Question ID 9903ff5b

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: 9903ff5b

The area of a triangle is square centimeters. The length of the base of the triangle is centimeters greater than the
height of the triangle. What is the height, in centimeters, of the triangle?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9903ff5b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

1
Choice B is correct. The area, 𝐴, of a triangle is given by the formula 𝐴 = 2 𝑏ℎ, where 𝑏 represents the length of the base of
the triangle and ℎ represents its height. It’s given that the area of a triangle is 270 square centimeters and that the length of
the base of this triangle is 12 centimeters greater than the height of the triangle. Let 𝑥 represent the height, in centimeters, of
the triangle. It follows that the length of the base of the triangle can be expressed as 𝑥 + 12. Substituting 270 for 𝐴, 𝑥 for ℎ,
1 1 1
and 𝑥 + 12 for 𝑏 in the formula 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ yields 270 = ( 𝑥 + 12 ) ( 𝑥 ) , or 270 = 𝑥 ( 𝑥 + 12 ) . Multiplying both sides of this
2 2 2
equation by 2 yields 540 = 𝑥 ( 𝑥 + 12 ) . Applying the distributive property on the right-hand side of this equation yields
540 = 𝑥2 + 12𝑥. Subtracting 540 from both sides of this equation yields 0 = 𝑥2 + 12𝑥 - 540. In factored form, this equation is
equivalent to ( 𝑥 + 30 ) ( 𝑥 - 18 ) = 0. Applying the zero product property, it follows that 𝑥 + 30 = 0 or 𝑥 - 18 = 0. Subtracting
30 from both sides of the equation 𝑥 + 30 = 0 yields 𝑥 = - 30. Adding 18 to both sides of the equation 𝑥 - 18 = 0 yields
𝑥 = 18. Since 𝑥 represents the height of the triangle, it must be positive. Therefore, the height, in centimeters, of the triangle
is 18.

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: Medium

Question ID 9c086e5a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: 9c086e5a

The table shows three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation . In the table, is a
constant. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9c086e5a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that the table shows three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑦 for the equation
𝑥
𝑦 = 42 + 3. It's also given that when 𝑥 = 3 the corresponding value of 𝑦 is 𝑎, and 𝑎 is a constant. Substituting 3 for 𝑥 and 𝑎
3
for 𝑦 in the given equation yields 𝑎 = 42 + 3, or 𝑎 = 35. Therefore, the value of 𝑎 is 35.

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: Medium

Question ID 4782fd69
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: 4782fd69

The function models the value, in dollars, of a certain bank account by the end of each year from
through , where is the number of years after . Which of the following is the best interpretation of “ is
approximately equal to ” in this context?

A. The value of the bank account is estimated to be approximately dollars greater in than in .

B. The value of the bank account is estimated to be approximately dollars in .

C. The value, in dollars, of the bank account is estimated to be approximately times greater in than in .

D. The value of the bank account is estimated to increase by approximately dollars every years between and
.

ID: 4782fd69 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

𝑥
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑓𝑥 = 2061.034 models the value, in dollars, of a certain bank account by the
end of each year from 1957 through 1972, where 𝑥 is the number of years after 1957. It follows that 𝑓𝑥 represents the
estimated value, in dollars, of the bank account 𝑥 years after 1957. Since the value of 𝑓5 is the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 5, it
follows that “𝑓5 is approximately equal to 243” means that 𝑓𝑥 is approximately equal to 243 when 𝑥 = 5. In the given context,
this means that the value of the bank account is estimated to be approximately 243 dollars 5 years after 1957. Therefore, the
best interpretation of the statement “𝑓5 is approximately equal to 243” in this context is the value of the bank account is
estimated to be approximately 243 dollars in 1962.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c9f2f07d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: c9f2f07d

The function is given. Which table of values represents ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c9f2f07d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = ( 𝑥 + 6 ) ( 𝑥 + 5 ) ( 𝑥 - 4 ) and 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) - 3. Substituting ( 𝑥 + 6 ) ( 𝑥 + 5 ) ( 𝑥 - 4 ) for

𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) - 3 yields 𝑦 = ( 𝑥 + 6 ) ( 𝑥 + 5 ) ( 𝑥 - 4 ) - 3. Substituting -6 for 𝑥 in this equation yields
𝑦 = ( - 6 + 6 ) ( - 6 + 5 ) ( - 6 - 4 ) - 3, or 𝑦 = - 3. Substituting -5 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = ( 𝑥 + 6 ) ( 𝑥 + 5 ) ( 𝑥 - 4 ) - 3 yields
𝑦 = ( - 5 + 6 ) ( - 5 + 5 ) ( - 5 - 4 ) - 3, or 𝑦 = - 3. Substituting 4 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = ( 𝑥 + 6 ) ( 𝑥 + 5 ) ( 𝑥 - 4 ) - 3 yields
𝑦 = ( 4 + 6 ) ( 4 + 5 ) ( 4 - 4 ) - 3, or 𝑦 = - 3. Therefore, when 𝑥 = - 6 then 𝑦 = - 3, when 𝑥 = - 5 then 𝑦 = - 3, and when 𝑥 = 4
then 𝑦 = - 3. Thus, the table of values in choice B represents 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) - 3.

Choice A is incorrect. This table represents 𝑦 = 𝑥 - 3 rather than 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) - 3.

Choice C is incorrect. This table represents 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 3 rather than 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) - 3.

