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 𝐶𝑑, 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, $ 26𝑑 - 1. It follows that 𝐶𝑑 = 52 + 26𝑑 - 1, which is equivalent to
𝐶𝑑 = 52 + 26𝑑 - 26, or 𝐶𝑑 = 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 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 system.
The only point that lies on each graph of the system of two linear equations shown is their intersection point 8, 2. It
follows that if a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown and the 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 + 42 = - 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 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 between
𝑦 𝑦 -
any two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 on the line can be calculated using the slope formula 𝑚 = 22 - 11 . Based on the table, the
𝑥 𝑥

graph contains the points -18, - 48 and 7, 52. Substituting -18, - 48 and 7, 52 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the slope
formula yields 𝑚 = 52 - -48 , which is equivalent to 𝑚 = 100 , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚, -18 for 𝑥, and -48 for 𝑦 in the
7 - -18 25
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 also given that the graph of the linear equation

representing this relationship in the xy-plane passes through the point 17 , 𝑎. Substituting 17 for 𝑥 and 𝑎 for 𝑦 in the equation
𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 24 yields 𝑎 = 4 + 24, which is equivalent to 𝑎 =
1 4 + 168 , or 𝑎 = 172 .
7 7 7 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 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 4dd4efcf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 4dd4efcf

In the given quadratic function, and are constants. The graph of in the xy-plane is a parabola that opens
upward and has a vertex at the point , where and are constants. If and , which of the
following must be true?

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II

D. Neither I nor II

ID: 4dd4efcf Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is a parabola with vertex ℎ, 𝑘. If 𝑓-9 = 𝑓3, then for the
graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, the point with an x-coordinate of -9 and the point with an x-coordinate of 3 have the same y-coordinate. In
the xy-plane, a parabola is a symmetric graph such that when two points have the same y-coordinate, these points are
equidistant from the vertex, and the x-coordinate of the vertex is halfway between the x-coordinates of these two points.
Therefore, for the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, the points with x-coordinates -9 and 3 are equidistant from the vertex, ℎ, 𝑘, and ℎ is
halfway between -9 and 3. The value that is halfway between -9 and 3 is -9 2+ 3 , or -3. Therefore, ℎ = - 3. The equation
2
defining 𝑓 can also be written in vertex form, 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘. Substituting -3 for ℎ in this equation yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - -32 + 𝑘,
or 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 32 + 𝑘. This equation is equivalent to 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 9 + 𝑘, or 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 6𝑎𝑥 + 9𝑎 + 𝑘. Since 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 4𝑥 + 𝑐,
it follows that 6𝑎 = 4 and 9𝑎 + 𝑘 = 𝑐. Dividing both sides of the equation 6𝑎 = 4 by 6 yields 𝑎 = 46 , or 𝑎 = 23 . Since 23 < 1, it's not
true that 𝑎 ≥ 1. Therefore, statement II isn't true. Substituting 23 for 𝑎 in the equation 9𝑎 + 𝑘 = 𝑐 yields 9 23 + 𝑘 = 𝑐, or 6 + 𝑘 = 𝑐.
Subtracting 6 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑘 = 𝑐 - 6. If 𝑘 < 0, then 𝑐 - 6 < 0, or 𝑐 < 6. Since 𝑐 could be any value
less than 6, it's not necessarily true that 𝑐 < 0. Therefore, statement I isn't necessarily true. Thus, neither I nor II must be
true.

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 6ce95fc8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 6ce95fc8

Which of the following is a solution to

the equation above?

A. 2

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6ce95fc8 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale

Choice D is correct. A quadratic equation in the form , where a, b, and c are constants, can be solved

using the quadratic formula: . Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields

. Applying the quadratic formula, where , , and , yields

. This can be rewritten as . Since , or , the

equation can be rewritten as . Dividing 2 from both the numerator and denominator yields or

. Of these two solutions, only is present among the choices. Thus, the correct choice is D.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from a computational or conceptual error. Choice B is incorrect and may result from

using instead of as the quadratic formula. Choice C is incorrect and

may result from rewriting as instead of .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 137cc6fd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 137cc6fd

For what value of is the given expression equivalent to , where ?

