Question ID 002dba45

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 002dba45

Line is defined by . Line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. What is the slope of line ?

ID: 002dba45 Answer

Correct Answer: .1764, .1765, 3/17

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. This means that the slope of
line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of line . The equation of line , , is written in slope-
intercept form , where is the slope of the line and is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. It
follows that the slope of line is . The negative reciprocal of a number is divided by the number. Therefore,
the negative reciprocal of is , or . Thus, the slope of line is . Note that 3/17, .1764, .1765, and 0.176
are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f224df07
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: f224df07

A cargo helicopter delivers only 100-pound packages and 120-pound packages.

For each delivery trip, the helicopter must carry at least 10 packages, and the
total weight of the packages can be at most 1,100 pounds. What is the
maximum number of 120-pound packages that the helicopter can carry per
trip?

A. 2

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6

ID: f224df07 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Let a equal the number of 120-pound packages, and let b equal the number of 100-pound
packages. It’s given that the total weight of the packages can be at most 1,100 pounds: the inequality
represents this situation. It’s also given that the helicopter must carry at least 10 packages: the
inequality represents this situation. Values of a and b that satisfy these two inequalities represent the
allowable numbers of 120-pound packages and 100-pound packages the helicopter can transport. To maximize the
number of 120-pound packages, a, in the helicopter, the number of 100-pound packages, b, in the helicopter needs to
be minimized. Expressing b in terms of a in the second inequality yields , so the minimum value of b is equal
to . Substituting for b in the first inequality results in . Using the
distributive property to rewrite this inequality yields , or .
Subtracting 1,000 from both sides of this inequality yields . Dividing both sides of this inequality by 20
results in . This means that the maximum number of 120-pound packages that the helicopter can carry per trip is
5.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may result from incorrectly creating or solving the system of inequalities.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3008cfc3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 3008cfc3

The table gives the coordinates of two points on a line in the xy-plane. The y-intercept of the line is , where
and are constants. What is the value of ?

ID: 3008cfc3 Answer

Correct Answer: 33

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given in the table that the coordinates of two points on a line in the xy-plane are
and . The y-intercept is another point on the line. The slope computed using any pair of points from the
line will be the same. The slope of a line, , between any two points, and , on the line can be
calculated using the slope formula, . It follows that the slope of the line with the given points from the
table, and , is , which is equivalent to , or . It's given that the y-
intercept of the line is . Substituting for and the coordinates of the points and into
the slope formula yields , which is equivalent to , or . Multiplying both sides
of this equation by yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields .
Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d1b66ae6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d1b66ae6

If satisfies the system of equations

above, what is the value of y ?

ID: d1b66ae6 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . One method for solving the system of equations for y is to add corresponding sides of the

two equations. Adding the left-hand sides gives , or 4y. Adding the right-hand sides yields

. It follows that . Finally, dividing both sides of by 4 yields or . Note that 3/2
and 1.5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cb8f449f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: cb8f449f

The system of equations above has solution (x,

y). What is the value of x ?

A. 3

B.

C. 4

D. 6

ID: cb8f449f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Adding the corresponding sides of the two equations eliminates y and yields , as shown.

If (x, y) is a solution to the system, then (x, y) satisfies both equations in the system and any equation derived from
them. Therefore, .

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may be the result of errors when solving the system.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 88e13c8c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 88e13c8c

The total cost , in dollars, to lease a car for months from a particular car dealership is given by
, where is the monthly payment, in dollars. What is the total cost to lease a car when the
monthly payment is ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 88e13c8c Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that is the total cost, in dollars, to lease a car from this dealership with a monthly
payment of dollars. Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, to lease the car when the monthly payment is is
represented by the value of when . Substituting for in the equation yields
, or . Thus, when the monthly payment is , the total cost to lease
a car is .

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: Easy

Question ID 3cdbf026
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 3cdbf026

The graph of the equation is a line in the xy-plane, where a and k

are constants. If the line contains the points and , what is the
value of k ?

A.

B.

C. 2

D. 3

ID: 3cdbf026 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The value of k can be found using the slope-intercept form of a linear equation, ,
where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. The equation can be rewritten in the form

. One of the given points, , is the y-intercept. Thus, the y-coordinate of the y-intercept must

be equal to . Multiplying both sides by k gives . Dividing both sides by gives .

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from errors made rewriting the given equation.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ff501705
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ff501705

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

ID: ff501705 Answer

Correct Answer: 6

Rationale
The correct answer is . A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct. Lines represented by equations in standard form,
and , are parallel if the coefficients for and in one equation are proportional to the
corresponding coefficients in the other equation, meaning ; and the lines are distinct if the constants are not
proportional, meaning is not equal to or . The first equation in the given system is .
Multiplying each side of this equation by yields . Adding to each side of this equation
yields , or . The second equation in the given system is .
Multiplying each side of this equation by yields . Subtracting from each side of this equation
yields . Subtracting from each side of this equation yields . Therefore, the two
equations in the given system, written in standard form, are and . As previously stated,
if this system has no solution, the lines represented by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct, meaning
the proportion , or , is true and the proportion is not true. The proportion is
not true. Multiplying each side of the true proportion, , by yields . Therefore, if the system has
no solution, then the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8c5e6702
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8c5e6702

A window repair specialist charges for the first two hours of repair plus an hourly fee for each additional hour.
The total cost for hours of repair is . Which function gives the total cost, in dollars, for hours of repair, where
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8c5e6702 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the window repair specialist charges for the first two hours of repair plus an
hourly fee for each additional hour. Let represent the hourly fee for each additional hour after the first two hours.
Since it’s given that is the number of hours of repair, it follows that the charge generated by the hourly fee after the
first two hours can be represented by the expression . Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, for hours of
repair is . It’s given that the total cost for hours of repair is . Substituting for and
for into the equation yields , or .
Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. Substituting for in the equation yields , which is
equivalent to , or . Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, for hours of
repair is .

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for hours of repair where the specialist
charges , rather than , for the first two hours of repair.

Choice C is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for hours of repair where the specialist
charges , rather than , for the first two hours of repair, and an hourly fee of , rather than , after the
first two hours.

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for hours of repair where the specialist
charges , rather than , for the first two hours of repair, and an hourly fee of , rather than , after the
first two hours.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 548a4929
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 548a4929

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 548a4929 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where . It's given that
function is defined by . Therefore, the equation representing the graph of is
. Substituting for in the equation yields . Subtracting from both sides
of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the x-intercept
of the graph of in the xy-plane is . It's given that the x-intercept of the graph of is .
Therefore, . The y-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where . Substituting for
in the equation yields , or . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of
in the xy-plane is . It's given that the y-intercept of the graph of is . Therefore, . If
and , then the value of is , or .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9bbce683
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 9bbce683

For line , the table shows three values of and their corresponding values of . Line is the result of translating line
down units in the xy-plane. What is the x-intercept of line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9bbce683 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The equation of line can be written in slope-intercept form , where is the slope of
the line and is the y-intercept of the line. It’s given that line contains the points , , and
. Therefore, its slope can be found as , or . Substituting for in the equation
yields . Substituting for and for in this equation yields , or .
Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Substituting for in yields
. Since line is the result of translating line down units, an equation of line is , or
. Substituting for in this equation yields . Solving this equation for yields .
Therefore, the x-intercept of line is .

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 2937ef4f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 2937ef4f

Hector used a tool called an auger to remove corn from a storage bin at a
constant rate. The bin contained 24,000 bushels of corn when Hector began to
use the auger. After 5 hours of using the auger, 19,350 bushels of corn
remained in the bin. If the auger continues to remove corn at this rate, what is
the total number of hours Hector will have been using the auger when
12,840 bushels of corn remain in the bin?

A. 3

B. 7

C. 8

D. 12

ID: 2937ef4f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. After using the auger for 5 hours, Hector had removed 24,000 – 19,350 = 4,650 bushels of corn
from the storage bin. During the 5-hour period, the auger removed corn from the bin at a constant rate of

bushels per hour. Assuming the auger continues to remove corn at this rate, after x hours it will have
removed 930x bushels of corn. Because the bin contained 24,000 bushels of corn when Hector started using the auger,
the equation 24,000 – 930x = 12,840 can be used to find the number of hours, x, Hector will have been using the auger
when 12,840 bushels of corn remain in the bin. Subtracting 12,840 from both sides of this equation and adding 930x to
both sides of the equation yields 11,160 = 930x. Dividing both sides of this equation by 930 yields x = 12. Therefore,
Hector will have been using the auger for 12 hours when 12,840 bushels of corn remain in the storage bin.

Choice A is incorrect. Three hours after Hector began using the auger, 24,000 – 3(930) = 21,210 bushels of corn
remained, not 12,840. Choice B is incorrect. Seven hours after Hector began using the auger, 24,000 – 7(930) = 17,490
bushels of corn will remain, not 12,840. Choice C is incorrect. Eight hours after Hector began using the auger, 24,000 –
8(930) = 16,560 bushels of corn will remain, not 12,840.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2b15d65f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 2b15d65f

An economist modeled the demand Q for a certain product as a linear function

of the selling price P. The demand was 20,000 units when the selling price was
$40 per unit, and the demand was 15,000 units when the selling price was $60
per unit. Based on the model, what is the demand, in units, when the selling
price is $55 per unit?

A. 16,250

B. 16,500

C. 16,750

D. 17,500

ID: 2b15d65f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Let the economist’s model be the linear function , where Q is the demand, P is the
selling price, m is the slope of the line, and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line in the xy-plane, where
. Two pairs of the selling price P and the demand Q are given. Using the coordinate pairs , two points that
satisfy the function are and . The slope m of the function can be found using the formula

. Substituting the given values into this formula yields , or .

Therefore, . The value of b can be found by substituting one of the points into the function.
Substituting the values of P and Q from the point yields , or
. Adding 10,000 to both sides of this equation yields . Therefore, the linear
function the economist used as the model is . Substituting 55 for P yields
. It follows that when the selling price is $55 per unit, the demand is 16,250 units.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 686b7244
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 686b7244

A certain apprentice has enrolled in hours of training courses. The equation represents this
situation, where is the number of on-site training courses and is the number of online training courses this
apprentice has enrolled in. How many more hours does each online training course take than each on-site training
course?

ID: 686b7244 Answer

Correct Answer: 5

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the equation represents the situation, where is the number
of on-site training courses, is the number of online training courses, and is the total number of hours of training
courses the apprentice has enrolled in. Therefore, represents the number of hours the apprentice has enrolled in
on-site training courses, and represents the number of hours the apprentice has enrolled in online training courses.
Since is the number of on-site training courses and is the number of online training courses the apprentice has
enrolled in, is the number of hours each on-site course takes and is the number of hours each online course
takes. Subtracting these numbers gives , or more hours each online training course takes than each on-site
training course.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b86123af
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b86123af

Hiro and Sofia purchased shirts and pants from a store. The price of each shirt
purchased was the same and the price of each pair of pants purchased was the
same. Hiro purchased 4 shirts and 2 pairs of pants for $86, and Sofia
purchased 3 shirts and 5 pairs of pants for $166. Which of the following
systems of linear equations represents the situation, if x represents the price, in
dollars, of each shirt and y represents the price, in dollars, of each pair of
pants?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b86123af Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Hiro purchased 4 shirts and each shirt cost x dollars, so he spent a total of 4x dollars on shirts.
Likewise, Hiro purchased 2 pairs of pants, and each pair of pants cost y dollars, so he spent a total of 2y dollars on
pants. Therefore, the total amount that Hiro spent was 4x + 2y. Since Hiro spent $86 in total, this can be modeled by
the equation 4x + 2y = 86. Using the same reasoning, Sofia bought 3 shirts at x dollars each and 5 pairs of pants at
y dollars each, so she spent a total of 3x + 5y dollars on shirts and pants. Since Sofia spent $166 in total, this can be
modeled by the equation 3x + 5y = 166.

Choice B is incorrect and may be the result of switching the number of shirts Sofia purchased with the number of pairs
of pants Hiro purchased. Choice C is incorrect and may be the result of switching the total price each person paid.
Choice D is incorrect and may be the result of switching the total price each person paid as well as switching the
number of shirts Sofia purchased with the number of pairs of pants Hiro purchased.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ee846db7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: ee846db7

A store sells two different-sized containers of a certain Greek yogurt. The store’s sales of this Greek yogurt totaled
dollars last month. The equation represents this situation, where is the
number of smaller containers sold and is the number of larger containers sold. According to the equation, which of
the following represents the price, in dollars, of each smaller container?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ee846db7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the store's sales of a certain Greek yogurt totaled dollars last month. It's
also given that the equation represents this situation, where is the number of smaller
containers sold and is the number of larger containers sold. Since represents the number of smaller containers of
yogurt sold, the expression represents the total sales, in dollars, from smaller containers of yogurt. This means
that smaller containers of yogurt were sold at a price of dollars each. Therefore, according to the equation,
represents the price, in dollars, of each smaller container.