Choice D is incorrect. This table represents 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 + 3 rather than 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) - 3.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 67373f12
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: 67373f12

On April , there were views of an advertisement posted on a website. Every days after April , the number of views of
the advertisement had increased by of the number of views days earlier. The function gives the predicted number
of views days after April . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 67373f12 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that on April 1, there were 233 views of the advertisement. It’s also given that every 2 days after
April 1, the number of views of the advertisement had increased by 70% of the number of views 2 days earlier. This situation
𝑥
𝑟 𝑐
can be represented by an exponential function of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎1 + 100
, where 𝑎 is the number of views on April 1 and
every 𝑐 days after April 1, the number of views had increased by 𝑟% of the number of views 𝑐 days earlier. It follows that
𝑥 𝑥
𝑟 𝑐 70 2
𝑎 = 233, 𝑟 = 70, and 𝑐 = 2. Substituting 233 for 𝑎, 70 for 𝑟, and 2 for 𝑐 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎1 + yields 𝑓𝑥 = 2331 + ,
𝑥 100 100
or 𝑓𝑥 = 2331.70 .2

Choice A is incorrect. This function gives the predicted number of views for an advertisement for which every 2 days, the
number of views was 70%, rather than increased by 70%, of the number of views 2 days earlier.

1
Choice B is incorrect. This function gives the predicted number of views for an advertisement for which every 2
days, the
1
number of views was 70% of the number of views 2
days earlier, rather than an advertisement for which every 2 days, the
number of views had increased by 70% of the number of views 2 days earlier.

1
Choice D is incorrect. This function gives the predicted number of views for an advertisement for which every 2
days, rather
1
than every 2 days, the number of views had increased by 70% of the number of views 2
days earlier, rather than 2 days
earlier.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 72bf9318
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: 72bf9318

The function is defined by . In the xy-plane, the graph of is the result of shifting the graph of
down units. Which equation defines function ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 72bf9318 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. If the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 is the result of shifting the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 down 𝑘 units in the xy-plane, the
function 𝑔 can be defined by an equation of the form 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 - 𝑘. It’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = 7𝑥3 and the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 is the result
of shifting the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 down 2 units. Substituting 7𝑥3 for 𝑓𝑥 and 2 for 𝑘 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 - 𝑘 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 7𝑥3 - 2
.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation defines a function 𝑔 for which the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 is the result of shifting the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 up, not down, 2 units.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f0b332e0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: f0b332e0

A sample of a certain isotope takes years to decay to half its original mass. The function gives the
approximate mass of this isotope, in grams, that remains years after a -gram sample starts to decay. Which statement
is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. Approximately grams of the sample remains years after the sample starts to decay.

B. The mass of the sample has decreased by approximately grams years after the sample starts to decay.

C. The mass of the sample has decreased by approximately grams years after the sample starts to decay.

D. Approximately grams of the sample remains years after the sample starts to decay.

ID: f0b332e0 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. In the given function, 𝑠𝑡 represents the approximate mass, in grams, of the sample that remains 𝑡 years
after the sample starts to decay. It follows that the best interpretation of 𝑠87 = 23 is that approximately 23 grams of the
sample remains 87 years after the sample starts to decay.

Choice B is incorrect. The mass of the sample has decreased by approximately 184 - 23, or 161, grams, not 23 grams, 87
years after the sample starts to decay.

Choice C is incorrect. The mass of the sample has decreased by approximately 78 grams, not 87 grams, 23 years after the
sample starts to decay.

Choice D is incorrect. This would be the best interpretation of 𝑠23 = 87, not 𝑠87 = 23.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ed5b7c61
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: ed5b7c61

Which table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for function ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ed5b7c61 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

-1 1
Choice D is correct. Substituting -1 for 𝑥 in the given function yields 𝑞-1 = 322 , which is equivalent to 𝑞-1 = 32 2 , or 𝑞-1 = 16
. Therefore, when 𝑥 = - 1, the corresponding value of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞 is 16. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the given function yields
𝑞0 = 3220 , which is equivalent to 𝑞0 = 321, or 𝑞0 = 32. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 0, the corresponding value of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞 is
1
32. Substituting 1 for 𝑥 in the given function yields 𝑞1 = 322 , which is equivalent to 𝑞1 = 322, or 𝑞1 = 64. Therefore, when
𝑥 = 1, the corresponding value of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞 is 64. Of the choices given, only the table in choice D gives these three
values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞.

Choice A is incorrect. This table gives three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑞𝑥 for the function 𝑞𝑥 = 322𝑥.

𝑥
Choice B is incorrect. This table gives three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑞𝑥 for the function 𝑞𝑥 = 232 .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 05f5125a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: 05f5125a

An entomologist recommended a program to reduce a certain invasive beetle population in an area. The given function
estimates this beetle species' population years after , where . Which of the following is the best interpretation
of in this context?

A. The estimated initial beetle population for this species and area in

B. The estimated beetle population for this species and area years after

C. The estimated percent decrease in the beetle population for this species and area each year after

D. The estimated percent decrease in the beetle population for this species and area every years after

ID: 05f5125a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

𝑥
Choice A is correct. For an exponential function in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are positive constants and 𝑏 < 1, the
initial value of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) , or the value of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) when 𝑥 = 0, is 𝑎 and the value of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) decreases by 100 ( 1 - 𝑏 ) % each time 𝑥
𝑥
increases by 1. Therefore, the initial value of the function 𝑓𝑥 = 4,0000.75 , or the value of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) when 𝑥 = 0, is 4,000.
Therefore, the best interpretation of 4,000 in this context is the estimated initial beetle population for this species and area in
2012.

Choice B is incorrect. The estimated beetle population for this species and area 7 years after 2012 is 4,000 ( 0.75 ) 7 , or
approximately 534, not 4,000.

Choice C is incorrect. The estimated percent decrease in the beetle population for this species and area each year after 2012
is 100 ( 1 - 0.75 ) , or 25, not 4,000.

Choice D is incorrect. The estimated percent decrease in the beetle population for this species and area every 7 years after
7
2012 is 100 ( 1 - 0.75 ) , or approximately 87, not 4,000.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d39e9424
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Medium

ID: d39e9424

The function f is defined by . What is the value of ?

