which the sample was selected is all fourth-grade students at a certain school. Therefore, the
results of the survey can be applied to all fourth-grade students at the school.

Choice A is incorrect. The results of the survey can be applied to the 40 students who were surveyed. However, this isn’t
the largest group to which the results of the survey can be applied. Choices C and D are incorrect. Since the sample was
selected at random from among the fourth-grade students at a certain school, the results of the survey can’t be applied
to other students at the school or to other fourth-grade students who weren’t represented in the survey results. Students
in other grades in the school or other fourth-grade students in the country may feel differently about announcements
than the fourth-grade students at the school.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4aaa9c42
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Percentages

and Data Analysis

ID: 4aaa9c42

The positive number is of the sum of the positive numbers and , and is of . What percent of is ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4aaa9c42 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that 𝑎 is 2,241 % of the sum of 𝑏 and 𝑐. This can be represented by the equation
2,241
𝑎=( )(𝑏 + 𝑐), or 𝑎 = 22.41(𝑏 + 𝑐). It’s also given that that 𝑏 is 83 % of 𝑐. This can be represented by the equation
100
83 𝑏 𝑏
𝑏 = ( )𝑐, or 𝑏 = 0.83𝑐. Dividing both sides of this equation by 0.83 yields = 𝑐. Substituting for 𝑐 in the equation
100 0.83 0.83
𝑏 1.83𝑏 41.0103𝑏
𝑎 = 22.41(𝑏 + 𝑐) yields 𝑎 = 22.41(𝑏 + ), or 𝑎 = 22.41( ), which is equivalent to 𝑎 = , or 𝑎 = 49.41𝑏. This
0.83 0.83 0.83
4,941
equation is equivalent to 𝑎 = ( )𝑏; therefore, 𝑎 is 4,941 % of 𝑏.
100

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fb866265
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Two-variable data:

and Data Analysis Models and
scatterplots

ID: fb866265

The scatterplot shows the relationship between two variables, and . An equation for the exponential model shown
can be written as , where and are positive constants. Which of the following is closest to the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: fb866265 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
𝑥
Choice A is correct. It's given that an equation for the exponential model shown can be written as 𝑦 𝑎(𝑏) , where and
 𝑥
Choice A is correct. It's given that an equation for the exponential model shown can be written as 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑏) , where 𝑎 and
𝑏 are positive constants. For an exponential model written in this form, if the value of 𝑏 is greater than 0 but less than 1,
the model is decreasing. If the value of 𝑏 is greater than 1, the model is increasing. The exponential model shown is
decreasing. Therefore, the value of 𝑏 is greater than 0 but less than 1. Of the given choices, only 0.83 is a value greater
than 0 but less than 1. Thus, 0.83 is closest to the value of 𝑏.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fc3d783a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: fc3d783a

In the -plane, a line with equation intersects a parabola at exactly one point. If the parabola has equation
, where is a positive constant, what is the value of ?

ID: fc3d783a Answer

Correct Answer: 6

Rationale

The correct answer is 6. It’s given that a line with equation 2𝑦 = 4 . 5 intersects a parabola with equation 𝑦 = − 4𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥,
where 𝑏 is a positive constant, at exactly one point in the xy-plane. It follows that the system of equations consisting of
2𝑦 = 4 . 5 and 𝑦 = − 4𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 has exactly one solution. Dividing both sides of the equation of the line by 2 yields
𝑦 = 2 . 25. Substituting 2.25 for 𝑦 in the equation of the parabola yields 2 . 25 = − 4𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥. Adding 4𝑥2 and subtracting 𝑏𝑥
from both sides of this equation yields 4𝑥2 − 𝑏𝑥 + 2 . 25 = 0. A quadratic equation in the form of 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where
𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, has exactly one solution when the discriminant, 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐, is equal to zero. Substituting 4 for 𝑎
2

and 2.25 for 𝑐 in the expression 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 and setting this expression equal to 0 yields 𝑏2 − 4(4)(2 . 25) = 0, or 𝑏2 − 36 = 0.
Adding 36 to each side of this equation yields 𝑏2 = 36. Taking the square root of each side of this equation yields
𝑏 = ± 6. It’s given that 𝑏 is positive, so the value of 𝑏 is 6.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a9084ca4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: a9084ca4

The given function models the number of advertisements a company sent to its clients each year, where represents
the number of years since , and . If is graphed in the xy-plane, which of the following is the
best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph in this context?