Choice B is incorrect. This expression represents the total sales, in dollars, from selling larger containers of yogurt.

Choice C is incorrect. This value represents the price, in dollars, of each larger container of yogurt.

Choice D is incorrect. This expression represents the total sales, in dollars, from selling smaller containers of yogurt.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5b8a8475
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 5b8a8475

Line is defined by . Line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. What is the slope of line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5b8a8475 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. It follows that the slope of line is the
opposite reciprocal of the slope of line . The equation for line is written in slope-intercept form , where
is the slope of the line and is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. It follows that the slope of line is .
The opposite reciprocal of a number is divided by the number. Thus, the opposite reciprocal of is . Therefore,
the slope of line is .

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: Easy

Question ID cfe67646
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: cfe67646

The point in the xy-plane is a solution to which of the following systems of inequalities?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: cfe67646 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The given point, , is located in the first quadrant in the xy-plane. The system of inequalities in
choice A represents all the points in the first quadrant in the xy-plane. Therefore, is a solution to the system of
inequalities in choice A.

Alternate approach: Substituting for in the first inequality in choice A, , yields , which is true.
Substituting for in the second inequality in choice A, , yields , which is true. Since the coordinates of the
point make the inequalities and true, the point is a solution to the system of inequalities
consisting of and .

Choice B is incorrect. This system of inequalities represents all the points in the fourth quadrant, not the first quadrant,
in the xy-plane.

Choice C is incorrect. This system of inequalities represents all the points in the second quadrant, not the first
quadrant, in the xy-plane.

Choice D is incorrect. This system of inequalities represents all the points in the third quadrant, not the first quadrant, in
the xy-plane.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 608eeb6e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 608eeb6e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 608eeb6e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Adding the second equation of the given system to the first equation yields
, which is equivalent to . So the value of is .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of .

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID be9cb6a2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: be9cb6a2

The cost of renting a backhoe for up to days is for the first day and for each additional day. Which of the
following equations gives the cost , in dollars, of renting the backhoe for days, where is a positive integer and
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: be9cb6a2 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that the cost of renting a backhoe for up to days is for the first day and for
each additional day. Therefore, the cost , in dollars, for days, where , is the sum of the cost for the first day,
, and the cost for the additional days, . It follows that , which is
equivalent to , or .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the cost of renting a backhoe is for the first day
and for each additional day.

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 097e10f5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 097e10f5

What value of satisfies the equation ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 097e10f5 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Therefore, the value of that satisfies the equation is .

Choice B is incorrect. This value of satisfies the equation .

Choice C is incorrect. This value of satisfies the equation .

Choice D is incorrect. This value of satisfies the equation .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 84664a7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 84664a7c

The front of a roller-coaster car is at the bottom of a hill and is 15 feet above
the ground. If the front of the roller-coaster car rises at a constant rate of 8 feet
per second, which of the following equations gives the height h, in feet, of the
front of the roller-coaster car s seconds after it starts up the hill?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 84664a7c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the front of the roller-coaster car starts rising when it’s 15 feet above the ground.
This initial height of 15 feet can be represented by a constant term, 15, in an equation. Each second, the front of the
roller-coaster car rises 8 feet, which can be represented by 8s. Thus, the equation gives the height, in feet,
of the front of the roller-coaster car s seconds after it starts up the hill.

Choices B and C are incorrect and may result from conceptual errors in creating a linear equation. Choice D is incorrect
and may result from switching the rate at which the roller-coaster car rises with its initial height.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e62cfe5f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: e62cfe5f

According to a model, the head width, in millimeters, of a worker bumblebee

can be estimated by adding 0.6 to four times the body weight of the bee, in
grams. According to the model, what would be the head width, in millimeters, of
a worker bumblebee that has a body weight of 0.5 grams?

ID: e62cfe5f Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 2.6. According to the model, the head width, in millimeters, of a worker bumblebee can be
estimated by adding 0.6 to 4 times the body weight, in grams, of the bee. Let x represent the body weight, in grams, of a
worker bumblebee and let y represent the head width, in millimeters. Translating the verbal description of the model
into an equation yields . Substituting 0.5 grams for x in this equation yields , or .
Therefore, a worker bumblebee with a body weight of 0.5 grams has an estimated head width of 2.6 millimeters. Note
that 2.6 and 13/5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b0fc3166
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b0fc3166

The graph of a system of linear equations is shown. What is the solution to the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b0fc3166 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The solution to this system of linear equations is represented by the point that lies on both lines
shown, or the point of intersection of the two lines. According to the graph, the point of intersection occurs when
and , or at the point . Therefore, the solution to the system is .

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: Easy
Question ID db422e7f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: db422e7f

Line is defined by . Line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. What is the slope of line ?

ID: db422e7f Answer

Correct Answer: .5, 1/2

Rationale
The correct answer is . For an equation in slope-intercept form , represents the slope of the line in the
xy-plane defined by this equation. It's given that line is defined by . Subtracting from both sides of
this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields , or
. Thus, the slope of line is . If line is perpendicular to line , then the slope of line is the negative
reciprocal of the slope of line . The negative reciprocal of is . Note that 1/2 and .5 are examples of
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 01682aa5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 01682aa5

Line is defined by . Line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. What is the slope of line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 01682aa5 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that line is perpendicular to line in the xy-plane. This means that the slope of line is
the negative reciprocal of the slope of line . If the equation for line is rewritten in slope-intercept form ,
where and are constants, then is the slope of the line and is its y-intercept. Subtracting from both
sides of the equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. It follows that the slope of line is . The negative reciprocal of a number is divided by the
number. Therefore, the negative reciprocal of is , or . Thus, the slope of line is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the slope of line , not line .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the reciprocal, not the negative reciprocal, of the slope of line .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the negative, not the negative reciprocal, of the slope of line .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 45cfb9de
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 45cfb9de

Adam’s school is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride away from his house.
The bus runs once every 30 minutes, and the number of minutes, w, that Adam
waits for the bus varies between 0 and 30. Which of the following inequalities
gives the values of w for which it would be faster for Adam to walk to school?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 45cfb9de Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It is given that w is the number of minutes that Adam waits for the bus. The total time it takes
Adam to get to school on a day he takes the bus is the sum of the minutes, w, he waits for the bus and the 5 minutes
the bus ride takes; thus, this time, in minutes, is w + 5. It is also given that the total amount of time it takes Adam to get
to school on a day that he walks is 20 minutes. Therefore, w + 5 > 20 gives the values of w for which it would be faster
for Adam to walk to school.

Choices A and B are incorrect because w – 5 is not the total length of time for Adam to wait for and then take the bus
to school. Choice C is incorrect because the inequality should be true when walking 20 minutes is faster than the time
it takes Adam to wait for and ride the bus, not less.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 06fc1726
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 06fc1726

If f is the function defined by ,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C. 3

D. 9

ID: 06fc1726 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. If , then .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from not multiplying x by 2 in the numerator. Choice B is incorrect and may result
from dividing 2x by 3 and then subtracting 1. Choice D is incorrect and may result from evaluating only the
numerator 2x – 1.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6863c7ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6863c7ce

The given equation represents the distance , in inches, where represents the number of seconds since an object
started moving. Which of the following is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. The object moved a total of inches.

B. The object moved a total of inches.

C. The object is moving at a rate of inches per second.

D. The object is moving at a rate of inches per second.

ID: 6863c7ce Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that in the equation , represents the distance, in inches, and represents the
number of seconds since an object started moving. In this equation, is being multiplied by . This means that the
object’s distance increases by inches each second. Therefore, the best interpretation of in this context is that the
object is moving at a rate of inches per second.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the best interpretation of , rather than , in this context.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a5834ea4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a5834ea4

For the given linear function , which table gives three values of and their corresponding values of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a5834ea4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. For the given linear function , must equal for all values of . Of the given choices, only
choice B gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the given linear function .
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 0b332f00
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0b332f00

The function is defined by . For what value of is ?

ID: 0b332f00 Answer

Correct Answer: 9

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that . Substituting for in the given function yields .
Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the value of when is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 349a5bc1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 349a5bc1

What is the solution to the given equation?

ID: 349a5bc1 Answer

Correct Answer: 40

Rationale
The correct answer is . Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields . Dividing both sides of
this equation by yields . Therefore, the solution to the given equation is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID bf4a8b6a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: bf4a8b6a

A company that provides whale-watching tours takes groups of people at a time. The company’s revenue is
dollars per adult and dollars per child. If the company’s revenue for one group consisting of adults and children was
dollars, how many people in the group were children?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bf4a8b6a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Let represent the number of children in a whale-watching tour group. Let represent the number
of adults in this group. Because it's given that people are in a group and the group consists of adults and children, it
must be true that . Since the company's revenue is dollars per child, the total revenue from children in
this group was dollars. Since the company's revenue is dollars per adult, the total revenue from adults in this
group was dollars. Because it's given that the total revenue for this group was dollars, it must be true that
. The equations and form a linear system of equations that can
be solved to find the value of , which represents the number of children in the group, using the elimination method.
Multiplying both sides of the equation by yields . Subtracting
from yields , which is
equivalent to , or . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. Therefore, people in the group were children.

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of adults in the group, not the number of children in the group.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7e3f8363
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 7e3f8363

In the xy-plane, the graph of the linear function contains the points and . Which equation defines ,
where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7e3f8363 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. In the xy-plane, an equation of the graph of a linear function can be written in the form
, where represents the slope and represents the y-intercept of the graph of . It’s
given that the graph of the linear function , where , in the xy-plane contains the point . Thus, .
The slope of the graph of a line containing any two points and can be found using the slope formula,
. Since it’s given that the graph of the linear function contains the points and , it follows
that the slope of the graph of the line containing these points is , or . Substituting for and for
in yields .

Choice A is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0eae6be1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0eae6be1

The number is less than the number . Which equation represents the relationship between and ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0eae6be1 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the number is less than the number . A number that's less than the number
is equivalent to subtracted from the number , or . Therefore, the equation represents the
relationship between and .

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: Easy

Question ID 447fa970
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 447fa970

The function is defined by the equation . What is the value of when ?

ID: 447fa970 Answer

Correct Answer: 30

Rationale
The correct answer is . The value of when can be found by substituting for in the given equation
. This yields , or . Therefore, when , the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0dd6227f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0dd6227f

At how many points do the graphs of the equations and intersect in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0dd6227f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Each given equation is written in slope-intercept form, , where is the slope and
is the y-intercept of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane. The graphs of two lines that have different slopes
will intersect at exactly one point. The graph of the first equation is a line with slope . The graph of the second
equation is a line with slope . Since the graphs are lines with different slopes, they will intersect at exactly one point.

Choice A is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations have intersection points only if they are parallel and
therefore have the same slope.

Choice C is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations in the xy-plane can have only , , or infinitely many points
of intersection.

Choice D is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations in the xy-plane can have only , , or infinitely many points
of intersection.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b1228811
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b1228811

Marisa needs to hire at least 10 staff members for an upcoming project. The
staff members will be made up of junior directors, who will be paid $640 per
week, and senior directors, who will be paid $880 per week. Her budget for
paying the staff members is no more than $9,700 per week. She must hire at
least 3 junior directors and at least 1 senior director. Which of the following
systems of inequalities represents the conditions described if x is the number
of junior directors and y is the number of senior directors?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b1228811 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Marisa will hire x junior directors and y senior directors. Since she needs to hire at least 10 staff
members, . Each junior director will be paid $640 per week, and each senior director will be paid $880 per
week. Marisa’s budget for paying the new staff is no more than $9,700 per week; in terms of x and y, this condition is
. Since Marisa must hire at least 3 junior directors and at least 1 senior director, it follows that
and . All four of these conditions are represented correctly in choice B.

Choices A and C are incorrect. For example, the first condition, , in each of these options implies
that Marisa can pay the new staff members more than her budget of $9,700. Choice D is incorrect because Marisa
needs to hire at least 10 staff members, not at most 10 staff members, as the inequality implies.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 6105234d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 6105234d

John paid a total of for a microscope by making a down payment of plus monthly payments of each.
Which of the following equations represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6105234d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that John made a payment each month for months. The total amount of these
payments can be represented by the expression . The down payment can be added to that amount to find the total
amount John paid, yielding the expression . It’s given that John paid a total of . Therefore, the
expression for the total amount John paid can be set equal to that amount, yielding the equation .

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: Easy

Question ID 7efe5495
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 7efe5495

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7efe5495 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given by the first equation in the system that . Substituting for in the equation
yields , or .