ID: d39e9424 Answer

Correct Answer: 11/4, 2.75

Rationale

11 1 2 11 1
The correct answer is 4
. It’s given that the function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 5 4 - 𝑥 + 4
. Substituting
4
for 𝑥 in this equation
1 1 12 11 1 2 11 1 11 1 11
yields 𝑓 4 = 5 4 - 4 + 4
, which is equivalent 𝑓 4 = 50 + 4
, or 𝑓 4 = 4
. Therefore, the value of 𝑓 is .
4 4
Note that 11/4 or 2.75
are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 005e9982
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 005e9982

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: 005e9982 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-
𝑥
intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane can be found by substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 9,0000.66 , which
0
gives 𝑦 = 9,0000.66 . This is equivalent to 𝑦 = 9,0001, or 𝑦 = 9,000. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 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, 𝑓𝑥 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 = 𝑓𝑥 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 fe81a236
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: fe81a236

The function is defined by . The value of is , where is a constant. What is the sum
of all possible values of ?

ID: fe81a236 Answer

Correct Answer: 25

Rationale

The correct answer is 25. The value of 𝑔7 - 𝑤 is the value of 𝑔𝑥 when 𝑥 = 7 - 𝑤, where 𝑤 is a constant. Substituting 7 - 𝑤 for 𝑥
2 2
in the given equation yields 𝑔7 - 𝑤 = 7 - 𝑤7 - 𝑤 - 27 - 𝑤 + 6 , which is equivalent to 𝑔7 - 𝑤 = 7 - 𝑤5 - 𝑤13 - 𝑤 . It’s given that
2 2
the value of 𝑔7 - 𝑤 is 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑔7 - 𝑤 in the equation 𝑔7 - 𝑤 = 7 - 𝑤5 - 𝑤13 - 𝑤 yields 0 = 7 - 𝑤5 - 𝑤13 - 𝑤 . Since
the product of the three factors on the right-hand side of this equation is equal to 0, at least one of these three factors must
be equal to 0. Therefore, the possible values of 𝑤 can be found by setting each factor equal to 0. Setting the first factor equal
to 0 yields 7 - 𝑤 = 0. Adding 𝑤 to both sides of this equation yields 7 = 𝑤. Therefore, 7 is one possible value of 𝑤. Setting the
second factor equal to 0 yields 5 - 𝑤 = 0. Adding 𝑤 to both sides of this equation yields 5 = 𝑤. Therefore, 5 is a second
2
possible value of 𝑤. Setting the third factor equal to 0 yields 13 - 𝑤 = 0. Taking the square root of both sides of this
equation yields 13 - 𝑤 = 0. Adding 𝑤 to both sides of this equation yields 13 = 𝑤. Therefore, 13 is a third possible value of 𝑤.
Adding the three possible values of 𝑤 yields 7 + 5 + 13, or 25. Therefore, the sum of all possible values of 𝑤 is 25.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 54bf74ea
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 54bf74ea

The given function models the population of Lowell years after a census. Which of the following functions best models
the population of Lowell months after the census?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 54bf74ea Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑝 models the population of Lowell 𝑡 years after a census. Since there are 12
𝑚 𝑚
months in a year, 𝑚 months after the census is equivalent to years after the census. Substituting for 𝑡 in the equation
𝑚 12 12
𝑡 𝑚
𝑝𝑡 = 90,0001.06 yields 𝑝 = 90,0001.06 . Therefore, the function 𝑟 that best models the population of Lowell 𝑚 months
12
12 𝑚
after the census is 𝑟𝑚 = 90,0001.06 12 .

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 a51ff0d6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: a51ff0d6

The function is defined by the given equation. For what value of does reach its minimum?

ID: a51ff0d6 Answer

Correct Answer: -7

Rationale

The correct answer is -7. For a quadratic function defined by an equation of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where 𝑎, ℎ, and 𝑘 are
constants and 𝑎 > 0, the function reaches its minimum when 𝑥 = ℎ. In the given function, 𝑎 = 1, ℎ = - 7, and 𝑘 = 4.
Therefore, the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum is -7.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 427f0eea
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 427f0eea

The function gives the product of a number, , and a number that is more than . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 427f0eea Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑓 gives the product of a number, 𝑥, and a number that is 91 more than 𝑥. A
number that is 91 more than 𝑥 can be represented by the expression 𝑥 + 91. Therefore, 𝑓 can be defined by the equation
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑥 ( 𝑥 + 91 ) , or 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑥2 + 91𝑥.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 32dc74a4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 32dc74a4

A right rectangular prism has a height of inches. The length of the prism's base is inches, which is inches more than
the width of the prism's base. Which function gives the volume of the prism, in cubic inches, in terms of the length of the
prism's base?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 32dc74a4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The volume of a right rectangular prism can be represented by a function 𝑉 that gives the volume of the
prism, in cubic inches, in terms of the length of the prism's base. The volume of a right rectangular prism is equal to the area
of its base times its height. It's given that the length of the prism's base is 𝑥 inches, which is 7 inches more than the width of
the prism's base. This means that the width of the prism's base is 𝑥 - 7 inches. It follows that the area of the prism's base, in
square inches, is 𝑥𝑥 - 7 and the volume, in cubic inches, of the prism is 𝑥𝑥 - 79. Thus, the function 𝑉 that gives the volume of
this right rectangular prism, in cubic inches, in terms of the length of the prism's base, 𝑥, is 𝑉𝑥 = 9𝑥𝑥 - 7.

Choice A is incorrect. This function would give the volume of the prism if the height were 9 inches more than the length of its
base and the width of the base were 7 inches more than its length.

Choice B is incorrect. This function would give the volume of the prism if the height were 9 inches more than the length of its
base.

Choice C is incorrect. This function would give the volume of the prism if the width of the base were 7 inches more than its
length, rather than the length of the base being 7 inches more than its width.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1d670e5f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 1d670e5f

What is the minimum value of the given function?