ID: 137cc6fd Answer

Correct Answer: .0177, .0178, 4/225

Rationale
1
The correct answer is 4 .
An expression of the form √𝑎, where 𝑘 is an integer greater than 1 and 𝑎 ≥ 0, is equivalent to 𝑎 .
225
𝑘 𝑘

1 1 2
Therefore, the given expression, where 𝑛 > 1, is equivalent to 70𝑛 5 70𝑛 6 . Applying properties of exponents, this
1 1 ·2 1 1 1 + 1 8
expression can be rewritten as 70𝑛 5 70𝑛 6 , or 70𝑛 5 70𝑛 3 , which can be rewritten as 70𝑛 5 3 , or 70𝑛 15 . It's given that the
2 8
expression 5√70𝑛 6√70𝑛 is equivalent to 70𝑛30 , where 𝑛 > 1. It follows that 70𝑛 15 is equivalent to 70𝑛30 . Therefore, 15
𝑥 𝑥 8 = 30𝑥

. Dividing both sides of this equation by 30 yields 450

8 = 𝑥, or 4 = 𝑥. Thus, the value of 𝑥 for which the given expression is
225
30
equivalent to 70𝑛 , where 𝑛 > 1, is 225
𝑥 4 . Note that 4/225, .0177, .0178, 0.017, and 0.018 are examples of ways to enter a

correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fada6b03
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: fada6b03

One solution to the given equation can be written as , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

ID: fada6b03 Answer

Correct Answer: 120

Rationale
The correct answer is 120. The solutions to a quadratic equation of the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 can be calculated using the
2
quadratic formula and are given by 𝑥 = - ± √2 - 4 . The given equation is in the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = -8,
𝑏 𝑏
𝑎
𝑎𝑐

2
and 𝑐 = -7. It follows that the solutions to the given equation are 𝑥 = 8 ± √-822 - 42-7 , which is equivalent to 𝑥 = 8 ± √64
4
+ 56
, or
8 ± √120 2 8 - √120
𝑥 =
4
. It's given that one solution to the equation 2𝑥 - 8𝑥 - 7 = 0 can be written as 4 . The solution 4 is in this
8-√𝑘

form. Therefore, the value of 𝑘 is 120.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 263f9937
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 263f9937
Growth of a Culture of Bacteria
Number of bacteria per
Day
milliliter at end of day

A culture of bacteria is growing at an exponential rate, as shown in the table

above. At this rate, on which day would the number of bacteria per milliliter reach
?

A. Day 5

B. Day 9

C. Day 11

D. Day 12

ID: 263f9937 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The number of bacteria per milliliter is doubling each day. For example, from day 1 to day 2, the
number of bacteria increased from 2.5 × 105 to 5.0 × 105. At the end of day 3 there are 106 bacteria per milliliter. At the
end of day 4, there will be 106 × 2 bacteria per milliliter. At the end of day 5, there will be (106 × 2) × 2, or 106 × (22)
bacteria per milliliter, and so on. At the end of day d, the number of bacteria will be 106 × (2d – 3). If the number of
bacteria per milliliter will reach 5.12 × 108 at the end of day d, then the equation must hold.

Since 5.12 × 108 can be rewritten as 512 × 106, the equation is equivalent to . Rewriting 512 as 29 gives d –
3 = 9, so d = 12. The number of bacteria per milliliter would reach 5.12 × 108 at the end of day 12.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Given the growth rate of the bacteria, the number of bacteria will not reach 5.12 × 108
per milliliter by the end of any of these days.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 34847f8a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 34847f8a

The equation above is true for all , where r and t are positive
constants. What is the value of rt ?

A.

B. 15

C. 20

D. 60

ID: 34847f8a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. To express the sum of the two rational expressions on the left-hand side of the equation as the single
rational expression on the right-hand side of the equation, the expressions on the left-hand side must have the same

denominator. Multiplying the first expression by results in , and multiplying the second expression

by results in , so the given equation can be rewritten as

, or . Since the
two rational expressions on the left-hand side of the equation have the same denominator as the rational expression on
the right-hand side of the equation, it follows that . Combining like terms on the left-hand
side yields , so it follows that and . Therefore, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from an error when determining the sign of either r or t. Choice B is incorrect and
may result from not distributing the 2 and 3 to their respective terms in

. Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9654add7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 9654add7

The revenue , in dollars, that a company receives from sales of a product is

given by the function f above, where x is the unit price, in dollars, of the product.
The graph of in the xy-plane intersects the x-axis at 0 and a. What does
a represent?