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: Medium

Question ID 2c121b25
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 2c121b25

Valentina bought two containers of beads. In the first container 30% of the
beads are red, and in the second container 70% of the beads are red. Together,
the containers have at least 400 red beads. Which inequality shows this
relationship, where x is the total number of beads in the first container and y is
the total number of beads in the second container?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2c121b25 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It is given that x is the total number of beads in the first container and that 30% of those beads are
red; therefore, the expression 0.3x represents the number of red beads in the first container. It is given that y is the total
number of beads in the second container and that 70% of those beads are red; therefore, the expression 0.7y
represents the number of red beads in the second container. It is also given that, together, the containers have at least
400 red beads, so the inequality that shows this relationship is 0.3x + 0.7y ≥ 400.

Choice B is incorrect because it represents the containers having a total of at most, rather than at least, 400 red beads.
Choice C is incorrect and may be the result of misunderstanding how to represent a percentage of beads in each
container. Also, the inequality shows the containers having a combined total of at most, rather than at least, 400 red
beads. Choice D is incorrect because the percentages were not converted to decimals.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 83f2c3bf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 83f2c3bf

Which table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 83f2c3bf Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Substituting for into the given equation yields , or . Therefore, when ,
the corresponding value of for the given equation is . Substituting for into the given equation yields ,
the corresponding value of for the given equation is . Substituting for into the given equation yields ,
or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given equation is . Substituting for into the
given equation yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given equation
is . Of the choices given, only the table in choice A gives these three values of and their corresponding values of
for the given equation.

Choice B is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation
.

Choice C is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation
.

Choice D is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c50ede6d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: c50ede6d

The total cost, in dollars, to rent a surfboard consists of a service fee and a per hour rental fee. A person rents
a surfboard for hours and intends to spend a maximum of to rent the surfboard. Which inequality represents this
situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c50ede6d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The cost of the rental fee depends on the number of hours the surfboard is rented. Multiplying
hours by dollars per hour yields a rental fee of dollars. The total cost of the rental consists of the rental fee plus
the dollar service fee, which yields a total cost of dollars. Since the person intends to spend a maximum
of dollars to rent the surfboard, the total cost must be at most dollars. Therefore, the inequality
represents this situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This represents a situation where the rental fee, not the total cost, is at most dollars.

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: Easy

Question ID c1bd5301
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c1bd5301

A model predicts that a certain animal weighed pounds when it was born and that the animal gained pounds per
day in its first year of life. This model is defined by an equation in the form , where is the
predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal days after it was born, and and are constants. What is the value of ?

ID: c1bd5301 Answer

Correct Answer: 241

Rationale
The correct answer is . For a certain animal, it's given that a model predicts the animal weighed pounds when
it was born and gained pounds per day in its first year of life. It's also given that this model is defined by an equation
in the form , where is the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal days after it was born, and
and are constants. It follows that represents the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal when it was born and
represents the predicted rate of weight gain, in pounds per day, in its first year of life. Thus, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b23bba4c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b23bba4c

A shipping company charged a customer $25 to ship some small boxes and
some large boxes. The equation above represents the relationship between a,
the number of small boxes, and b, the number of large boxes, the customer had
shipped. If the customer had 3 small boxes shipped, how many large boxes
were shipped?

A. 3

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6

ID: b23bba4c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that a represents the number of small boxes and b represents the number of large boxes
the customer had shipped. If the customer had 3 small boxes shipped, then . Substituting 3 for a in the equation
yields or . Subtracting 9 from both sides of the equation yields .
Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields . Therefore, the customer had 4 large boxes shipped.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. If the number of large boxes shipped is 3, then . Substituting 3 for b in the given
equation yields or . Subtracting 12 from both sides of the equation and then dividing by 3

yields . However, it’s given that the number of small boxes shipped, a, is 3, not , so b cannot equal 3.

Similarly, if or , then or , respectively, which is also not true.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 24854644
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 24854644

What is the equation of the line that passes through the point and is parallel to the graph of in the
xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 24854644 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The equation of a line in the xy-plane can be written in slope-intercept form , where
is the slope of the line and is its y-intercept. It’s given that the line passes through the point . Therefore,
. It’s also given that the line is parallel to the graph of , which means the line has the same slope as
the graph of . The slope of the graph of is . Therefore, . Substituting for and for
in the equation yields .

Choice A is incorrect. The graph of this equation passes through the point , not , and has a slope of , not .

Choice C is incorrect. The graph of this equation passes through the point , not .

Choice D is incorrect. The graph of this equation passes through the point , not , and has a slope of , not .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 71189542
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 71189542

A group of 202 people went on an overnight camping trip, taking 60 tents with
them. Some of the tents held 2 people each, and the rest held 4 people each.
Assuming all the tents were filled to capacity and every person got to sleep in a
tent, exactly how many of the tents were 2-person tents?

A. 30

B. 20

C. 19

D. 18

ID: 71189542 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Let x represent the number of 2-person tents and let y represent the number of 4-person tents. It is
given that the total number of tents was 60 and the total number of people in the group was 202. This situation can be
expressed as a system of two equations, and . The first equation can be rewritten as

. Substituting for y in the equation yields . Distributing

and combining like terms gives . Subtracting 240 from both sides of and then
dividing both sides by gives . Therefore, the number of 2-person tents is 19.

Alternate approach: If each of the 60 tents held 4 people, the total number of people that could be accommodated in
tents would be 240. However, the actual number of people who slept in tents was 202. The difference of 38 accounts

for the 2-person tents. Since each of these tents holds 2 people fewer than a 4-person tent, gives the
number of 2-person tents.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice may result from assuming exactly half of the tents hold 2 people. If that were true,
then the total number of people who slept in tents would be ; however, the total number of people
who slept in tents was 202, not 180. Choice B is incorrect. If 20 tents were 2-person tents, then the remaining 40 tents
would be 4-person tents. Since all the tents were filled to capacity, the total number of people who slept in tents would
be ; however, the total number of people who slept in tents was 202, not 200. Choice
D is incorrect. If 18 tents were 2-person tents, then the remaining 42 tents would be 4-person tents. Since all the tents
were filled to capacity, the total number of people who slept in tents would be ;
however, the total number of people who slept in tents was 202, not 204.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dba8d38a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: dba8d38a

A petting zoo sells two types of tickets. The standard ticket, for admission only,
costs $5. The premium ticket, which includes admission and food to give to the
animals, costs $12. One Saturday, the petting zoo sold a total of 250 tickets
and collected a total of $2,300 from ticket sales. Which of the following
systems of equations can be used to find the number of standard tickets, s,
and premium tickets, p, sold on that Saturday?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dba8d38a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the petting zoo sells two types of tickets, standard and premium, and that s
represents the number of standard tickets sold and p represents the number of premium tickets sold. It’s also given
that the petting zoo sold 250 tickets on one Saturday; thus, . It’s also given that each standard ticket costs
$5 and each premium ticket costs $12. Thus, the amount collected in ticket sales can be represented by for
standard tickets and for premium tickets. On that Saturday the petting zoo collected a total of $2,300 from ticket
sales; thus, . These two equations are correctly represented in choice A.

Choice B is incorrect. The second equation in the system represents the cost per standard ticket as $12, not $5, and
the cost per premium ticket as $5, not $12. Choices C and D are incorrect. The equations represent the total collected
from standard and premium ticket sales as $250, not $2,300, and the total number of standard and premium tickets
sold as $2,300, not $250. Additionally, the first equation in choice D represents the cost per standard ticket as $12, not
$5, and the cost per premium ticket as $5, not $12.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 64c85440
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 64c85440

In North America, the standard width of a parking space is at least 7.5 feet and
no more than 9.0 feet. A restaurant owner recently resurfaced the restaurant’s
parking lot and wants to determine the number of parking spaces, n, in the
parking lot that could be placed perpendicular to a curb that is 135 feet long,
based on the standard width of a parking space. Which of the following
describes all the possible values of n ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 64c85440 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Placing the parking spaces with the minimum width of 7.5 feet gives the maximum possible
number of parking spaces. Thus, the maximum number that can be placed perpendicular to a 135-foot-long curb is

. Placing the parking spaces with the maximum width of 9 feet gives the minimum number of parking

spaces. Thus, the minimum number that can be placed perpendicular to a 135-foot-long curb is . Therefore,
if n is the number of parking spaces in the lot, the range of possible values for n is .

Choices A and C are incorrect. These choices equate the length of the curb with the maximum possible number of
parking spaces. Choice B is incorrect. This is the range of possible values for the width of a parking space instead of
the range of possible values for the number of parking spaces.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 87322577
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 87322577

The equation above relates the number of minutes, x, Maria spends running
each day and the number of minutes, y, she spends biking each day. In the
equation, what does the number 75 represent?

A. The number of minutes spent running each day

B. The number of minutes spent biking each day

C. The total number of minutes spent running and biking each day

D. The number of minutes spent biking for each minute spent running

ID: 87322577 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Maria spends x minutes running each day and y minutes biking each day. Therefore,
represents the total number of minutes Maria spent running and biking each day. Because , it follows that
75 is the total number of minutes that Maria spent running and biking each day.

Choices A and B are incorrect. The number of minutes Maria spent running each day is represented by x and need not
be 75. Similarly, the number of minutes that Maria spends biking each day is represented by y and need not be 75. The
number of minutes Maria spends running each day and biking each day may vary; however, the total number of minutes
she spends each day on these activities is constant and equal to 75. Choice D is incorrect. The number of minutes
Maria spent biking for each minute spent running cannot be determined from the information provided.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5c94e6fa
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 5c94e6fa

In the given equation, is a constant. The equation has infinitely many solutions. What is the value of ?

ID: 5c94e6fa Answer

Correct Answer: 21

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the equation has infinitely many solutions. If an equation
in one variable has infinitely many solutions, then the equation is true for any value of the variable. Subtracting from
both sides of the given equation yields . Since this equation must be true for any value of , the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 7a5a74a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 7a5a74a6

If x is the solution to the equation above,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7a5a74a6 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Because 2 is a factor of both and 6, the expression can be rewritten as .

Substituting for on the left-hand side of the given equation yields , or

. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Adding

11 to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields .

Alternate approach: Distributing 3 to the quantity on the left-hand side of the given equation and distributing 4

to the quantity on the right-hand side yields , or . Subtracting

from both sides of this equation yields . Adding 29 to both sides of this equation yields .

Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields . Therefore, the value of is , or .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of x, not . Choices C and D are incorrect. If the value of is or

, it follows that the value of x is or , respectively. However, solving the given equation for x yields

. Therefore, the value of can’t be or .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b7e6394d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: b7e6394d

Alan drives an average of 100 miles each week. His car can travel an average
of 25 miles per gallon of gasoline. Alan would like to reduce his weekly
expenditure on gasoline by $5. Assuming gasoline costs $4 per gallon, which
equation can Alan use to determine how many fewer average miles, m, he
should drive each week?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b7e6394d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since gasoline costs $4 per gallon, and since Alan’s car travels an average of 25 miles per gallon,

the expression gives the cost, in dollars per mile, to drive the car. Multiplying by m gives the cost for Alan to

drive m miles in his car. Alan wants to reduce his weekly spending by $5, so setting m equal to 5 gives the number
of miles, m, by which he must reduce his driving.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choices A and B transpose the numerator and the denominator in the fraction. The

fraction would result in the unit miles per dollar, but the question requires a unit of dollars per mile. Choices A and
C set the expression equal to 95 instead of 5, a mistake that may result from a misconception that Alan wants to
reduce his driving by 5 miles each week; instead, the question says he wants to reduce his weekly expenditure by $5.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 95cad55f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 95cad55f

A laundry service is buying detergent and fabric softener from its supplier. The
supplier will deliver no more than 300 pounds in a shipment. Each container of
detergent weighs 7.35 pounds, and each container of fabric softener weighs
6.2 pounds. The service wants to buy at least twice as many containers of
detergent as containers of fabric softener. Let d represent the number of
containers of detergent, and let s represent the number of containers of fabric
softener, where d and s are nonnegative integers. Which of the following
systems of inequalities best represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 95cad55f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The number of containers in a shipment must have a weight less than or equal to 300 pounds. The
total weight, in pounds, of detergent and fabric softener that the supplier delivers can be expressed as the weight of
each container multiplied by the number of each type of container, which is 7.35d for detergent and 6.2s for fabric
softener. Since this total cannot exceed 300 pounds, it follows that . Also, since the laundry
service wants to buy at least twice as many containers of detergent as containers of fabric softener, the number of
containers of detergent should be greater than or equal to two times the number of containers of fabric softener. This
can be expressed by the inequality .