ID: 1d670e5f Answer

Correct Answer: 1728

Rationale

2
The correct answer is 1,728. The given function can be rewritten in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑎 is a positive constant
and the minimum value, 𝑘, of the function occurs when the value of 𝑥 is ℎ. By completing the square, 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 48𝑥 + 2,304
48 2 48 2 2 2
can be written as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 48𝑥 + 2
+ 2,304 -
2
, or 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 24 + 1,728. This equation is in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘,
where 𝑎 = 1, ℎ = 24, and 𝑘 = 1,728. Therefore, the minimum value of the given function is 1,728.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 78eae128
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 78eae128

In the given equation, and are unique positive constants. When the equation is graphed in the xy-plane, how many distinct
x-intercepts does the graph have?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 78eae128 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. An x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is a point on the graph where the value of 𝑦 is 0. Substituting 0
for 𝑦 in the given equation yields 0 = 2𝑥 - 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔𝑥 - 𝑑. By the zero product property, the solutions to this equation are
𝑥 = 𝑑, 𝑥 = -𝑑, 𝑥 = -𝑔, and 𝑥 = 𝑑. However, 𝑥 = 𝑑 and 𝑥 = 𝑑 are identical. It's given that 𝑑 and 𝑔 are unique positive constants.
It follows that the equation 0 = 2𝑥 - 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔𝑥 - 𝑑 has 3 unique solutions: 𝑥 = 𝑑, 𝑥 = -𝑑, and 𝑥 = -𝑔. Thus, the graph of the
given equation has 3 distinct x-intercepts.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9502a1aa
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 9502a1aa

An auditorium has seats for people. Tickets to attend a show at the auditorium currently cost . For each
increase to the ticket price, fewer tickets will be sold. This situation can be modeled by the equation
, where represents the increase in ticket price, in dollars, and represents the revenue, in
dollars, from ticket sales. If this equation is graphed in the xy-plane, at what value of is the maximum of the graph?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9502a1aa Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that the situation can be modeled by the equation 𝑦 = - 100𝑥2 + 1,400𝑥 + 7,200, where 𝑥
represents the increase in ticket price, in dollars, and 𝑦 represents the revenue, in dollars, from ticket sales. Since the
coefficient of the 𝑥2 term is negative, the graph of this equation in the xy-plane opens downward and reaches its maximum
value at its vertex. If a quadratic equation in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, is graphed in the xy-
𝑏
plane, the x-coordinate of the vertex is equal to - 2𝑎 . For the equation 𝑦 = - 100𝑥2 + 1,400𝑥 + 7,200, 𝑎 = - 100, 𝑏 = 1,400, and
1,400
𝑐 = 7,200. It follows that the x-coordinate of the vertex is - , or 7. Therefore, if the given equation is graphed in the xy-
2 ( - 100 )
plane, the maximum of the graph occurs at an x-value of 7.

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 80803aed
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 80803aed

The function is defined by , where is a constant. In the xy-plane, the graph of passes
through the point . What is the value of ?

ID: 80803aed Answer

Correct Answer: 336

Rationale

The correct answer is 336. By the zero product property, if 𝑥 + 14𝑡 - 𝑥 = 0, then 𝑥 + 14 = 0, which gives 𝑥 = - 14, or 𝑡 - 𝑥 = 0,
which gives 𝑥 = 𝑡. Therefore, 𝑔𝑥 = 0 when 𝑥 = - 14 and when 𝑥 = 𝑡. Since the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 passes through the point 24, 0,
it follows that 𝑔24 = 0, so 𝑡 = 24. Substituting 24 for 𝑡 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 + 14𝑡 - 𝑥 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 + 1424 - 𝑥. The value of
𝑔0 can be calculated by substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this equation, which yields 𝑔0 = 0 + 1424 - 0, or 𝑔0 = 336.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 455fd7e9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 455fd7e9

x
‒10 ‒8 ‒6 ‒4 ‒2 O 2 4 6 8 10
‒2

‒4

‒6

‒8

‒10

The graph of is shown, where , and , , and are constants. For how many values of does
?

A. Three

B. Two

C. One

D. Zero

ID: 455fd7e9 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Each point 𝑥, 𝑦 on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) in the xy-plane gives a value of 𝑥 and its corresponding value of
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) , or 𝑦. For any value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 0, there is a corresponding point on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) with a y-
𝑥
coordinate of 0. A point with a y-coordinate of 0 is a point where the graph intersects the x-axis. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑐,
where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants. In the xy-plane, the graph of an equation of this form will lie entirely either above or below the
horizontal line defined by 𝑦 = 𝑐. The part of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) shown lies entirely below the horizontal line defined by
𝑦 = - 7, and thus the entire graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) must lie below the line defined by 𝑦 = - 7. It follows that the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) will never intersect the x-axis. Therefore, there are zero values of x for which 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 0.
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e24f00be
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: e24f00be

The product of two positive integers is . If the first integer is greater than twice the second integer, what is the smaller
of the two integers?

ID: e24f00be Answer

Correct Answer: 14

Rationale

The correct answer is 14. Let 𝑥 represent the first integer and 𝑦 represent the second integer. If the first integer is 5 greater
than twice the second integer, then 𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 5. It's given that the product of the two integers is 462; therefore 𝑥𝑦 = 462.
Substituting 2𝑦 + 5 for 𝑥 in this equation yields ( 2𝑦 + 5 ) ( 𝑦 ) = 462, which can be written as 2𝑦2 + 5𝑦 = 462. Subtracting
462 from each side of this equation yields 2𝑦2 + 5𝑦 - 462 = 0. The left-hand side of this equation can be factored by finding
two values whose product is 2 ( - 462 ) , or -924, and whose sum is 5. The two values whose product is -924 and whose sum
is 5 are 33 and -28. Thus, the equation 2𝑦2 + 5𝑦 - 462 = 0 can be rewritten as 2𝑦2 - 28𝑦 + 33𝑦 - 462 = 0, which is equivalent
to 2𝑦 ( 𝑦 - 14 ) + 33 ( 𝑦 - 14 ) = 0, or ( 2𝑦 + 33 ) ( 𝑦 - 14 ) = 0. By the zero product property, it follows that 2𝑦 + 33 = 0 or
𝑦 - 14 = 0. Subtracting 33 from both sides of the equation 2𝑦 + 33 = 0 yields 2𝑦 = - 33. Dividing both sides of this equation
33 33
by 2 yields 𝑦 = - . Since 𝑦 is a positive integer, the value of 𝑦 isn't - . Adding 14 to both sides of the equation 𝑦 - 14 = 0
2 2
yields 𝑦 = 14. Substituting 14 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥𝑦 = 462 yields 𝑥 ( 14 ) = 462. Dividing both sides of this equation by 14
yields 𝑥 = 33. Therefore, the two integers are 14 and 33, so the smaller of the two integers is 14.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a2d5ec41
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: a2d5ec41

Two variables, and , are related such that for each increase of in the value of , the value of increases by a factor of .
When , . Which equation represents this relationship?