A. The revenue, in dollars, when the unit price of the product is $0

B. The unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in maximum revenue

C. The unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in a revenue of $0

D. The maximum revenue, in dollars, that the company can make

ID: 9654add7 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. By definition, the y-value when a function intersects the x-axis is 0. It’s given that the graph of the
function intersects the x-axis at 0 and a, that x is the unit price, in dollars, of a product, and that , where , is
the revenue, in dollars, that a company receives from the sales of the product. Since the value of a occurs when ,a
is the unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in a revenue of $0.

Choice A is incorrect. The revenue, in dollars, when the unit price of the product is $0 is represented by , when .
Choice B is incorrect. The unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in maximum revenue is represented by the x-
coordinate of the maximum of f. Choice D is incorrect. The maximum revenue, in dollars, that the company can make is
represented by the y-coordinate of the maximum of f.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f2f3fa00
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: f2f3fa00

During a 5-second time interval, the average acceleration a, in meters per second
squared, of an object with an initial velocity of 12 meters per second is defined

by the equation , where vf is the final velocity of the object in

meters per second. If the equation is rewritten in the form vf = xa + y, where x
and y are constants, what is the value of x ?

ID: f2f3fa00 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 5. The given equation can be rewritten in the form , like so:

It follows that the value of x is 5 and the value of y is 12.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4a0d0399
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 4a0d0399

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

ID: 4a0d0399 Answer

Correct Answer: -324

Rationale
The correct answer is -324. It's given that the function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants. It's also
𝑥

given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 has a y-intercept at 0, - 323. It follows that 𝑓0 = - 323. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and -323 for 𝑓𝑥 in
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 yields -323 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or -323 = 1 + 𝑏. Subtracting 1 from each side of this equation yields -324 = 𝑏. Therefore, the
𝑥

value of 𝑏 is -324.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7902bed0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 7902bed0

A machine launches a softball from ground level. The softball reaches a maximum height of meters above the
ground at seconds and hits the ground at seconds. Which equation represents the height above ground , in
meters, of the softball seconds after it is launched?

A.

B.

C. msup

D. msup

ID: 7902bed0 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. An equation representing the height above ground ℎ, in meters, of a softball 𝑡 seconds after it is
2
launched by a machine from ground level can be written in the form ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 𝑏 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are positive
constants. In this equation, 𝑏 represents the time, in seconds, at which the softball reaches its maximum height of 𝑐
meters above the ground. It's given that this softball reaches a maximum height of 51.84 meters above the ground at 1.8
2
seconds; therefore, 𝑏 = 1.8 and 𝑐 = 51.84. Substituting 1.8 for 𝑏 and 51.84 for 𝑐 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 𝑏 + 𝑐 yields
ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84. It's also given that this softball hits the ground at 3.6 seconds; therefore, ℎ = 0 when 𝑡 = 3.6.
2
Substituting 0 for ℎ and 3.6 for 𝑡 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84 yields 0 = - 𝑎3.6 - 1.8 + 51.84, which is equivalent to
0 = - 𝑎1.82 + 51.84, or 0 = - 3.24𝑎 + 51.84. Adding 3.24𝑎 to both sides of this equation yields 3.24𝑎 = 51.84. Dividing both
sides of this equation by 3.24 yields 𝑎 = 16. Substituting 16 for 𝑎 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84 yields
ℎ = - 16𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84. Therefore, ℎ = - 16𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84 represents the height above ground ℎ, in meters, of this softball 𝑡
seconds after it is launched.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the maximum height is 3.6 meters above the ground at 0
seconds, not 51.84 meters above the ground at 1.8 seconds.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the maximum height is 51.84 meters above the ground
at 0 seconds, not 1.8 seconds.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 40491607
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 40491607

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: 40491607 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
𝑔 4 = 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 2c288148
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 2c288148

In the given equation, is a constant. The equation has exactly one real solution. What is the minimum possible value of
?