Choice B is incorrect because it misrepresents the relationship between the numbers of each container that the laundry
service wants to buy. Choice C is incorrect because the first inequality of the system incorrectly doubles the weight per
container of detergent. The weight of each container of detergent is 7.35, not 14.7 pounds. Choice D is incorrect
because it doubles the weight per container of detergent and transposes the relationship between the numbers of
containers.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bf36c815
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bf36c815

The function g is defined by .

What is the value of ?

A.

B. 0

C. 4

D. 8

ID: bf36c815 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The value of is found by substituting 0 for x in the function g. This yields ,
which can be rewritten as .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from misinterpreting the equation as instead of .
Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of x, not . Choice C is incorrect and may result from calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 968e9e51
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 968e9e51

Which of the following ordered pairs is a solution to

the system of inequalities above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 968e9e51 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The solutions to the given system of inequalities is the set of all ordered pairs that satisfy
both inequalities in the system. For an ordered pair to satisfy the inequality , the value of the ordered pair’s y-
coordinate must be less than or equal to the value of the ordered pair’s x-coordinate. This is true of the ordered pair
, because . To satisfy the inequality , the value of the ordered pair’s y-coordinate must be less
than or equal to the value of the additive inverse of the ordered pair’s x-coordinate. This is also true of the ordered pair
. Because 0 is its own additive inverse, is the same as . Therefore, the ordered pair
is a solution to the given system of inequalities.

Choice A is incorrect. This ordered pair satisfies only the inequality in the given system, not both inequalities.
Choice B incorrect. This ordered pair satisfies only the inequality in the system, but not both inequalities.
Choice C is incorrect. This ordered pair satisfies neither inequality.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9f3cb472
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 9f3cb472

Line in the xy-plane has a slope of and passes through the point . Which equation defines line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9f3cb472 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The equation that defines line in the xy-plane can be written in slope-intercept form ,
where is the slope of line and is its y-intercept. It’s given that line has a slope of . Therefore, .
Substituting for in the equation yields , or . It’s also given that line
passes through the point . Substituting for and for in the equation yields ,
or . Adding to both sides of this equation yields . Substituting for in the equation
yields .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This equation defines a line that has a slope of , not , and passes through the point ,
not .

Choice C is incorrect. This equation defines a line that passes through the point , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID aa85b138
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: aa85b138

A tree had a height of 6 feet when it was planted. The equation above can be
used to find how many years n it took the tree to reach a height of 14 feet.
Which of the following is the best interpretation of the number 2 in this
context?

A. The number of years it took the tree to double its height

B. The average number of feet that the tree grew per year

C. The height, in feet, of the tree when the tree was 1 year old

D. The average number of years it takes similar trees to grow 14 feet

ID: aa85b138 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The height of the tree at a given time is equal to its height when it was planted plus the number of
feet that the tree grew. In the given equation, 14 represents the height of the tree at the given time, and 6 represents the
height of the tree when it was planted. It follows that represents the number of feet the tree grew from the time it
was planted until the time it reached a height of 14 feet. Since n represents the number of years between the given time
and the time the tree was planted, 2 must represent the average number of feet the tree grew each year.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from interpreting the coefficient 2 as doubling instead of as increasing by 2 each
year. Choice C is incorrect. The height of the tree when it was 1 year old was feet, not 2 feet. Choice D is
incorrect. No information is given to connect the growth of one particular tree to the growth of similar trees.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 15daa8d6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 15daa8d6

In the given equation, is a constant. If the equation has infinitely many solutions, what is the value of ?

ID: 15daa8d6 Answer

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale
The correct answer is . An equation with one variable, , has infinitely many solutions only when both sides of the
equation are equal for any defined value of . It's given that , where is a constant. This
equation can be rewritten as . If this equation has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of
this equation are equal for any defined value of . Both sides of this equation are equal for any defined value of when
. Therefore, if the equation has infinitely many solutions, the value of is .

Alternate approach: If the given equation, , has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of this
equation are equal for any value of . If , then substituting for in yields
, or . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2f0a43b2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 2f0a43b2

If , what is the value of ?

ID: 2f0a43b2 Answer

Correct Answer: .2, 1/5

Rationale
The correct answer is . Since the number can also be written as , the given equation can also be written as
. This equation is equivalent to . Therefore, the value of is . Note that 1/5 and .2 are examples of
ways to enter a correct answer.

Alternate approach: Multiplying both sides of the equation by yields . Substituting for into the
expression yields , or .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ebf8d2b7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: ebf8d2b7

A machine makes large boxes or small boxes, one at a time, for a total of minutes each day. It takes the machine
minutes to make a large box or minutes to make a small box. Which equation represents the possible number of
large boxes, , and small boxes, , the machine can make each day?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ebf8d2b7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that it takes the machine minutes to make a large box. It's also given that represents
the possible number of large boxes the machine can make each day. Multiplying by gives , which represents
the amount of time spent making large boxes. It’s given that it takes the machine minutes to make a small box. It's
also given that represents the possible number of small boxes the machine can make each day. Multiplying by
gives , which represents the amount of time spent making small boxes. Combining the amount of time spent making
large boxes and small boxes yields . It’s given that the machine makes boxes for a total of minutes
each day. Therefore represents the possible number of large boxes, , and small boxes, , the
machine can make each day.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from associating the time of minutes with small, rather than large, boxes and
the time of minutes with large, rather than small, boxes.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 997bec28
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 997bec28

The perimeter of an isosceles triangle is inches. Each of the two congruent sides of the triangle has a length of
inches. What is the length, in inches, of the third side?

ID: 997bec28 Answer

Correct Answer: 35

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that the perimeter of an isosceles triangle is inches and that each of the two
congruent sides has a length of inches. The perimeter of a triangle is the sum of the lengths of its three sides. The
equation can be used to represent this situation, where is the length, in inches, of the third side.
Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of this
equation yields . Therefore, the length, in inches, of the third side is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 12ee1edc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 12ee1edc

In the given equation, b is a constant. If the equation has no

solution, what is the value of b ?

A. 2

B. 4

C. 6

D. 10

ID: 12ee1edc Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. This equation has no solution when there is no value of x that produces a true statement. Solving

the given equation for x by dividing both sides by gives . When , the right-hand side of
this equation will be undefined, and the equation will have no solution. Therefore, when , there is no value of x that
satisfies the given equation.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Substituting 4, 6, and 10 for b in the given equation yields exactly one solution, rather
than no solution, for x. For example, substituting 4 for b in the given equation yields , or . Dividing
both sides of by 2 yields . Similarly, if or , and , respectively.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c6b151d4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c6b151d4

A total of paper straws of equal length were used to construct two types of polygons: triangles and rectangles. The
triangles and rectangles were constructed so that no two polygons had a common side. The equation
represents this situation, where is the number of triangles constructed and is the number of rectangles
constructed. What is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. If triangles were constructed, then rectangles were constructed.

B. If triangles were constructed, then paper straws were used.

C. If triangles were constructed, then rectangles were constructed.

D. If triangles were constructed, then paper straws were used.

ID: c6b151d4 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that paper straws of equal length were used to construct triangles and rectangles,
where no two polygons had a common side. It's also given that the equation represents this situation,
where is the number of triangles constructed and is the number of rectangles constructed. The equation
means that if , then . Substituting for and for in yields
, or , which is true. Therefore, in this context, the equation means
that if triangles were constructed, then rectangles were constructed.

Choice B 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: Easy

Question ID 0d391910
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0d391910

The function is defined by . For what value of does ?

ID: 0d391910 Answer

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale
The correct answer is . Substituting for in the given equation yields . Dividing the left- and right-hand
sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the value of is when .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ee439cff
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: ee439cff

On a car trip, Rhett and Jessica each drove for part of the trip, and the total distance they drove was under miles.
Rhett drove at an average speed of , and Jessica drove at an average speed of .
Which of the following inequalities represents this situation, where is the number of hours Rhett drove and is the
number of hours Jessica drove?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ee439cff Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that Rhett drove at an average speed of miles per hour and that he drove for hours.
Multiplying miles per hour by hours yields miles, or the distance that Rhett drove. It’s also given that Jessica
drove at an average speed of miles per hour and that she drove for hours. Multiplying miles per hour by hours
yields miles, or the distance that Jessica drove. The total distance, in miles, that Rhett and Jessica drove can be
represented by the expression . It’s given that the total distance they drove was under miles. Therefore,
the inequality represents this situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This inequality represents a situation in which the total distance Rhett and Jessica drove was
over, rather than under, miles.

Choice C is incorrect. This inequality represents a situation in which Rhett drove at an average speed of , rather than
, miles per hour, Jessica drove at an average speed of , rather than , miles per hour, and the total distance they
drove was over, rather than under, miles.

Choice D is incorrect. This inequality represents a situation in which Rhett drove at an average speed of , rather than
, miles per hour, and Jessica drove at an average speed of , rather than , miles per hour.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ee2f611f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: ee2f611f

A local transit company sells a monthly pass for $95 that allows an unlimited
number of trips of any length. Tickets for individual trips cost $1.50, $2.50, or
$3.50, depending on the length of the trip. What is the minimum number of
trips per month for which a monthly pass could cost less than purchasing
individual tickets for trips?

ID: ee2f611f Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 28. The minimum number of individual trips for which the cost of the monthly pass is less than
the cost of individual tickets can be found by assuming the maximum cost of the individual tickets, $3.50. If n tickets
costing $3.50 each are purchased in one month, the inequality 95 < 3.50n represents this situation. Dividing both sides
of the inequality by 3.50 yields 27.14 < n, which is equivalent to n > 27.14. Since only a whole number of tickets can be
purchased, it follows that 28 is the minimum number of trips.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8c98c834
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8c98c834

The equation models the relationship between the number of

different pieces of music a certain pianist practices, y, during an x-minute
practice session. How many pieces did the pianist practice if the session lasted
30 minutes?

A. 1

B. 3

C. 10

D. 30

ID: 8c98c834 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the equation models the relationship between the number of different
pieces of music a certain pianist practices, y, and the number of minutes in a practice session, x. Since it’s given that
the session lasted 30 minutes, the number of pieces the pianist practiced can be found by substituting 30 for x in the
given equation, which yields , or .

Choices A and C are incorrect and may result from misinterpreting the values in the equation. Choice D is incorrect.
This is the given value of x, not the value of y.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 563407e5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 563407e5

A bakery sells trays of cookies. Each tray contains at least 50 cookies but no
more than 60. Which of the following could be the total number of cookies on
4 trays of cookies?

A. 165

B. 205

C. 245

D. 285

ID: 563407e5 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. If each tray contains the least number of cookies possible, 50 cookies, then the least number of
cookies possible on 4 trays is 50 × 4 = 200 cookies. If each tray contains the greatest number of cookies possible, 60
cookies, then the greatest number of cookies possible on 4 trays is 60 × 4 = 240 cookies. If the least number of cookies
on 4 trays is 200 and the greatest number of cookies is 240, then 205 could be the total number of cookies on these 4
trays of cookies because .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The least number of cookies on 4 trays is 200 cookies, and the greatest number of
cookies on 4 trays is 240 cookies. The choices 165, 245, and 285 are each either less than 200 or greater than 240;
therefore, they cannot represent the total number of cookies on 4 trays.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 25e1cfed
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 25e1cfed

How many solutions does the equation have?

A. Exactly one

B. Exactly two

C. Infinitely many

D. Zero

ID: 25e1cfed Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Applying the distributive property to each side of the given equation yields
. Applying the commutative property of addition to the right-hand side of this equation
yields . Since the two sides of the equation are equivalent, this equation is true for any value
of . Therefore, the given equation has infinitely many solutions.

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 317e80f9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 317e80f9

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 317e80f9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The second equation in the given system defines the value of as . Substituting for into
the first equation yields or . Dividing each side of this equation by yields . Substituting
for in the second equation yields or . Therefore, the solution to the given system of
equations is .

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the second equation yields , which is not true.
Therefore, is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the second equation yields , which is not true.
Therefore, is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the second equation yields , which is not true.
Therefore, is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3f5375d9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3f5375d9
The line graphed in the xy-plane below models the total cost, in dollars, for a cab ride, y, in a certain city during
nonpeak hours based on the number of miles traveled, x.

According to the graph, what is the cost for each additional mile traveled, in
dollars, of a cab ride?

A. $2.00

B. $2.60

C. $3.00

D. $5.00

ID: 3f5375d9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The cost of each additional mile traveled is represented by the slope of the given line. The slope of
the line can be calculated by identifying two points on the line and then calculating the ratio of the change in y to the

change in x between the two points. Using the points and , the slope is equal to , or 2. Therefore, the
cost for each additional mile traveled of the cab ride is $2.00.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating the slope of the line that passes through the points and
. However, does not lie on the line shown. Choice C is incorrect. This is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of
the graph and represents the flat fee for a cab ride before the charge for any miles traveled is added. Choice D is
incorrect. This value represents the total cost of a 1-mile cab ride.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID fdee0fbf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: fdee0fbf

In the xy-plane, line k intersects the y-axis at the point and passes
through the point . If the point lies on line k, what is the value of w
?