A. msup

B. msup

C. msup

D. msup

ID: a2d5ec41 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Since the value of 𝑦 increases by a constant factor, 4, for each increase of 1 in the value of 𝑥, the
relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 is exponential. An exponential relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 can be represented by an equation
of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏𝑥 , where 𝑎 is the value of 𝑥 when 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑦 increases by a factor of 𝑏 for each increase of 1 in the value
of 𝑥. Since 𝑦 = 200 when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑎 = 200. Since 𝑦 increases by a factor of 4 for each increase of 1 in the value of 𝑥, 𝑏 = 4.
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
Substituting 200 for 𝑎 and 4 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 2004 . Thus, the equation 𝑦 = 2004 represents the
relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a relationship where for each increase of 1 in the value of 𝑥, the value of 𝑦
increases by a factor of 200, not 4, and when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 is equal to 4, not 200.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5ec80061
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 5ec80061

The given function models the number of coupons a company sent to their customers at the end of each year, where
represents the number of years since the end of , and . If is graphed in the ty-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 coupons the company sent to their customers during the years was .

B. The minimum estimated number of coupons the company sent to their customers during the years was .

C. The estimated number of coupons the company sent to their customers at the end of was .

D. The estimated number of coupons the company sent to their customers at the end of was .

ID: 5ec80061 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The y-intercept of a graph in the ty-plane is the point where 𝑡 = 0. For the given function 𝑓, the y-intercept
𝑡
of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑡 in the ty-plane can be found by substituting 0 for 𝑡 in the equation 𝑦 = 8,0000 . 65 , which gives
0
𝑦 = 8,0000 . 65 . This is equivalent to 𝑦 = 8,0001, or 𝑦 = 8,000. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑡 is 0, 8,000. It’s
given that the function 𝑓 models the number of coupons a company sent to their customers at the end of each year.
Therefore, 𝑓𝑡 represents the estimated number of coupons the company sent to their customers at the end of each year. It's
also given that 𝑡 represents the number of years since the end of 1998. Therefore, 𝑡 = 0 represents 0 years since the end of
1998, or the end of 1998. Thus, the best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑡 is that the estimated number
of coupons the company sent to their customers at the end of 1998 was 8,000.

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 a6c47b9c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: a6c47b9c

The function is defined by . What is the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a6c47b9c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane occurs at the point on the graph where 𝑥 = 0. In
other words, when 𝑥 = 0, the corresponding value of 𝑓𝑥 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the given
0
equation yields 𝑓0 = -82 + 22, which is equivalent to 𝑓0 = -81 + 22, or 𝑓0 = 14. Thus, when 𝑥 = 0, the corresponding value
of 𝑓𝑥 is 14. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, 14.

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

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

𝑥 𝑥
Choice D is incorrect. This could be the y-intercept for 𝑓𝑥 = -82 , not 𝑓𝑥 = -82 + 22.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1145bfcc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 1145bfcc

The given equation relates the variables and . For what value of does the value of reach its minimum?

ID: 1145bfcc Answer

Correct Answer: 7

Rationale

The correct answer is 7. When an equation is of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, the value of 𝑦
𝑏
reaches its minimum when 𝑥 = - . Since the given equation is of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, it follows that 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = - 14,
2𝑎
-14
and 𝑐 = 22. Therefore, the value of 𝑦 reaches its minimum when 𝑥 = - 21
, or 𝑥 = 7.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c7f7ccdd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: c7f7ccdd

The rational function is defined by an equation in the form , where and are constants. The partial graph of
is shown. If , which equation could define function ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c7f7ccdd Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

𝑎
Choice C is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = and that the graph shown is a partial graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. Substituting 𝑦 for 𝑓𝑥 in the
𝑥+𝑏
𝑎 𝑎
equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑏 . The graph passes through the point -7, - 2. Substituting -7 for 𝑥 and -2 for 𝑦 in the
𝑎 𝑎
equation 𝑦 = yields -2 = . Multiplying each side of this equation by -7 + 𝑏 yields -2-7 + 𝑏 = 𝑎, or 14 - 2𝑏 = 𝑎. The
𝑥+𝑏 -7 + 𝑏
𝑎 𝑎
graph also passes through the point -5, - 6. Substituting -5 for 𝑥 and -6 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑏 yields -6 = -5 + 𝑏 .
Multiplying each side of this equation by -5 + 𝑏 yields -6-5 + 𝑏 = 𝑎, or 30 - 6𝑏 = 𝑎. Substituting 14 - 2𝑏 for 𝑎 in this equation
yields 30 - 6𝑏 = 14 - 2𝑏. Adding 6𝑏 to each side of this equation yields 30 = 14 + 4𝑏. Subtracting 14 from each side of this
equation yields 16 = 4𝑏. Dividing each side of this equation by 4 yields 4 = 𝑏. Substituting 4 for 𝑏 in the equation 14 - 2𝑏 = 𝑎
𝑎 6
yields 14 - 24 = 𝑎, or 6 = 𝑎. Substituting 6 for 𝑎 and 4 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 + 4 . It's given that
6 6 6
𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 4. Substituting 𝑥 + 4 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = yields 𝑓𝑥 + 4 = , which is equivalent to 𝑓𝑥 + 4 = . It
𝑥+4 𝑥+4+4 𝑥+8
6
follows that 𝑔𝑥 = .
𝑥+8

Choice A is incorrect. This could define function 𝑔 if 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 - 4.

Choice B is incorrect. This could define function 𝑔 if 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥.