ID: 2c288148 Answer

Correct Answer: 231

Rationale
The correct answer is 231. It's given that √𝑘 - 𝑥 = 58 - 𝑥. Squaring both sides of this equation yields 𝑘 - 𝑥 = (58 - 𝑥)2 , which
is equivalent to the given equation if 58 - 𝑥 > 0. It follows that if a solution to the equation 𝑘 - 𝑥 = (58 - 𝑥)2 satisfies
58 - 𝑥 > 0, then it's also a solution to the given equation; if not, it's extraneous. The equation 𝑘 - 𝑥 = (58 - 𝑥)2 can be
rewritten as 𝑘 - 𝑥 = 3,364 - 116𝑥 + 𝑥2 . Adding 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 𝑘 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + 3,364. Subtracting 𝑘
from both sides of this equation yields 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + (3,364 - 𝑘). The number of solutions to a quadratic equation in the
2
form 0 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, can be determined by the value of the discriminant, 𝑏 - 4𝑎𝑐.
2
Substituting -115 for 𝑏, 1 for 𝑎, and 3,364 - 𝑘 for 𝑐 in 𝑏 - 4𝑎𝑐 yields ( - 115)2 - 4(1)(3,364 - 𝑘), or 4𝑘 - 231. The equation
0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + (3,364 - 𝑘) has exactly one real solution if the discriminant is equal to zero, or 4𝑘 - 231 = 0. Subtracting 231
from both sides of this equation yields 4𝑘 = 231. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields 𝑘 = 57.75. Therefore, if
𝑘 = 57.75, then the equation 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + (3,364 - 𝑘) has exactly one real solution. Substituting 57.75 for 𝑘 in this
equation yields 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + (3,364 - 57.75), or 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + 3,306.25, which is equivalent to 0 = (𝑥 - 57.5)2 . Taking the
square root of both sides of this equation yields 0 = 𝑥 - 57.5. Adding 57.5 to both sides of this equation yields 57.5 = 𝑥. To
check whether this solution satisfies 58 - 𝑥 > 0, the solution, 57.5, can be substituted for 𝑥 in 58 - 𝑥 > 0, which yields
58 - 57.5 > 0, or 0.5 > 0. Since 0.5 is greater than 0, it follows that if 𝑘 = 57.75, or 4𝑘 = 231, then the given equation has
exactly one real solution. If 4𝑘 < 231, then the discriminant, 4𝑘 - 231, is negative and the given equation has no solutions.
Therefore, the minimum possible value of 4𝑘 is 231.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f65288e8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: f65288e8

If x is a solution to the given equation, which of the

following is a possible value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f65288e8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The given equation can be rewritten as . Multiplying both sides of this equation by

yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields . Taking the square root of

both sides of this equation yields or . Therefore, a possible value of is .

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from computational or conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8e1da169
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 8e1da169

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8e1da169 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 44𝑥 - 46, which can be rewritten as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 90𝑥 + 2,024. 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. For
an equation in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, the x-coordinate of the vertex is - 2 . For the
𝑏
𝑎

equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 90𝑥 + 2,024, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = -90, and 𝑐 = 2,024. It follows that the x-coordinate of the vertex is - -90
21 , or 45.
Therefore, 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum when the value of 𝑥 is 45.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b8f13a3a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: b8f13a3a

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

ID: b8f13a3a Answer

Correct Answer: 20

Rationale
The correct answer is 20. It’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = - 𝑎 + 𝑏. Substituting -𝑎 + 𝑏 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 12 yields
𝑥 𝑥

𝑦 = - 𝑎 + 𝑏 - 12. It’s given that the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 12 is 0, - 75

𝑥

7 . Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and - 7 for 𝑦 in the

75
0
equation 𝑦 = - 𝑎 + 𝑏 - 12 yields - 75
𝑥

7 = - 𝑎 + 𝑏 - 12, which is equivalent to - 7 = - 1 + 𝑏 - 12, or - 7 = 𝑏 - 13. Adding 13 to both

75 75

sides of this equation yields 167 = 𝑏. It’s given that the product of 𝑎 and 𝑏 is 7 , or 𝑎𝑏 = 7 . Substituting 7 for 𝑏 in this
320 320 16

equation yields 𝑎 16
7 =
320 .
7 Dividing both sides of this equation by 16
7 yields 𝑎 = 20.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 40c09d66
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 40c09d66

If for all positive values of x,

what is the value of ?

ID: 40c09d66 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . The value of can be found by first rewriting the left-hand side of the given equation as

. Using the properties of exponents, this expression can be rewritten as . This expression can be rewritten

by subtracting the fractions in the exponent, which yields . Thus, is . Note that 7/6, 1.166, and 1.167 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c3b116d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: c3b116d7

Which of the following expressions is(are) a factor of ?