ID: fdee0fbf Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 74. The y-intercept of a line in the xy-plane is the ordered pair of the point of intersection of

the line with the y-axis. Since line k intersects the y-axis at the point , it follows that is the y-intercept of
this line. An equation of any line in the xy-plane can be written in the form , where m is the slope of the line
and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, the equation of line k can be written as , or
. The value of m can be found by substituting the x- and y-coordinates from a point on the line, such as
, for x and y, respectively. This results in . Solving this equation for m gives . Therefore, an
equation of line k is . The value of w can be found by substituting the x-coordinate, 20, for x in the equation
of line k and solving this equation for y. This gives , or . Since w is the y-coordinate of this point,
.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 541bef2f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 541bef2f

Which point is a solution to the given system of inequalities in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 541bef2f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A point is a solution to a system of inequalities in the xy-plane if substituting the x-
coordinate and the y-coordinate of the point for and , respectively, in each inequality makes both of the inequalities
true. Substituting the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of choice D, and , for and , respectively, in the first
inequality in the given system, , yields , or , which is true. Substituting for and for
in the second inequality in the given system, , yields , or , which is true.
Therefore, the point is a solution to the given system of inequalities in the xy-plane.

Choice A is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the inequality yields , or ,

which is not true.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the inequality yields , or

, which is not true.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the inequality yields , or ,

which is not true.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 620fe971
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 620fe971
A team of workers has been moving cargo off of a ship. The equation below models the approximate number of
tons of cargo, y, that remains to be moved x hours after the team started working.

The graph of this equation in the xy-plane is a line. What is the best
interpretation of the x-intercept in this context?

A. The team will have moved all the cargo in about 4.8 hours.

B. The team has been moving about 4.8 tons of cargo per hour.

C. The team has been moving about 25 tons of cargo per hour.

D. The team started with 120 tons of cargo to move.

ID: 620fe971 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The x-intercept of the line with equation y = 120 – 25x can be found by substituting 0 for y and
finding the value of x. When y = 0, x = 4.8, so the x-intercept is at (4.8, 0). Since y represents the number of tons of
cargo remaining to be moved x hours after the team started working, it follows that the x-intercept refers to the team
having no cargo remaining to be moved after 4.8 hours. In other words, the team will have moved all of the cargo after
about 4.8 hours.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from incorrectly interpreting the value 4.8. Choices C and D are incorrect and may
result from misunderstanding the x-intercept. These statements are accurate but not directly relevant to the x-intercept.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 6a87902f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 6a87902f

At how many points do the graphs of the given equations intersect in the xy-plane?

A. Zero

B. Exactly one

C. Exactly two

D. Infinitely many

ID: 6a87902f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has zero points of intersection if the
lines represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in slope-intercept form, , are distinct if the y-coordinates of their y-intercepts, ,
are different and are parallel if their slopes, , are the same. For the two equations in the given system,
and , the values of are and , respectively, and the values of are both . Since the values of are
different, the graphs of these lines have different y-coordinates of the y-intercept and are distinct. Since the values of
are the same, the graphs of these lines have the same slope and are parallel. Therefore, the graphs of the given
equations are lines that intersect at zero points in the xy-plane.

Choice B is incorrect. The graphs of a system of two linear equations have exactly one point of intersection if the lines
represented by the equations have different slopes. Since the given equations represent lines with the same slope,
there is not exactly one intersection point.

Choice C is incorrect. The graphs of a system of two linear equations can never have exactly two intersection points.

Choice D is incorrect. The graphs of a system of two linear equations have infinitely many intersection points when the
lines represented by the equations have the same slope and the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Since the given
equations represent lines with different y-coordinates of their y-intercepts, there are not infinitely many intersection
points.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b2845d88
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b2845d88

Which of the following is an equation of the graph

shown in the xy-plane above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b2845d88 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The slope of the line can be found by choosing any two points on the line, such as (4, –2) and (0, –
1). Subtracting the y-values results in –2 – (–1) = –1, the change in y. Subtracting the x-values results in 4 – 0 = 4, the

change in x. Dividing the change in y by the change in x yields , the slope. The line intersects the y-axis
at (0, –1), so –1 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. This information can be expressed in slope-intercept form as the

equation .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from incorrectly calculating the slope and then misidentifying the slope as the y-
intercept. Choice C is incorrect and may result from misidentifying the slope as the y-intercept. Choice D is incorrect
and may result from incorrectly calculating the slope.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f75bd744
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f75bd744

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

ID: f75bd744 Answer

Correct Answer: 8

Rationale
The correct answer is . The given system of equations can be solved using the elimination method. Multiplying both
sides of the second equation in the given system by yields , or . Adding this
equation to the first equation in the given system, , yields
, or . Subtracting from both sides
of this equation yields , or . If the given
system has no solution, then the equation has no solution. If this equation has no solution,
the coefficients of on each side of the equation, and , must be equal, which yields the equation
. Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Thus, if the system has no solution, the value of is .

Alternate approach: A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the lines represented
by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct. Lines represented by equations in the form ,
where , , and are constant terms, are parallel if the ratio of the x-coefficients is equal to the ratio of the y-
coefficients, and distinct if the ratio of the x-coefficients are not equal to the ratio of the constant terms. Subtracting
from both sides of the first equation in the given system yields , or
. Subtracting from both sides of the second equation in the given system yields
, or . The ratio of the x-coefficients for these equations is , or
. The ratio of the y-coefficients for these equations is . The ratio of the constant terms for these equations is
, or . Since the ratio of the x-coefficients, , is not equal to the ratio of the constants, , the lines represented by
the equations are distinct. Setting the ratio of the x-coefficients equal to the ratio of the y-coefficients yields
. Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields , or .
Therefore, when , the lines represented by these equations are parallel. Thus, if the system has no solution, the
value of is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b450ab03
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b450ab03

An employee at a restaurant prepares sandwiches and salads. It takes the employee minutes to prepare a
sandwich and minutes to prepare a salad. The employee spends a total of minutes preparing sandwiches
and salads. Which equation represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b450ab03 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the employee takes minutes to prepare a sandwich. Multiplying by the
number of sandwiches, , yields , the amount of time the employee spends preparing sandwiches. It’s also
given that the employee takes minutes to prepare a salad. Multiplying by the number of salads, , yields ,
the amount of time the employee spends preparing salads. It follows that the total amount of time, in minutes, the
employee spends preparing sandwiches and salads is . It's given that the employee spends a total of
minutes preparing sandwiches and salads. Thus, the equation represents this situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where it takes the employee minutes, rather than
minutes, to prepare a sandwich and minutes, rather than minutes, to prepare a salad.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where it takes the employee minute, rather than
minutes, to prepare a sandwich and minute, rather than minutes, to prepare a salad.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where it takes the employee minutes, rather than
minutes, to prepare a sandwich and minutes, rather than minutes, to prepare a salad.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b3abf40f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: b3abf40f

The function gives the temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, that corresponds to a temperature of kelvins. If a
temperature increased by kelvins, by how much did the temperature increase, in degrees Fahrenheit?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b3abf40f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the function gives the temperature, in degrees
Fahrenheit, that corresponds to a temperature of kelvins. A temperature that increased by kelvins means that
the value of increased by kelvins. It follows that an increase in by increases by , or .
Therefore, if a temperature increased by kelvins, the temperature increased by degrees Fahrenheit.

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 6ac23de7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 6ac23de7

In the equation above, what is the

value of x ?

A. 25

B. 24

C. 16

D. 15

ID: 6ac23de7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Multiplying both sides of the equation by 5 results in . Dividing both sides of the resulting
equation by 4 results in .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from adding 20 and 4. Choice C is incorrect and may result from dividing 20 by 5
and then multiplying the result by 4. Choice D is incorrect and may result from subtracting 5 from 20.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6e6a3241
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 6e6a3241

Which of the following graphs in the xy-plane could be used to

solve the system of equations above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6e6a3241 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The graph of a system of equations is the graph that shows the lines represented by each of the
equations in the system. The x-intercept of the graph of each given equation can be found by substituting 0 for y in
each equation: , or , and , or . The y-intercept of the graph of each equation can
be found by substituting 0 for x in each equation: , or , and or . Using these x- and
y- intercept values, the line that has equation passes through the points and , and the line that

has equation passes through the points and . Only the lines in choice C pass through these
points and can be used to solve the given system of equations.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. In choices A and B, neither line passes through and or and .

In choice D, although one line passes through and the other line doesn’t pass through and .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e6cb2402
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: e6cb2402

In the given equation, is a constant. The equation has no solution. What is the value of ?

ID: e6cb2402 Answer

Correct Answer: .9411, .9412, 16/17

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the equation has no solution. A linear equation in
the form , where , , , and are constants, has no solution only when the coefficients of on each
side of the equation are equal and the constant terms aren't equal. Dividing both sides of the given equation by yields
, or . Since the coefficients of on each side of the equation must be
equal, it follows that the value of is . Note that 16/17, .9411, .9412, and 0.941 are examples of ways to enter a
correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e470e19d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: e470e19d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e470e19d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The given function is a linear function. Therefore, the graph of in the xy-plane has one
x-intercept at the point , where is a constant. Substituting for and for in the given function yields
. Adding to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. Therefore, the x-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane is .

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: Medium

Question ID f7e39fe9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: f7e39fe9

The table shows four values of and their corresponding values of . There is a linear relationship between and
that is defined by the equation , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

ID: f7e39fe9 Answer

Correct Answer: 11

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that is defined by the equation , where is a constant. It's
also given in the table that when , . Substituting for and for in the equation
yields, . Adding to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing
both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID aff28230
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: aff28230

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: aff28230 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given by the first equation in the given system of equations that . Substituting for
in the second equation in the given system yields , or . Therefore, the value of is .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not the value of .

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f5929f7a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f5929f7a

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f5929f7a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given by the first equation in the system that . Substituting for in the second
equation in the system yields . Multiplying the left-hand side of this equation by and the right-hand side
by yields . Adding to both sides of this equation yields . Multiplying both sides of this
equation by yields .

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: Medium

Question ID 6c71f3ec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 6c71f3ec

A salesperson’s total earnings consist of a base salary of dollars per year, plus commission earnings of of the
total sales the salesperson makes during the year. This year, the salesperson has a goal for the total earnings to be at
least times and at most times the base salary. Which of the following inequalities represents all possible values of
total sales , in dollars, the salesperson can make this year in order to meet that goal?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6c71f3ec Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that a salesperson's total earnings consist of a base salary of dollars per year plus
commission earnings of of the total sales the salesperson makes during the year. If the salesperson makes
dollars in total sales this year, the salesperson’s total earnings can be represented by the expression . It’s
also given that the salesperson has a goal for the total earnings to be at least times and at most times the base
salary, which can be represented by the expressions and , respectively. Therefore, this situation can be
represented by the inequality . Subtracting from each part of this inequality yields
. Dividing each part of this inequality by yields . Therefore, the inequality
represents all possible values of total sales , in dollars, the salesperson can make this year in
order to meet their goal.

Choice A is incorrect. This inequality represents a situation in which the total sales, rather than the total earnings, are at
least times and at most times, rather than at least times and at most times, the base salary.

Choice C is incorrect. This inequality represents a situation in which the total sales, rather than the total earnings, are at
least times and at most times the base salary.

Choice D is incorrect. This inequality represents a situation in which the total earnings are at least times and at most
times, rather than at least times and at most times, the base salary.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7392dfc1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 7392dfc1

Which of the following is

equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7392dfc1 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Dividing each side of the original equation by yields , which simplifies to
.

Choice A is incorrect. Dividing each side of the original equation by gives , which is not equivalent to

. Choice B is incorrect. Dividing each side of the original equation by gives , which is not

equivalent to . Choice C is incorrect. Dividing each side of the original equation by gives , which
is not equivalent to .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 93954cfa
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 93954cfa

One pound of grapes costs $2. At this rate, how many

dollars will c pounds of grapes cost?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 93954cfa Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. If one pound of grapes costs $2, two pounds of grapes will cost 2 times $2, three pounds of grapes
will cost 3 times $2, and so on. Therefore, c pounds of grapes will cost c times $2, which is 2c dollars.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from incorrectly adding instead of multiplying. Choice C is incorrect and may result
from assuming that c pounds cost $2, and then finding the cost per pound. Choice D is incorrect and could result from
incorrectly assuming that 2 pounds cost $c, and then finding the cost per pound.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5cf1bbc9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 5cf1bbc9

The graph of the function , where , gives the total cost , in dollars, for a certain video game system and
games. What is the best interpretation of the slope of the graph in this context?