Choice D is incorrect. This could define function 𝑔 if 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 · 𝑥 + 4.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2833ad7d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 2833ad7d

A model estimates that at the end of each year from to , the number of squirrels in a population was more
than the number of squirrels in the population at the end of the previous year. The model estimates that at the end of ,
there were squirrels in the population. Which of the following equations represents this model, where is the estimated
number of squirrels in the population years after the end of and ?

A. msup

B. msup

C. msup

D. msup

ID: 2833ad7d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since the model estimates that the number of squirrels in the population increased by a fixed
𝑝 𝑡
percentage, 150%, each year, the model can be represented by an exponential equation of the form 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 100 , where 𝑎 is
the estimated number of squirrels in the population at the end of 2015, and the model estimates that at the end of each year,
the number is 𝑝% more than the number at the end of the previous year. Since the model estimates that at the end of each
year, the number was 150% more than the number at the end of the previous year, 𝑝 = 150. Substituting 150 for 𝑝 in the
𝑝 𝑡 150 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
equation 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 100 yields 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 100 , which is equivalent to 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 1.5 , or 𝑛 = 𝑎2.5 . It’s given that the estimated
number of squirrels at the end of 2016 was 180. This means that when 𝑡 = 1, 𝑛 = 180. Substituting 1 for 𝑡 and 180 for 𝑛 in
𝑡 1
the equation 𝑛 = 𝑎2.5 yields 180 = 𝑎2.5 , or 180 = 2.5𝑎. Dividing each side of this equation by 2.5 yields 72 = 𝑎. Substituting
𝑡 𝑡
72 for 𝑎 in the equation 𝑛 = 𝑎2.5 yields 𝑛 = 722.5 .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a model where at the end of each year, the estimated number of squirrels
was 150% of, not 150% more than, the estimated number at the end of the previous year.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a model where at the end of each year, the estimated number of squirrels
was 150% of, not 150% more than, the estimated number at the end of the previous year, and the estimated number of
squirrels at the end of 2015, not the end of 2016, was 180.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a model where the estimated number of squirrels at the end of 2015, not the
end of 2016, was 180.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 317d165b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 317d165b

The function is defined by the given equation. If , which of the following equations defines the function
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 317d165b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

𝑥 𝑥 𝑥+2
Choice B is correct. It’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = 94 and 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 2. Substituting 𝑥 + 2 for 𝑥 in 𝑓𝑥 = 94 gives 𝑓𝑥 + 2 = 94 .
𝑥 2 𝑥
Rewriting this equation using properties of exponents gives 𝑓𝑥 + 2 = 94 4 , which is equivalent to 𝑓𝑥 + 2 = 94 16.
Multiplying 9 and 16 in this equation gives 𝑓𝑥 + 2 = 1444𝑥 . Since 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 2, 𝑔𝑥 = 1444𝑥 .

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 2a093c45
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 2a093c45

The function is defined by the given equation. For what value of does reach its minimum?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2a093c45 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 10𝑥 + 13, which can be rewritten as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 3𝑥 - 130. Since the coefficient of
the 𝑥2 -term is positive, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane opens upward and reaches its minimum value at its vertex. The x-
coordinate of the vertex is the value of 𝑥 such that 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum. For an equation in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐,
𝑏
where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, the x-coordinate of the vertex is - . For the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 3𝑥 - 130, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 3, and
2𝑎
3 3
𝑐 = - 130. It follows that the x-coordinate of the vertex is - 21 , or - 2 . Therefore, 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum when the value of 𝑥 is
3
- .
2

Alternate approach: The value of 𝑥 for the vertex of a parabola is the x-value of the midpoint between the two x-intercepts of
the parabola. Since it’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 10𝑥 + 13, it follows that the two x-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane
occur when 𝑥 = 10 and 𝑥 = - 13, or at the points 10, 0 and -13, 0. The midpoint between two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , is
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 10 + -13 0 + 0 3
, . Therefore, the midpoint between 10, 0 and -13, 0 is , , or - , 0. It follows that 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum
2 2 2 2 2
3
when the value of 𝑥 is - 2 .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane.

Choice B is incorrect. This is one of the x-coordinates of the x-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a4a86ebb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: a4a86ebb

In the xy-plane, a parabola has vertex and intersects the x-axis at two points. If the equation of the parabola is
written in the form , where , , and are constants, which of the following could be the value of
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a4a86ebb Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

2
Choice D is correct. The equation of a parabola in the xy-plane can be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑎 is a
constant and ℎ, 𝑘 is the vertex of the parabola. If 𝑎 is positive, the parabola will open upward, and if 𝑎 is negative, the
parabola will open downward. It’s given that the parabola has vertex 9, - 14. Substituting 9 for ℎ and -14 for 𝑘 in the equation
2 2
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘 gives 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - 9 - 14, which can be rewritten as 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - 9𝑥 - 9 - 14, or 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 - 18𝑥 + 81 - 14. Distributing the
factor of 𝑎 on the right-hand side of this equation yields 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 - 18𝑎𝑥 + 81𝑎 - 14. Therefore, the equation of the parabola,
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 - 18𝑎𝑥 + 81𝑎 - 14, can be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎 = 𝑎, 𝑏 = - 18𝑎, and 𝑐 = 81𝑎 - 14. Substituting
-18𝑎 for 𝑏 and 81𝑎 - 14 for 𝑐 in the expression 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 yields 𝑎 + -18𝑎 + 81𝑎 - 14, or 64𝑎 - 14. Since the vertex of the
parabola, 9, - 14, is below the x-axis, and it’s given that the parabola intersects the x-axis at two points, the parabola must
open upward. Therefore, the constant 𝑎 must have a positive value. Setting the expression 64𝑎 - 14 equal to the value in
choice D yields 64𝑎 - 14 = - 12. Adding 14 to both sides of this equation yields 64𝑎 = 2. Dividing both sides of this equation
2
by 64 yields 𝑎 = 64
, which is a positive value. Therefore, if the equation of the parabola is written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 could be - 12.