A. The minimum estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients during the years was .

B. The minimum estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients during the years was .

C. The estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients in was .

D. The estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients in was .

ID: a9084ca4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The y-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point where 𝑥 = 0. For the given function 𝑓, the y-
intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in the xy-plane can be found by substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 9,000(0.66) ,
𝑥

0
which gives 𝑦 = 9,000(0.66) . This is equivalent to 𝑦 = 9,000(1), or 𝑦 = 9,000. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is (0, 9,000). It’s given that the function 𝑓 models the number of advertisements a company sent to its clients
each year. Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) represents the estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients each
year. It's also given that 𝑥 represents the number of years since 1997. Therefore, 𝑥 = 0 represents 0 years since 1997, or
1997. Thus, the best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is that the estimated number of
advertisements the company sent to its clients in 1997 was 9,000.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2c6f214f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 2c6f214f

The first term of a sequence is . Each term after the first is times the preceding term. If represents the th term of
the sequence, which equation gives in terms of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2c6f214f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Since 𝑤 represents the 𝑛th term of the sequence and 9 is the first term of the sequence, the value of
𝑤 is 9 when the value of 𝑛 is 1. Since each term after the first is 4 times the preceding term, the value of 𝑤 is 9(4) when
2
the value of 𝑛 is 2. Therefore, the value of 𝑤 is 9(4)(4), or 9(4) , when the value of 𝑛 is 3. More generally, the value of 𝑤 is
9(4𝑛 − 1 ) for a given value of 𝑛. Therefore, the equation 𝑤 = 9(4𝑛 − 1 ) gives 𝑤 in terms of 𝑛.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation describes a sequence for which the first term is 36, rather than 9, and each term
after the first is 9, rather than 4, times the preceding term.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation describes a sequence for which the first term is 4, rather than 9, and each term after
the first is 9, rather than 4, times the preceding term.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation describes a sequence for which the first term is 36, rather than 9.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 781c2f6e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 781c2f6e

The function is defined by , where and are integer constants and . The
functions and are equivalent to function , where and are constants. Which of the following equations displays
the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane as a constant or coefficient?

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II

D. Neither I nor II

ID: 781c2f6e Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation defining function 𝑓 yields 𝑓(0) = 𝑎(2.20 + 2.2𝑏 ), or 𝑓(0) = 𝑎(1 + 2.2𝑏 ). So,
Choice D is correct. A y-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is a point where the graph intersects the y-axis, or a point

𝑏
the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph is 𝑎(1 + 2.2 ), or equivalently, 𝑎 + 𝑎(2.2) . It's given that function 𝑔 is
𝑏

𝑏
equivalent to function 𝑓, where 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏. It follows that 𝑘 = 2.2 . Since 𝑎(2.2) can't be equal to 0, the coefficient 𝑎 can't
𝑏
𝑏 𝑏
be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎(2.2) . Since 0 < 𝑎, the constant 𝑘, which is equal to 2.2𝑏 , can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎(2.2) . Therefore,
function 𝑔 doesn't display the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in the xy-plane as a constant or
coefficient. It's also given that function ℎ is equivalent to function 𝑓, where 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏. The equation defining 𝑓 can be
rewritten as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(2.2) + 𝑎(2.2) . It follows that 𝑚 = 𝑎(2.2) . Since 𝑎(2.2) can't be equal to 0, the coefficient 𝑎 can't
𝑥 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎(2.2) . Since 0 < 𝑎, the constant 𝑚, which is equal to 𝑎(2.2) , can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎(2.2) . Therefore,
function ℎ doesn't display the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in the xy-plane as a constant or
coefficient. Thus, neither function 𝑔 nor function ℎ displays the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in
the xy-plane as a constant or coefficient.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4661e2a9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 4661e2a9

Which ordered pair is a solution to the

system of equations above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4661e2a9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The solution to the given system of equations can be found by solving the first equation for x, which
gives , and substituting that value of x into the second equation which gives .