A. Each game costs .

B. The video game system costs .

C. The video game system costs .

D. Each game costs .

ID: 5cf1bbc9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The given graph is a line, and the slope of a line is defined as the change in the value of for each
increase in the value of by . It’s given that represents the total cost, in dollars, and that represents the number of
games. Therefore, the change in the value of for each increase in the value of by represents the change in total
cost, in dollars, for each increase in the number of games by . In other words, the slope represents the cost, in dollars,
per game. The graph shows that when the value of increases from to , the value of increases from to . It
follows that the slope is , or the cost per game is . Thus, the best interpretation of the slope of the graph is that
each game costs .

Choice B is incorrect. This is an interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph rather than the slope of the graph.

Choice C is incorrect. The slope of the graph is the cost per game, not the cost of the video game system.

Choice D is incorrect. Each game costs , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 74c03c21
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 74c03c21

A bus traveled on the highway and on local roads to complete a trip of . The trip took . The bus
traveled at an average speed of on the highway and an average speed of on local
roads. If is the time, in hours, the bus traveled on the highway and is the time, in hours, it traveled on local roads,
which system of equations represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 74c03c21 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. If the bus traveled at an average speed of on the highway for hours,
then the bus traveled miles on the highway. If the bus traveled at an average speed of on local roads for
hours, then the bus traveled miles on local roads. It's given that the trip was miles. This can be represented by
the equation . It's also given that the trip took hours. This can be represented by the equation
. Therefore, the system consisting of the equations and represents this
situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where the trip was miles and took hours.

Choice C is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where the trip was miles and took hours,
and the bus traveled at an average speed of on the highway and on local roads.

Choice D is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where the bus traveled at an average speed of
on the highway and on local roads.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9c7741c6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 9c7741c6

On a 210-mile trip, Cameron drove at an average speed of 60 miles per hour for
the first x hours. He then completed the trip, driving at an average speed of 50
miles per hour for the remaining y hours. If , what is the value of y ?

ID: 9c7741c6 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 3. It’s given that Cameron drove 60 miles per hour for x hours; therefore, the distance driven at
this speed can be represented by . He then drove 50 miles per hour for y hours; therefore, the distance driven at
this speed can be represented by . Since Cameron drove 210 total miles, the equation
represents this situation. If , substitution yields , or . Subtracting 60 from
both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 50 yields .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 68f2cbaf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 68f2cbaf

Ty set a goal to walk at least kilometers every day to prepare for a multiday hike. On a certain day, Ty plans to walk
at an average speed of kilometers per hour. What is the minimum number of hours Ty must walk on that day to fulfill
the daily goal?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 68f2cbaf Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that Ty plans to walk at an average speed of kilometers per hour. The number of
kilometers Ty will walk is determined by the expression , where is the number of hours Ty walks. The given goal of
at least kilometers means that the inequality represents the situation. Dividing both sides of this inequality
by gives , which corresponds to a minimum of hours Ty must walk.

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: Easy

Question ID 8abed0fb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 8abed0fb

What is the solution to the given

system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8abed0fb Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Since it’s given that , substituting 1 for x in the first equation yields . Simplifying
the right-hand side of this equation yields , or . Therefore, the ordered pair is a solution to the
given system of equations.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error when substituting 1 for x in the first equation. Choices C
and D are incorrect. Because it’s given that , x cannot equal 2 as stated in these ordered pairs.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e1259a5a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e1259a5a
A system of two linear equations is graphed in the xy-plane below.

Which of the following points is the solution to

the system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e1259a5a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The solution to this system of linear equations is the point that lies on both lines graphed, or the
point of intersection of the two lines. According to the graphs, the point of intersection occurs when and ,
or at the point .

Choices B and D are incorrect. Each of these points lies on one line, but not on both lines in the xy-plane. Choice C is
incorrect. This point doesn’t lie on either of the lines graphed in the xy-plane.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b988eeec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: b988eeec

The functions and are defined as and . If the function is defined as

, what is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane?

ID: b988eeec Answer

Correct Answer: -12

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the functions and are defined as and
. If the function is defined as , then substituting for and for in
this function yields . This can be rewritten as , or . The
x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where . The equation representing the graph of
is . Substituting for in this equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of
this equation yields , or . Therefore, the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of in
the xy-plane is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3d04de9c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 3d04de9c

A principal used a total of flags that were either blue or yellow for field day. The principal used blue flags. How
many yellow flags were used?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 3d04de9c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that a principal used a total of blue flags and yellow flags. It's also given that of the
flags used, flags were blue. Subtracting the number of blue flags used from the total number of flags used results in
the number of yellow flags used. It follows that the number of yellow flags used is , or .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of blue flags used.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the total number of flags used.

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 70feb725
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 70feb725

During a month, Morgan ran r miles at 5 miles per hour and biked b miles at
10 miles per hour. She ran and biked a total of 200 miles that month, and she
biked for twice as many hours as she ran. What is the total number of miles
that Morgan biked during the month?

A. 80

B. 100

C. 120

D. 160

ID: 70feb725 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The number of hours Morgan spent running or biking can be calculated by dividing the distance
she traveled during that activity by her speed, in miles per hour, for that activity. So the number of hours she ran can be

represented by the expression , and the number of hours she biked can be represented by the expression . It’s

given that she biked for twice as many hours as she ran, so this can be represented by the equation ,
which can be rewritten as . It’s also given that she ran r miles and biked b miles, and that she ran and biked a
total of 200 miles. This can be represented by the equation . Substituting for b in this equation yields
, or . Solving for r yields . Determining the number of miles she biked, b, can be found by
substituting 40 for r in , which yields . Solving for b yields .

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they don’t satisfy that Morgan biked for twice as many hours as she ran. In
choice A, if she biked 80 miles, then she ran 120 miles, which means she biked for 8 hours and ran for 24 hours. In
choice B, if she biked 100 miles, then she ran 100 miles, which means she biked for 10 hours and ran for 20 hours. In
choice C, if she biked 120 miles, then she ran for 80 miles, which means she biked for 12 hours and ran for 16 hours.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8a87c2c8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 8a87c2c8

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8a87c2c8 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Adding the second equation in the given system to the first equation in the given system yields
. Adding like terms in this equation yields . Thus, the value of
is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of , not . Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 60f71697
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 60f71697

What value of is the solution to the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 60f71697 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Dividing both sides of the given equation by yields . Therefore, is the solution to the
given equation.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the solution to the equation .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the solution to the equation .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the solution to the equation .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 13294295
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 13294295

The graph shown models the number of candy bars a certain machine wraps with a label in seconds.

According to the graph, what is the estimated number of candy bars the machine wraps with a label per second?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 13294295 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. For the graph shown, the x-axis represents time, in seconds, and the y-axis represents the number
of candy bars wrapped. The slope of a line in the xy-plane is the change in for each -unit increase in . It follows that
the slope of the graph shown represents the estimated number of candy bars the machine wraps with a label per
second. The slope, , of a line in the xy-plane can be found using any two points, and , on the line and
the slope formula . The graph shown passes through the points and . Substituting these
points for and , respectively, in the slope formula yields , which is equivalent to ,
or . Therefore, the estimated number of candy bars the machine wraps with a label per second is .

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: Easy

Question ID ed92fb68
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ed92fb68

If the system of equations above has solution ,

what is the value of ?

A. 0

B. 9

C. 18

D. 38

ID: ed92fb68 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Adding the given equations yields 9x + 9y = 162. Dividing each side of the equation 9x + 9y = 162
by 9 gives x + y = 18.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from incorrectly adding the equations. Choice B is incorrect and may result from
conceptual or computational errors. Choice D is incorrect. This value is equivalent to y – x.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1a621af4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 1a621af4

A number is at most less than times the value of . If the value of is , what is the greatest possible value of
?

ID: 1a621af4 Answer

Correct Answer: -14

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that a number is at most less than times the value of . Therefore, is less
than or equal to less than times the value of . The expression represents times the value of . The expression
represents less than times the value of . Therefore, is less than or equal to . This can be shown
by the inequality . Substituting for in this inequality yields or, . Therefore, if
the value of is , the greatest possible value of is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3e9eaffc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3e9eaffc

Caleb used juice to make popsicles. The function approximates the volume, in fluid ounces, of
juice Caleb had remaining after making popsicles. Which statement is the best interpretation of the y-intercept of the
graph of in the xy-plane in this context?

A. Caleb used approximately fluid ounces of juice for each popsicle.

B. Caleb had approximately fluid ounces of juice when he began to make the popsicles.

C. Caleb had approximately fluid ounces of juice when he began to make the popsicles.

D. Caleb used approximately fluid ounces of juice for each popsicle.

ID: 3e9eaffc Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. An equation that defines a linear function can be written in the form , where
represents the slope and represents the y-intercept, , of the line of in the xy-plane. The function
is linear. Therefore, the graph of the given function in the xy-plane has a y-intercept of
. It’s given that gives the approximate volume, in fluid ounces, of juice Caleb had remaining after making
popsicles. It follows that the y-intercept of means that Caleb had approximately fluid ounces of juice
remaining after making popsicles. In other words, Caleb had approximately fluid ounces of juice when he began to
make the popsicles.

Choice A is incorrect. This is an interpretation of the slope, rather than the y-intercept, of the graph of in the
xy-plane.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID af2ba762
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: af2ba762
According to data provided by the US Department of Energy, the average price per gallon of regular gasoline in the
United States from September 1, 2014, to December 1, 2014, is modeled by the function F defined below, where
is the average price per gallon x months after September 1.

The constant 2.74 in this function estimates which of the following?

A. The average monthly decrease in the price per gallon

B. The difference in the average price per gallon from September 1, 2014, to December 1, 2014

C. The average price per gallon on September 1, 2014

D. The average price per gallon on December 1, 2014

ID: af2ba762 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since 2.74 is a constant term, it represents an actual price of gas rather than a measure of change
in gas price. To determine what gas price it represents, find x such that F(x) = 2.74, or 2.74 = 2.74 – 0.19(x – 3).
Subtracting 2.74 from both sides gives 0 = –0.19(x – 3). Dividing both sides by –0.19 results in 0 = x – 3, or x = 3.
Therefore, the average price of gas is $2.74 per gallon 3 months after September 1, 2014, which is December 1, 2014.

Choice A is incorrect. Since 2.74 is a constant, not a multiple of x, it cannot represent a rate of change in price. Choice
B is incorrect. The difference in the average price from September 1, 2014, to December 1, 2014, is F(3) – F(0) = 2.74 –
0.19(3 – 3) – (2.74 – 0.19(0 – 3)) = 2.74 – (2.74 + 0.57) = –0.57, which is not 2.74. Choice C is incorrect. The average
price per gallon on September 1, 2014, is F(0) = 2.74 – 0.19(0 – 3) = 2.74 + 0.57 = 3.31, which is not 2.74.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 19fdf387
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 19fdf387

In the xy-plane, the graph of intersects the graph of at

the point . What is the value of a ?

A. 3

B. 6

C. 9

D. 12

ID: 19fdf387 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Since the graph of intersects the graph of at the point , the ordered pair
is the solution to the system of linear equations consisting of and , and the value of a is the
value of x in the solution of this system. Since both and are equal to y, it follows that .
Subtracting x from and adding 6 to both sides of the equation yields . Therefore, the value of a is 9.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from a calculation or conceptual error in solving the system of equations
consisting of and . Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of b, not a.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a775af14
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a775af14

In the xy-plane, the graph of the linear function contains the points and . Which equation defines ,
where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a775af14 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. In the xy-plane, the graph of a linear function can be written in the form , where
represents the slope and represents the y-intercept of the graph of . It’s given that the graph of the
linear function , where , in the xy-plane contains the point . Thus, . The slope of the graph of a
line containing any two points and can be found using the slope formula, . Since it’s
given that the graph of the linear function contains the points and , it follows that the slope of the graph
of the line containing these points is , or . Substituting for and for in yields
.

Choice A is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID db0107df
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: db0107df

The y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane is . What is the value of ?

ID: db0107df Answer

Correct Answer: 9

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane is .
Substituting for in the equation yields , or . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b9835972
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b9835972

In the xy-plane, line 𝓁 passes through the point

. If line 𝓁 also passes through the point
and is parallel to the line represented by the equation
, what is the value of ?