Choice A is incorrect. If the equation of a parabola with a vertex at 9, - 14 is written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏,
and 𝑐 are constants and 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = - 23, then the value of 𝑎 will be negative, which means the parabola will open downward,
not upward, and will intersect the x-axis at zero points, not two points.

Choice B is incorrect. If the equation of a parabola with a vertex at 9, - 14 is written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏,
and 𝑐 are constants and 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = - 19, then the value of 𝑎 will be negative, which means the parabola will open downward,
not upward, and will intersect the x-axis at zero points, not two points.

Choice C is incorrect. If the equation of a parabola with a vertex at 9, - 14 is written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏,
and 𝑐 are constants and 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = - 14, then the value of 𝑎 will be 0, which is inconsistent with the equation of a parabola.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b91b2899
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: b91b2899

The function is defined by the given equation. The equation can be rewritten as , where is a
constant. Which of the following is closest to the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b91b2899 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

𝑥 1 1𝑥
Choice A is correct. The equation 𝑓𝑥 = 1.84 4 can be rewritten as 𝑓𝑥 = 1.84 4 𝑥 , which is equivalent to 𝑓𝑥 = 1.84 4 , or
𝑥
𝑝 𝑥
approximately 𝑓𝑥 = 1.16467𝑥 . Since it's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 1.84 4 can be rewritten as 𝑓𝑥 = 1 + , where 𝑝 is a constant, it
100
𝑝 𝑝
follows that 1 + is approximately equal to 1.16467. Therefore, is approximately equal to 0.16467. It follows that the
100 100
value of 𝑝 is approximately equal to 16.467. Of the given choices, 16 is closest to the value of 𝑝.

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 f5f840a0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: f5f840a0

For the function , , and for each increase in by , the value of decreases by . What is the value of
?

ID: f5f840a0 Answer

Correct Answer: 3.44, 86/25

Rationale

The correct answer is 3.44. It’s given that 𝑓0 = 86 and that for each increase in 𝑥 by 1, the value of 𝑓𝑥 decreases by 80%.
Because the output of the function decreases by a constant percentage for each 1-unit increase in the value of 𝑥, this
relationship can be represented by an exponential function of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏𝑥 , where 𝑎 represents the initial value of the
function and 𝑏 represents the rate of decay,
expressed as a decimal. Because 𝑓0 = 86, the value of 𝑎 must be 86. Because the value of 𝑓𝑥 decreases by 80% for each 1-
unit increase in 𝑥, the value of 𝑏 must be ( 1 − 0 . 80 ) , or 0 . 2. Therefore, the function 𝑓 can be defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 860 . 2𝑥 .
2
Substituting 2 for 𝑥 in this function yields 𝑓2 = 860 . 2 , which is equivalent to 𝑓2 = 860 . 04, or 𝑓2 = 3 . 44. Either 3.44 or
86 / 25 may be entered as the correct answer.

Alternate approach: It’s given that 𝑓0 = 86 and that for each increase in 𝑥 by 1, the value of 𝑓𝑥 decreases by 80%. Therefore,
when 𝑥 = 1, the value of 𝑓𝑥 is ( 100 − 80 ) %, or 20%, of 86, which can be expressed as 0 . 2086. Since 0 . 2086 = 17 . 2, the
value of 𝑓1 is 17.2. Similarly, when 𝑥 = 2, the value of 𝑓𝑥 is 20% of 17.2, which can be expressed as 0 . 2017 . 2. Since
0 . 2017 . 2 = 3 . 44, the value of 𝑓2 is 3.44. Either 3.44 or 86 / 25 may be entered as the correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 03d0309b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 03d0309b

In the xy-plane, when the graph of the function , where , is shifted up units, the resulting graph is defined by the
function . If the graph of crosses through the point , where is a constant, what is the value of ?

ID: 03d0309b Answer

Correct Answer: 48

Rationale

The correct answer is 48. It's given that in the xy-plane, when the graph of the function 𝑓, where 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, is shifted up 6 units,
the resulting graph is defined by the function 𝑔. Therefore, function 𝑔 can be defined by the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 6. It's given
that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2. Substituting 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 6 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2 + 6. For the
point 4, 𝑏, the value of 𝑥 is 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2 + 6 yields 𝑔4 = 4 - 14 + 34 - 2 + 6, or
𝑔4 = 48. It follows that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 crosses through the point 4, 48. Therefore, the value of 𝑏 is 48.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1caa83ee
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 1caa83ee

For the function , the value of decreases by for every increase in the value of by . If , which
equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1caa83ee Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Since the value of 𝑞𝑥 decreases by a fixed percentage, 45%, for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1, the
𝑝 𝑥
function 𝑞 is a decreasing exponential function. A decreasing exponential function can be written in the form 𝑞𝑥 = 𝑎1 - ,
100
where 𝑎 is the value of 𝑞0 and the value of 𝑞𝑥 decreases by 𝑝% for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1. If 𝑞0 = 14, then
𝑎 = 14. Since the value of 𝑞𝑥 decreases by 45% for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1, 𝑝 = 45. Substituting 14 for 𝑎 and 45
𝑝 𝑥 45 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
for 𝑝 in the equation 𝑞𝑥 = 𝑎1 - 100 yields 𝑞𝑥 = 141 - 100 , which is equivalent to 𝑞𝑥 = 141 - 0.45 , or 𝑞𝑥 = 140.55 .

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 D is incorrect. For this function, the value of 𝑞𝑥 increases, rather than decreases, by 45% for every increase in the
value of 𝑥 by 1.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3ae42a32
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 3ae42a32

The functions and are defined by the given equations, where . Which of the following equations displays, as a
constant or coefficient, the minimum value of the function it defines, where ?
I.
II.