Rewriting this equation by adding like terms and expanding gives . Subtracting from

both sides of this equation gives . Adding to 2 to both sides of this equation gives . Therefore, it
follows that . Substituting for y in the first equation yields . Adding to both sides of this

equation yields . Therefore, the ordered pair is a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting for x and for y in the first equation yields , or ,
which isn’t a true statement. Choice C is incorrect. Substituting for x and for y in the second equation

yields , or , which isn’t a true statement. Choice D is incorrect.

Substituting for x and for y in the second equation yields , or

, which isn’t a true statement.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 73b3b7d8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 73b3b7d8

The solution to the given system of equations is . What is the value of ?

ID: 73b3b7d8 Answer

Correct Answer: 20

Rationale

The correct answer is 20. Adding the first equation to the second equation in the given system yields
5𝑦 − 5𝑦 = 10𝑥 + 5𝑥 + 11 − 21, or 0 = 15𝑥 − 10. Adding 10 to both sides of this equation yields 10 = 15𝑥. Multiplying both
sides of this equation by 2 yields 20 = 30𝑥. Therefore, the value of 30𝑥 is 20.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 49800634
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 49800634

The table shows two values of and their corresponding values of . In the xy-plane, the graph of the linear equation
representing this relationship passes through the point . What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 49800634 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The linear relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 can be represented by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is
the slope of the graph of this equation in the xy-plane and 𝑏 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. The slope of a line
𝑦 − 𝑦1
between any two points (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ) on the line can be calculated using the slope formula 𝑚 = 2
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
. Based on
the table, the graph contains the points (−18, − 48) and (7, 52). Substituting (−18, − 48) and (7, 52) for (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and
52 − (−48) 100
(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), respectively, in the slope formula yields 𝑚 = , which is equivalent to 𝑚 = , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4
7 − (−18) 25
for 𝑚, − 18 for 𝑥, and − 48 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields −48 = 4(−18) + 𝑏, or −48 = − 72 + 𝑏. Adding 72 to
both sides of this equation yields 24 = 𝑏. Therefore, 𝑚 = 4 and 𝑏 = 24. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 and 24 for 𝑏 in the equation
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 24. Thus, the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 24 represents the linear relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦. It's

1 1 1 4 168
also given that the graph of the linear equation representing this relationship in the xy-plane passes through the point
( , 𝑎). Substituting for 𝑥 and 𝑎 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 24 yields 𝑎 = 4( ) + 24, which is equivalent to 𝑎 = +
7 7 7 7 7
172
,

or 𝑎 =
7
.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 27f5fff3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 27f5fff3

If a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown and the equation
, how many solutions will the resulting system of three equations have?

A. Zero

B. Exactly one

C. Exactly two

D. Infinitely many

ID: 27f5fff3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A solution to a system of equations must satisfy each equation in the system. It follows that if an
ordered pair (𝑥, 𝑦) is a solution to the system, the point (𝑥, 𝑦) lies on the graph in the xy-plane of each equation in the
Choice A is correct. A solution to a system of equations must satisfy each equation in the system. It follows that if an

(8, 2). It follows that if a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown and the
system. The only point that lies on each graph of the system of two linear equations shown is their intersection point

graph of 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = − 16, this system has either zero solutions or one solution, the point (8, 2). Substituting 8 for 𝑥 and 2
for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = − 16 yields 8 + 4(2) = − 16, or 16 = − 16. Since this equation is not true, the point (8, 2)
does not lie on the graph of 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = − 16. Therefore, (8, 2) is not a solution to the system of three equations. It follows
that there are zero solutions to this system.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 67d63e19
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 67d63e19

The cost of renting a carpet cleaner is for the first day and for each additional day. Which of the following
functions gives the cost , in dollars, of renting the carpet cleaner for days, where is a positive integer?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 67d63e19 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the cost of renting a carpet cleaner is $ 52 for the first day and $ 26 for each
additional day. Therefore, the cost 𝐶(𝑑), in dollars, of renting the carpet cleaner for 𝑑 days is the sum of the cost for the
first day, $ 52, and the cost for the additional 𝑑 − 1 days, $ 26(𝑑 − 1). It follows that 𝐶(𝑑) = 52 + 26(𝑑 − 1), which is
equivalent to 𝐶(𝑑) = 52 + 26𝑑 − 26, or 𝐶(𝑑) = 26𝑑 + 26.