ID: b9835972 Answer

Correct Answer: 24

Rationale

the line and is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. It's given that line 𝓁 passes through the point
The correct answer is . A line in the xy-plane can be defined by the equation , where is the slope of

Therefore, the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of line 𝓁 is . It's given that line 𝓁 is parallel to the line represented by the
.

equation . Since parallel lines have the same slope, it follows that the slope of line 𝓁 is . Therefore, line 𝓁

. If line 𝓁 passes through the point

can be defined by an equation in the form , where and . Substituting for and for in
yields the equation , or , then when ,
for the equation . Substituting for and for in the equation yields , or .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID df32b09c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: df32b09c

Tom scored 85, 78, and 98 on his first three exams in history class. Solving
which inequality gives the score, G, on Tom’s fourth exam that will result in a
mean score on all four exams of at least 90 ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: df32b09c Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The mean of the four scores (G, 85, 78, and 98) can be expressed as . The
inequality that expresses the condition that the mean score is at least 90 can therefore be written as

Choice A is incorrect. The sum of the scores (G, 85, 78, and 98) isn’t divided by 4 to express the mean. Choice B is
incorrect and may be the result of an algebraic error when multiplying both sides of the inequality by 4. Choice D is
incorrect because it doesn’t include G in the mean with the other three scores.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e1248a5c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e1248a5c

In the system of equations below, a and c are constants.

If the system of equations has an infinite number of solutions , what is the
value of a ?

A.

B. 0

C.

D.

ID: e1248a5c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations has infinitely many solutions if one equation is equivalent to the
other. This means that when the two equations are written in the same form, each coefficient or constant in one
equation is equal to the corresponding coefficient or constant in the other equation multiplied by the same number. The
equations in the given system of equations are written in the same form, with x and y on the left-hand side and a
constant on the right-hand side of the equation. The coefficient of y in the second equation is equal to the coefficient of
y in the first equation multiplied by 3. Therefore, a, the coefficient of x in the second equation, must be equal to 3 times

the coefficient of x in the first equation: , or .

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. When , , or , the given system of equations has one solution.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b8cbe394
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: b8cbe394

Sean rents a tent at a cost of per day plus a onetime insurance fee of . Which equation represents the total
cost , in dollars, to rent the tent with insurance for days?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b8cbe394 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the cost of renting a tent is per day for days. Multiplying the rental cost by the
number of days yields , which represents the cost of renting the tent for days before the insurance is added.
Adding the onetime insurance fee of to the rental cost of gives the total cost , in dollars, which can be
represented by the equation .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents the total cost to rent the tent if the insurance fee was charged every
day.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents the total cost to rent the tent if the daily fee was for days.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents the total cost to rent the tent if the daily fee was and the onetime
fee was .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 05bb1af9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 05bb1af9

The graph of is shown. Which equation defines function ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 05bb1af9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. An equation for the graph shown can be written in slope-intercept form , where is
the slope of the graph and its y-intercept is . Since the y-intercept of the graph shown is , the value of is .
Since the graph also passes through the point , the slope can be calculated as , or . Therefore, the value
of is . Substituting for and for in the equation yields . It’s given that an
equation for the graph shown is . Substituting for in the equation yields
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields .

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 cc7ffe02
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: cc7ffe02

Keenan made cups of vegetable broth. Keenan then filled small jars and large jars with all the vegetable broth
he made. The equation represents this situation. Which is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. The number of large jars Keenan filled

B. The number of small jars Keenan filled

C. The total number of cups of vegetable broth in the large jars

D. The total number of cups of vegetable broth in the small jars

ID: cc7ffe02 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the equation represents the situation where Keenan filled small jars
and large jars with all the vegetable broth he made, which was cups. Therefore, represents the total number of
cups of vegetable broth in the small jars and represents the total number of cups of vegetable broth in the large
jars.

Choice A is incorrect. The number of large jars Keenan filled is represented by , not .

Choice B is incorrect. The number of small jars Keenan filled is represented by , not .

Choice D is incorrect. The total number of cups of vegetable broth in the small jars is represented by , not .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID dae126d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: dae126d7

The boiling point of water at sea level is 212 degrees Fahrenheit . For every
550 feet above sea level, the boiling point of water is lowered by about .
Which of the following equations can be used to find the boiling point B of
water, in , x feet above sea level?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dae126d7 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the boiling point of water at sea level is 212°F and that for every 550 feet above sea
level, the boiling point of water is lowered by about 1°F. Therefore, the change in the boiling point of water x feet above

sea level is represented by the expression . Adding this expression to the boiling point of water at sea level

gives the equation for the boiling point B of water, in °F, x feet above sea level: , or
.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from using the boiling point of water at sea level as the rate of change
and the rate of change as the initial boiling point of water at sea level. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
representing the change in the boiling point of water as an increase rather than a decrease.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bf5f80c6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: bf5f80c6

Which point ( , ) is a solution to the given inequality in the -plane?

A. ( , )

B. ( , )

C. ( , )

D. ( , )

ID: bf5f80c6 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice D is correct. For a point to be a solution to the given inequality in the xy-plane, the value of the point’s y-
coordinate must be less than the value of , where is the value of the x-coordinate of the point. This is true of
the point because , or . Therefore, the point is a solution to the given
inequality.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. None of these points are a solution to the given inequality because each point’s y-
coordinate is greater than the value of for the point’s x-coordinate.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 12983c1e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 12983c1e

Some values of the linear function f are shown in the table above.
Which of the following defines f ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 12983c1e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Because f is a linear function of x, the equation , where m and b are constants, can
be used to define the relationship between x and f (x). In this equation, m represents the increase in the value of f (x) for
every increase in the value of x by 1. From the table, it can be determined that the value of f (x) increases by 8 for every

increase in the value of x by 2. In other words, for the function f the value of m is , or 4. The value of b can be found
by substituting the values of x and f (x) from any row of the table and the value of m into the equation
and solving for b. For example, using , , and yields . Solving for b yields .
Therefore, the equation defining the function f can be written in the form .

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Any equation defining the linear function f must give values of f (x) for corresponding
values of x, as shown in each row of the table. According to the table, if , . However, substituting
into the equation given in choice A gives , or , not 13. Similarly, substituting into the
equation given in choice B gives , or , not 13.

Lastly, substituting into the equation given in choice D gives , or , not 13. Therefore, the
equations in choices A, B, and D cannot define f.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8368afd1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8368afd1

The graph shows the possible combinations of the number of pounds of tangerines and lemons that could be
purchased for at a certain store. If Melvin purchased lemons and pounds of tangerines for a total of , how
many pounds of lemons did he purchase?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8368afd1 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that the graph shows the possible combinations of the number of pounds of tangerines,
, and the number of pounds of lemons, , that could be purchased for at a certain store. If Melvin purchased
lemons and pounds of tangerines for a total of , the number of pounds of lemons he purchased is represented by
the y-coordinate of the point on the graph where . For the graph shown, when , . Therefore, if
Melvin purchased lemons and pounds of tangerines for a total of , then he purchased pounds of lemons.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of tangerines Melvin purchased if he purchased tangerines and
pounds of lemons for a total of .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of lemons Melvin purchased if he purchased lemons and pounds
of tangerines for a total of .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of lemons Melvin purchased if he purchased lemons and pound
of tangerines for a total of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ae2287e2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ae2287e2

A certain product costs a company $65 to make. The product is sold by a

salesperson who earns a commission that is equal to 20% of the sales price of
the product. The profit the company makes for each unit is equal to the sales
price minus the combined cost of making the product and the commission. If
the sales price of the product is $100, which of the following equations gives
the number of units, u, of the product the company sold to make a profit of
$6,840 ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ae2287e2 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The sales price of one unit of the product is given as $100. Because the salesperson is awarded a
commission equal to 20% of the sales price, the expression 100(1 – 0.2) gives the sales price of one unit after the
commission is deducted. It is also given that the profit is equal to the sales price minus the combined cost of making
the product, or $65, and the commission: 100(1 – 0.2) – 65. Multiplying this expression by u gives the profit of u units:
(100(1 – 0.2) – 65)u. Finally, it is given that the profit for u units is $6,840; therefore (100(1 – 0.2) – 65)u = $6,840.

Choice B is incorrect. In this equation, cost is subtracted before commission and the equation gives the commission,
not what the company retains after commission. Choice C is incorrect because the number of units is multiplied only
by the cost but not by the sale price. Choice D is incorrect because the value 0.2 shows the commission, not what the
company retains after commission.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 70d9516e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 70d9516e

A bus is traveling at a constant speed along a straight portion of road. The equation gives the distance , in
feet from a road marker, that the bus will be seconds after passing the marker. How many feet from the marker will
the bus be seconds after passing the marker?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 70d9516e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that represents the number of seconds after the bus passes the marker. Substituting
for in the given equation yields , or . Therefore, the bus will be feet from the marker
seconds after passing it.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the distance, in feet, the bus will be from the marker second, not seconds, after
passing it.

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the distance, in feet, the bus will be from the marker seconds, not seconds, after
passing it.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 1362ccde
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 1362ccde

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

ID: 1362ccde Answer

Correct Answer: 35

Rationale
The correct answer is . The first equation in the given system of equations defines as . Substituting
for in the second equation in the given system of equations yields . Applying the distributive
property on the left-hand side of this equation yields . Subtracting from each side of this
equation yields . Subtracting from each side of this equation yields . Substituting for in
the first equation of the given system of equations yields , or . Substituting for and
for into the expression yields , or .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 720e51ac
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 720e51ac

The cost , in dollars, for a manufacturer to make rings is represented by the line shown.

What is the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make rings?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 720e51ac Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The line shown represents the cost , in dollars, for a manufacturer to make rings. For the line
shown, the x-axis represents the number of rings made by the manufacturer and the y-axis represents the cost, in
dollars. Therefore, the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make rings is represented by the y-coordinate of the
point on the line that has an x-coordinate of . The point on the line with an x-coordinate of has a y-coordinate of
. Therefore, the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make rings is .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make rings.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make rings.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 4de87c9a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 4de87c9a

more than times a number is equal to . Which equation represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4de87c9a Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The given phrase “ times a number ” can be represented by the expression . The given phrase
“ more than” indicates an increase of to a quantity. Therefore “ more than times a number ” can be represented
by the expression . Since it’s given that more than times a number is equal to , it follows that is
equal to , or . Therefore, the equation that represents this situation is .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents times the quantity times a number is equal to .

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents times a number is equal to more than .

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents more than times a number is equal to .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 52cb8ea4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 52cb8ea4

If is the solution to the system of equations above,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C. 5

D. 13

ID: 52cb8ea4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Subtracting the second equation, , from the first equation, , results in
, or . Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation
yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from miscalculating as . Choice C is incorrect and may result from
miscalculating as 5. Choice D is incorrect and may result from adding 9 to 4 instead of subtracting 9 from 4.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c307283c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c307283c

What is an equation of the graph shown?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c307283c Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. An equation of a line can be written in the form , where is the slope of the line and
is the y-intercept of the line. The line shown passes through the point , so . The line shown also
passes through the point . The slope, , of a line passing through two points and can be
calculated using the equation . For the points and , this gives , or
. Substituting for and for in yields , or . Therefore, an
equation of the graph shown is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is an equation of a line with a slope of , not .

Choice B is incorrect. This is an equation of a line with a slope of , not .

Choice D is incorrect. This is an equation of a line with a slope of , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8adf1335
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8adf1335

A city’s total expense budget for one year was x million dollars. The city
budgeted y million dollars for departmental expenses and 201 million dollars
for all other expenses. Which of the following represents the relationship
between x and y in this context?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8adf1335 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Of the city’s total expense budget for one year, the city budgeted y million dollars for departmental
expenses and 201 million dollars for all other expenses. This means that the expression represents the total
expense budget, in millions of dollars, for one year. It’s given that the total expense budget for one year is x million
dollars. It follows then that the expression is equivalent to x, or . Subtracting y from both sides of
this equation yields . By the symmetric property of equality, this is the same as .

Choices A and C are incorrect. Because it’s given that the total expense budget for one year, x million dollars, is
comprised of the departmental expenses, y million dollars, and all other expenses, 201 million dollars, the expressions
and both must be equivalent to a value greater than 201 million dollars. Therefore, the equations
and aren’t true. Choice D is incorrect. The value of x must be greater than the value of y.
Therefore, can’t represent this relationship.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 9db5b5c1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 9db5b5c1

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9db5b5c1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that and is a system of equations with a solution .
Adding the second equation in the given system to the first equation yields , which is
equivalent to . Thus, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. This represents the value of .

Choice B is incorrect. This represents the value of .