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II

D. Neither I nor II

ID: c3b116d7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The given expression can be factored by first finding two values whose sum is 20 and whose product
is 3-63, or -189. Those two values are 27 and -7. It follows that the given expression can be rewritten as 3𝑥2 + 27𝑥 - 7𝑥 - 63.
Since the first two terms of this expression have a common factor of 3𝑥 and the last two terms of this expression have a
common factor of -7, this expression can be rewritten as 3𝑥𝑥 + 9 - 7𝑥 + 9. Since the two terms of this expression have a
common factor of 𝑥 + 9, it can be rewritten as 3𝑥 - 7𝑥 + 9. Therefore, expression II, 3𝑥 - 7, is a factor of 3𝑥2 + 20𝑥 - 63, but
expression I, 𝑥 - 9, is not a factor of 3𝑥2 + 20𝑥 - 63.

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 371cbf6b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 371cbf6b

The equation above is true for all x, where a and b are

constants. What is the value of ab ?

A. 18

B. 20

C. 24

D. 40

ID: 371cbf6b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. If the equation is true for all x, then the expressions on both sides of the equation will be equivalent.
Multiplying the polynomials on the left-hand side of the equation gives . On the

right-hand side of the equation, the only -term is . Since the expressions on both sides of the equation are

equivalent, it follows that , which can be rewritten as . Therefore,

, which gives .

Choice A is incorrect. If , then the coefficient of on the left-hand side of the equation would be

, which doesn’t equal the coefficient of , , on the right-hand side. Choice B is incorrect. If ,

then the coefficient of on the left-hand side of the equation would be , which doesn’t equal the

coefficient of , , on the right-hand side. Choice D is incorrect. If , then the coefficient of on the left-hand

side of the equation would be , which doesn’t equal the coefficient of , , on the right-hand side.

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 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
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
where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation defining function 𝑓 yields 𝑓0 = 𝑎2.20 + 2.2 , or 𝑓0 = 𝑎1 + 2.2 . So, the y-
𝑏 𝑏

coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph is 𝑎1 + 2.2 , or equivalently, 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . It's given that function 𝑔 is equivalent to
𝑏 𝑏

function 𝑓, where 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏. It follows that 𝑘 = 2.2 . Since 𝑎2.2 can't be equal to 0, the coefficient 𝑎 can't be equal to
𝑏 𝑏

𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . Since 0 < 𝑎, the constant 𝑘, which is equal to 2.2 , can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . Therefore, function 𝑔 doesn't
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

display the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 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 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎2.2 + 𝑎2.2 .
𝑥 𝑏

It follows that 𝑚 = 𝑎2.2 . Since 𝑎2.2 can't be equal to 0, the coefficient 𝑎 can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . Since 0 < 𝑎, the
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

constant 𝑚, which is equal to 𝑎2.2 , can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . Therefore, function ℎ doesn't display the y-coordinate of
𝑏 𝑏

the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 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 = 𝑓𝑥 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 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 94 when the

value of 𝑛 is 2. Therefore, the value of 𝑤 is 944, or 942 , when the value of 𝑛 is 3. More generally, the value of 𝑤 is 94
𝑛 -1
for
a given value of 𝑛. Therefore, the equation 𝑤 = 94 - 1 gives 𝑤 in terms of 𝑛.
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 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 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane can be found by substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 9,0000.66 , which
𝑥

gives 𝑦 = 9,0000.660 . 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 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, 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐, is equal to zero. Substituting 4 for 𝑎 and 2.25 for 𝑐 in
2 2 2
the expression 𝑏 - 4𝑎𝑐 and setting this expression equal to 0 yields 𝑏 - 4(4)(2 . 25) = 0, or 𝑏 - 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 ba0edc30
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: ba0edc30

One solution to the given equation can be written as , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ba0edc30 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Adding 9 to each side of the given equation yields 𝑥2 - 2𝑥 = 9. To complete the square, adding 1 to
each side of this equation yields 𝑥2 - 2𝑥 + 1 = 9 + 1, or 𝑥 - 12 = 10. Taking the square root of each side of this equation
yields 𝑥 - 1 = ± √10. Adding 1 to each side of this equation yields 𝑥 = 1 ± √10. Since it's given that one of the solutions to
the equation can be written as 1 + √𝑘, the value of 𝑘 must be 10.

Alternate approach: It's given that 1 + √𝑘 is a solution to the given equation. It follows that 𝑥 = 1 + √𝑘. Substituting 1 + √𝑘
2
for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 1 + √𝑘 - 21 + √𝑘 - 9 = 0, or 1 + √𝑘1 + √𝑘 - 21 + √𝑘 - 9 = 0. Expanding the products on the
left-hand side of this equation yields 1 + 2√𝑘 + 𝑘 - 2 - 2√𝑘 - 9 = 0, or 𝑘 - 10 = 0. Adding 10 to each side of this equation yields
𝑘 = 10.