Choice B is incorrect. This function gives the cost of renting a carpet cleaner for 𝑑 days if the cost is $ 78, not $ 52, for
the first day and $ 26 for each additional day.

Choice C is incorrect. This function gives the cost of renting a carpet cleaner for 𝑑 days if the cost is $ 26, not $ 52, for
the first day and $ 52, not $ 26, for each additional day.

Choice D is incorrect. This function gives the cost of renting a carpet cleaner for 𝑑 days if the cost is $ 130, not $ 52, for
the first day and $ 52, not $ 26, for each additional day.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5b7599a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 5b7599a6

The graph shows a linear relationship between and . Which equation represents this relationship, where is a
positive constant?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5b7599a6 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The equation representing the linear relationship shown can be written in slope-intercept form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope and (0, 𝑏) is the y-intercept of the line. The line shown passes through the points (0, 6)
and (2, 0). Given two points on a line, (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), the slope of the line can be calculated using the equation
𝑦 − 𝑦1 0−6
𝑚= 2 . Substituting (0, 6) and (2, 0) for (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), respectively, in this equation yields 𝑚 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 2−0
6
, which is

equivalent to 𝑚 = − , or 𝑚 = − 3. Since (0, 6) is the y-intercept, it follows that 𝑏 = 6. Substituting − 3 for 𝑚 and 6 for 𝑏
2
in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = − 3𝑥 + 6. Adding 3𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 3𝑥 + 𝑦 = 6. Multiplying
this equation by 6 yields 18𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 36. It follows that the equation 18𝑥 + 𝑅𝑦 = 36, where 𝑅 is a positive constant,
represents this relationship.

Choice A is incorrect. The graph of this relationship passes through the point (0, 2), not (0, 6).

Choice B is incorrect. The graph of this relationship passes through the point (0, 2), not (0, 6).

Choice D is incorrect. The graph of this relationship passes through the point (−2, 0), not (2, 0).

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bbf9e5ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bbf9e5ce

For groups of or more people, a museum charges per person for the first people and for each additional
person. Which function gives the total charge, in dollars, for a tour group with people, where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bbf9e5ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A tour group with 𝑛 people, where 𝑛 ≥ 25, can be split into two subgroups: the first 25 people and
the additional 𝑛 − 25 people. Since the museum charges $ 21 per person for the first 25 people and $ 14 for each
additional person, the charge for the first 25 people is $ 21(25) and the charge for the additional 𝑛 − 25 people is
$ 14(𝑛 − 25). Therefore, the total charge, in dollars, is given by the function 𝑓(𝑛) = 21(25) + 14(𝑛 − 25), or
𝑓(𝑛) = 14𝑛 + 175.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 628300a9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 628300a9

A science teacher is preparing the 5 stations of a science laboratory. Each

station will have either Experiment A materials or Experiment B materials, but
not both. Experiment A requires 6 teaspoons of salt, and Experiment B requires
4 teaspoons of salt. If x is the number of stations that will be set up for
Experiment A and the remaining stations will be set up for Experiment B, which
of the following expressions represents the total number of teaspoons of salt
required?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 628300a9 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It is given that x represents the number of stations that will be set up for Experiment A and that
there will be 5 stations total, so it follows that 5 – x is the number of stations that will be set up for Experiment B. It is
also given that Experiment A requires 6 teaspoons of salt and that Experiment B requires 4 teaspoons of salt, so the
total number of teaspoons of salt required is 6x + 4(5 – x), which simplifies to 2x + 20.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may be the result of not understanding the description of the context.

Question Difficulty: Hard