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II

D. Neither I nor II

ID: 3ae42a32 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. A function defined by an equation in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏𝑥 + ℎ , where 𝑎, 𝑏, and ℎ are positive constants and
𝑥+2
𝑥 ≥ 0, has a minimum value of 𝑓 ( 0 ) . It's given that function 𝑔 is defined by 𝑔𝑥 = 181.161.4 , which is equivalent to
𝑔𝑥 = 20.881.4𝑥 + 2 . Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑔0 = 20.88 ( 1.4 ) 0 + 2 , or 𝑔 ( 0 ) = 40.9248. Therefore, the
minimum value of 𝑔 ( 𝑥 ) is 40.9248, so 𝑔𝑥 = 181.161.4𝑥 + 2 doesn't display its minimum value as a constant or coefficient.
𝑥+4 0+4
It's also given that function ℎ is defined by ℎ𝑥 = 181.4 . Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this equation yields ℎ0 = 181.4 , or
𝑥+4
ℎ ( 0 ) = 69.1488. Therefore, the minimum value of ℎ ( 𝑥 ) is 69.1488, so ℎ𝑥 = 181.4 doesn't display its minimum value as
a constant or coefficient. Therefore, neither I nor II displays, as a constant or coefficient, the minimum value of the function it
defines, where 𝑥 ≥ 0.

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 ae4d719d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: ae4d719d

The function is defined by , where and are constants and . In the xy-plane, the graph of
has a y-intercept at and passes through the point . What is the value of ?

ID: ae4d719d Answer

Correct Answer: -19

Rationale

The correct answer is -19. It's given that function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants and 𝑎 > 0. It's also
given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane has a y-intercept at 0, - 25 and passes through the point 2, 23. Since the graph
has a y-intercept at 0, - 25, 𝑓0 = - 25. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 𝑓0 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or 𝑓0 = 1 + 𝑏, and
substituting -25 for 𝑓0 in this equation yields -25 = 1 + 𝑏. Subtracting 1 from each side of this equation yields -26 = 𝑏.
Substituting -26 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 26. Since the graph also passes through the point 2, 23,
𝑓2 = 23. Substituting 2 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 26 yields 𝑓2 = 𝑎2 - 26, and substituting 23 for 𝑓2 yields 23 = 𝑎2 - 26.
Adding 26 to each side of this equation yields 49 = 𝑎2 . Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields ±7 = 𝑎.
Since it's given that 𝑎 > 0, the value of 𝑎 is 7. It follows that the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏 is 7 - 26, or -19.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6a8a7fbd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 6a8a7fbd

The function is defined by , where and are constants. In the xy-plane, the graph of passes
through the point , and . Which of the following must be true?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6a8a7fbd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that 𝑓24 < 0. Substituting 24 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎√𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓24 = 𝑎√24 + 𝑏 .
Therefore, 𝑎√24 + 𝑏 < 0. Since √24 + 𝑏 can't be negative, it follows that 𝑎 < 0. It's also given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 passes
through the point -24, 0. It follows that when 𝑥 = - 24, 𝑓𝑥 = 0. Substituting -24 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎√𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 0 = 𝑎√-24 + 𝑏 . By the zero product property, either 𝑎 = 0 or √-24 + 𝑏 = 0. Since 𝑎 < 0, it follows that
√24 + 𝑏 = 0. Squaring both sides of this equation yields -24 + 𝑏 = 0. Adding 24 to both sides of this equation yields 𝑏 = 24.
Since 𝑎 < 0 and 𝑏 is 24, it follows that 𝑎 < 𝑏 must be true.

Choice A is incorrect. The value of 𝑓0 is 𝑎√𝑏 , which must be negative.

Choice B is incorrect. The value of 𝑓0 is 𝑎√𝑏 , which could be -24, but doesn't have to be.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 81aa6aa9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 81aa6aa9

When the quadratic function is graphed in the xy-plane, where , its vertex is . One of the x-intercepts of
this graph is . What is the other x-intercept of the graph?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 81aa6aa9 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since the line of symmetry for the graph of a quadratic function contains the vertex of the graph, the x-
coordinate of the vertex of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 is the x-coordinate of the midpoint of its two x-intercepts. The midpoint of
𝑥1 + 𝑥2
two points with x-coordinates 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 has x-coordinate 𝑥𝑚 , where 𝑥𝑚 = 2
. It′s given that the vertex is -3, 6 and one of
17
17 17 𝑥1 + 𝑥2 - + 𝑥2
the x-intercepts is - 4 , 0. Substituting -3 for 𝑥𝑚 and -4 for 𝑥1 in the equation 𝑥𝑚 = yields -3 = 4 . Multiplying each
2 2
17 17 7
side of this equation by 2 yields -6 = - 4
+ 𝑥2 . Adding 4
to each side of this equation yields -4 = 𝑥2 . Therefore, the other x-
7
intercept is - 4 , 0.

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 b017359f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: b017359f

A submersible device is used for ocean research. The function gives the depth below the
surface of the ocean, in meters, of the submersible device minutes after collecting a sample, where . How many
minutes after collecting the sample did it take for the submersible device to reach the surface of the ocean?

ID: b017359f Answer

Correct Answer: 35

Rationale

1
The correct answer is 35. It's given that the function 𝑔𝑥 = - 55 𝑥 + 19𝑥 - 35 gives the depth below the surface of the ocean, in
meters, of the submersible device 𝑥 minutes after collecting a sample, where 𝑥 > 0. It follows that when the submersible
1
device is at the surface of the ocean, the value of 𝑔𝑥 is 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑔𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = - 55 𝑥 + 19𝑥 - 35 yields
1
0 = - 55 𝑥 + 19𝑥 - 35. Multiplying both sides of this equation by -55 yields 0 = 𝑥 + 19𝑥 - 35. Since a product of two factors is
equal to 0 if and only if at least one of the factors is 0, either 𝑥 + 19 = 0 or 𝑥 - 35 = 0. Subtracting 19 from both sides of the
equation 𝑥 + 19 = 0 yields 𝑥 = -19. Adding 35 to both sides of the equation 𝑥 - 35 = 0 yields 𝑥 = 35. Since 𝑥 > 0, 35 minutes
after collecting the sample the submersible device reached the surface of the ocean.

Question Difficulty: Hard