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 8490cc45
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 8490cc45

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8490cc45 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 equation yields 𝑓0 = -820 + 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.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3a9d60b2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 3a9d60b2

What is the positive solution to the given equation?

ID: 3a9d60b2 Answer

Correct Answer: 9

Rationale
The correct answer is 9. The given equation can be rewritten as 54 - 𝑥 = 25. Dividing each side of this equation by 5 yields
4 - 𝑥 = 5. By the definition of absolute value, if 4 - 𝑥 = 5, then 4 - 𝑥 = 5 or 4 - 𝑥 = - 5. Subtracting 4 from each side of the
equation 4 - 𝑥 = 5 yields -𝑥 = 1. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields 𝑥 = - 1. Similarly, subtracting 4 from each
side of the equation 4 - 𝑥 = - 5 yields -𝑥 = - 9. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields 𝑥 = 9. Therefore, since the
two solutions to the given equation are -1 and 9, the positive solution to the given equation is 9.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 358f18bc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 358f18bc

What is the minimum value of the given function?

ID: 358f18bc Answer

Correct Answer: 1728

Rationale
The correct answer is 1,728. The given function can be rewritten in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 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,
2 2
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 48𝑥 + 2,304 can be written as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 48𝑥 +
48 2 + 2,304 - 48 2 , or 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 242 + 1,728. This equation is in the form
2 2
2
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 91e7ea5e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 91e7ea5e

The quadratic function h is defined as shown. In the xy-plane, the graph of

intersects the x-axis at the points and , where t is a constant.
What is the value of t ?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 4

D. 8

ID: 91e7ea5e Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the graph of intersects the x-axis at and , where t is a constant.
Since this graph intersects the x-axis when or when , it follows that and . If ,

then . Adding 32 to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this

equation by 2 yields . Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields . Adding 4 to both
sides of this equation yields . Therefore, the value of t is 8.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may result from calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 02060533
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 02060533

The table shows three values of and their corresponding values of , where and is a linear function.
What is the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 02060533 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the table shows values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑔𝑥, where 𝑔𝑥 = + 3 . It's 𝑥
𝑓𝑥

also given that 𝑓 is a linear function. It follows that an equation that defines 𝑓 can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏,
where 𝑚 represents the slope and 𝑏 represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept 0, 𝑏 of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-
plane. The slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 can be found using two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , that are on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥,
-
and the formula 𝑚 = 22 - 11 . Since the table shows values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑔𝑥, substituting values of
𝑦 𝑦

𝑥 𝑥

𝑥 and 𝑔𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = + 3 can be used to define function 𝑓. Using the first pair of values from the table, 𝑥 = - 27
𝑓𝑥
𝑥

and 𝑔𝑥 = 3, yields 3 = -27-27

𝑓
+3
, or 3 = -24
-27 . Multiplying each side of this equation by -24 yields -72 = 𝑓-27, so the point -27, - 72
𝑓

is on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. Using the second pair of values from the table, 𝑥 = - 9 and 𝑔𝑥 = 0, yields 0 = -9 -9 𝑓
+3
, or 0 = -6-9 .
𝑓

Multiplying each side of this equation by -6 yields 0 = 𝑓-9, so the point -9, 0 is on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. Substituting -27, - 72
-
and -9, 0 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦 , respectively, in the formula 𝑚 = 22 - 11 yields 𝑚 = -90 -- -72 , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 in the
𝑦 𝑦

1 2 𝑥 𝑥 -27
equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 𝑏. Since 0 = 𝑓-9, substituting -9 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 𝑏 yields
0 = 4-9 + 𝑏, or 0 = - 36 + 𝑏. Adding 36 to both sides of this equation yields 36 = 𝑏. It follows that 36 is the y-coordinate of
the y-intercept 0, 𝑏 of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 is 0, 36.

Choice B is incorrect. 12 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥.

Choice C is incorrect. 4 is the slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥.

Choice D is incorrect. -9 is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 301faf80
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 301faf80

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: 301faf80 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 by 2 yields 𝑦 = - 33
2 . Since 𝑦 is a positive integer, the value of 𝑦 isn't - 2 . Adding 14 to both sides of the
33

equation 𝑦 - 14 = 0 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