Choice D is incorrect. This represents the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 80da233d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 80da233d

A certain elephant weighs 200 pounds at birth and gains more than 2 but less
than 3 pounds per day during its first year. Which of the following inequalities
represents all possible weights w, in pounds, for the elephant 365 days after
birth?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 80da233d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the elephant weighs 200 pounds at birth and gains more than 2 pounds but less than
3 pounds per day during its first year. The inequality represents this situation, where d is the
number of days after birth. Substituting 365 for d in the inequality gives , or
.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from solving the inequality . Choice B is incorrect and may
result from solving the inequality for a weight range of more than 1 pound but less than 2 pounds:
. Choice C is incorrect and may result from calculating the possible weight gained
by the elephant during the first year without adding the 200 pounds the elephant weighed at birth.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 271f7e3f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 271f7e3f

For the function f defined above, what is the

value of ?

A. 1

B. 2

C.

D.

ID: 271f7e3f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The value of can be calculated by finding the values of and . The value of

can be found by substituting 9 for x in the given function: . This equation can be rewritten as

, or 4. Then, the value of can be found by substituting 1 for x in the given function: .

This equation can be rewritten as , or 2. Therefore, , which is equivalent to 2.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may result from incorrectly substituting values of x in the given function or
making computational errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 70e29454
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 70e29454

In the equation above, a and b are constants. If the equation has infinitely many
solutions, what are the values of a and b ?

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: 70e29454 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Distributing the a on the left-hand side of the equation gives 3a – b – ax = –1 – 2x. Rearranging the
terms in each side of the equation yields –ax + 3a – b = –2x –1. Since the equation has infinitely many solutions, it
follows that the coefficients of x and the free terms on both sides must be equal. That is, –a = –2, or a = 2, and 3a – b
= –1. Substituting 2 for a in the equation 3a – b = –1 gives 3(2) – b = –1, so b = 7.

Choice A is incorrect and may be the result of a conceptual error when finding the value of b. Choices C and D are
incorrect and may result from making a sign error when simplifying.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e7b6f0d1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: e7b6f0d1

Which equation has the same solution as the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e7b6f0d1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields , which is the equation given in
choice C. Since this equation is equivalent to the given equation, it has the same solution as the given equation.

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: Easy

Question ID 0b46bad5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 0b46bad5

In the equation above, a and b are constants and . Which of the

following could represent the graph of the equation in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0b46bad5 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The given equation can be rewritten in slope-intercept form, , where m
represents the slope of the line represented by the equation, and k represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the
line. Subtracting ax from both sides of the equation yields , and dividing both sides of this equation by b

yields , or . With the equation now in slope-intercept form, it shows that , which
means the y-coordinate of the y-intercept is 1. It’s given that a and b are both greater than 0 (positive) and that .

Since , the slope of the line must be a value between and 0. Choice C is the only graph of a line that has
a y-value of the y-intercept that is 1 and a slope that is between and 0.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the slopes of the lines in these graphs aren’t between and 0.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b31c3117
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b31c3117

The Karvonen formula above shows the relationship between Alice’s target
heart rate H, in beats per minute (bpm), and the intensity level p of different
activities. When , Alice has a resting heart rate. When , Alice has her
maximum heart rate. It is recommended that p be between 0.5 and 0.85 for
Alice when she trains. Which of the following inequalities describes Alice’s
target training heart rate?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b31c3117 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. When Alice trains, it’s recommended that p be between 0.5 and 0.85. Therefore, her target training
heart rate is represented by the values of H corresponding to . When , , or
. When , , or . Therefore, the inequality that describes Alice’s target
training heart rate is .

Choice B is incorrect. This inequality describes Alice’s target heart rate for . Choice C is incorrect. This
inequality describes her target heart rate for . Choice D is incorrect. This inequality describes her target
heart rate for .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f79fffba
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: f79fffba

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f79fffba Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The value of can be found by substituting for in the equation defining . Substituting
for in yields , or . Therefore, the value of is .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

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: Easy

Question ID 7d5d1b32
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 7d5d1b32

In the given equation, and are constants and . The equation has no solution. What is the value of ?

ID: 7d5d1b32 Answer

Correct Answer: -.9333, -14/15

Rationale
The correct answer is . A linear equation in the form has no solution only when the coefficients
of on each side of the equation are equal and the constant terms are not equal. Dividing both sides of the given
equation by yields , or . Since it’s given that the equation has no
solution, the coefficient of on both sides of this equation must be equal, and the constant terms on both sides of this
equation must not be equal. Since , and it's given that , the second condition is true. Thus, must be
equal to . Note that -14/15, -.9333, and -0.933 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e7343559
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: e7343559

Which table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e7343559 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Each of the given choices gives three values of : , , and . Substituting for in the given
equation yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given
equation yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given
equation is . Substituting for in the given equation yields , or . Therefore, when ,
the corresponding value of for the given equation is . Substituting for in the given equation yields
, or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given equation is . Choice
C gives three values of , , , and , and their corresponding values of , , , and , respectively, for the given
equation.

Choice A is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation .

Choice B is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation
.

Choice D is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f09097b1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: f09097b1

An agricultural scientist studying the growth of corn plants recorded the height
of a corn plant at the beginning of a study and the height of the plant each day
for the next 12 days. The scientist found that the height of the plant increased
by an average of 1.20 centimeters per day for the 12 days. If the height of the
plant on the last day of the study was 36.8 centimeters, what was the height, in
centimeters, of the corn plant at the beginning of the study?

ID: f09097b1 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 22.4. If the height of the plant increased by an average of 1.20 centimeters per day for 12 days,
then its total growth over the 12 days was centimeters. The plant was 36.8 centimeters tall after 12
days, so at the beginning of the study its height was centimeters. Note that 22.4 and 112/5 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Alternate approach: The equation can be used to represent this situation, where h is the height of
the plant, in centimeters, at the beginning of the study. Solving this equation for h yields 22.4 centimeters.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a9039591
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a9039591

For the linear function , the table shows three values of and their corresponding values of . Which equation
defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a9039591 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. An equation that defines a linear function can be written in the form , where
and are constants. It's given in the table that when , . Substituting for and for in the
equation yields , or . Substituting for in the equation
yields . It's also given in the table that when , . Substituting for and for
in the equation yields , or . Subtracting from both sides of this
equation yields . Substituting for in the equation yields .

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: Easy

Question ID c362c210
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c362c210

The points plotted in the coordinate plane above represent the possible
numbers of wallflowers and cornflowers that someone can buy at the Garden
Store in order to spend exactly $24.00 total on the two types of flowers. The
price of each wallflower is the same and the price of each cornflower is the
same. What is the price, in dollars, of 1 cornflower?

ID: c362c210 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 1.5. The point corresponds to the situation where 16 cornflowers and 0 wallflowers are
purchased. Since the total spent on the two types of flowers is $24.00, it follows that the price of 16 cornflowers is
$24.00, and the price of one cornflower is $1.50. Note that 1.5 and 3/2 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ee7b1de1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: ee7b1de1

A small business owner budgets to purchase candles. The owner must purchase a minimum of candles to
maintain the discounted pricing. If the owner pays per candle to purchase small candles and per candle
to purchase large candles, what is the maximum number of large candles the owner can purchase to stay within the
budget and maintain the discounted pricing?

ID: ee7b1de1 Answer

Correct Answer: 182

Rationale
The correct answer is . Let represent the number of small candles the owner can purchase, and let 𝓁 represent the
number of large candles the owner can purchase. It’s given that the owner pays per candle to purchase small

𝓁 𝓁 𝓁 dollars to purchase
candles and per candle to purchase large candles. Therefore, the owner pays dollars for small candles

𝓁
and dollars for large candles, which means the owner pays a total of

𝓁
candles. It’s given that the owner budgets to purchase candles. Therefore, . It’s also

𝓁 𝓁
given that the owner must purchase a minimum of candles. Therefore, . The inequalities

inequality so that its left-hand side is equivalent to the left-hand side of the first inequality. Subtracting 𝓁 from both
and can be combined into one compound inequality by rewriting the second

𝓁 𝓁. Multiplying both sides of this inequality by

𝓁 , or 𝓁. Adding 𝓁 to both sides of this inequality yields
sides of the inequality yields yields

𝓁 𝓁 𝓁, or 𝓁 𝓁. This inequality can be combined

𝓁
𝓁 𝓁 𝓁
with the inequality , which yields the compound inequality

𝓁 yields approximately 𝓁
. It follows that . Subtracting from both sides of
this inequality yields . Dividing both sides of this inequality by .
Since the number of large candles the owner purchases must be a whole number, the maximum number of large
candles the owner can purchase is the largest whole number less than , which is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c17d9ba9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: c17d9ba9

A number is at most less than times the value of . If the value of is , what is the greatest possible value of
?

ID: c17d9ba9 Answer

Correct Answer: -2

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that a number is at most less than times the value of , or .
Substituting for in this inequality yields , or . Thus, if the value of is , the greatest
possible value of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 94b48cbf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 94b48cbf

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 94b48cbf Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The x-coordinate of the x-intercept can be found by substituting for in the given
equation, which gives , or . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields .
Therefore, the value of is . The y-coordinate of the y-intercept can be found by substituting for in the
given equation, which gives , or . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. Therefore, the value of is . It follows that the value of is , which is equivalent to , or
.

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 1035faea
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 1035faea

A psychologist set up an experiment to study the tendency of a person to

select the first item when presented with a series of items. In the experiment,
300 people were presented with a set of five pictures arranged in random order.
Each person was asked to choose the most appealing picture. Of the first
150 participants, 36 chose the first picture in the set. Among the remaining
150 participants, p people chose the first picture in the set. If more than 20% of
all participants chose the first picture in the set, which of the following
inequalities best describes the possible values of p ?

A. , where

B. , where

C. , where

D. , where

ID: 1035faea Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Of the first 150 participants, 36 chose the first picture in the set, and of the 150 remaining
participants, p chose the first picture in the set. Hence, the proportion of the participants who chose the first picture in

the set is . Since more than 20% of all the participants chose the first picture, it follows that .

This inequality can be rewritten as . Since p is a number of people among the remaining 150
participants, .

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may be the result of some incorrect interpretations of the given information or of
computational errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c5082ce3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: c5082ce3

The score on a trivia game is obtained by subtracting the number of incorrect

answers from twice the number of correct answers. If a player answered
40 questions and obtained a score of 50, how many questions did the player
answer correctly?

ID: c5082ce3 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 30. Let x represent the number of correct answers from the player and y represent the number of
incorrect answers from the player. Since the player answered 40 questions in total, the equation represents
this situation. Also, since the score is found by subtracting the number of incorrect answers from twice the number of
correct answers and the player received a score of 50, the equation represents this situation. Adding the
equations in the system of two equations together yields . This can be rewritten as
. Finally, solving for x by dividing both sides of the equation by 3 yields .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8339793c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 8339793c

Nasir bought storage bins that were each the same price. He used a coupon for off the entire purchase. The cost
for the entire purchase after using the coupon was . What was the original price, in dollars, for storage bin?

ID: 8339793c Answer

Correct Answer: 10

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that the cost for the entire purchase was after a coupon was used for off
the entire purchase. Adding the amount of the coupon to the purchase price yields . Thus, the cost for
the entire purchase before using the coupon was . It’s given that Nasir bought storage bins. The original price for
storage bin can be found by dividing the total cost by . Therefore, the original price, in dollars, for storage bin is
, or .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 2e0290c3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2e0290c3

The graph shows the relationship between the number of shares of stock from Company A, , and the number of
shares of stock from Company B, , that Simone can purchase. Which equation could represent this relationship?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2e0290c3 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The graph shown is a line passing through the points and . Since the relationship
between and is linear, if two points on the graph make a linear equation true, then the equation represents the
relationship. Substituting for and for in the equation in choice B, , yields
, or , which is true. Substituting for and for in the equation
yields , or , which is true. Therefore, the equation
represents the relationship between and .

Choice A is incorrect. The point is not on the graph of this equation, since , or , is not
true.

Choice C is incorrect. The point is not on the graph of this equation, since , or , is not
true.

Choice D is incorrect. The point is not on the graph of this equation, since , or
, is not true.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dd797fe2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: dd797fe2

Mario purchased 4 binders that cost x dollars each and 3 notebooks that cost y
dollars each. If the given equation represents this situation, which of the
following is the best interpretation of 24 in this context?

A. The total cost, in dollars, for all binders purchased

B. The total cost, in dollars, for all notebooks purchased

C. The total cost, in dollars, for all binders and notebooks purchased

D. The difference in the total cost, in dollars, between the number of binders and notebooks purchased

ID: dd797fe2 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Since Mario purchased 4 binders that cost x dollars each, the expression represents the total
cost, in dollars, of the 4 binders he purchased. Since Mario purchased 3 notebooks that cost y dollars each, the
expression represents the total cost, in dollars, of the 3 notebooks he purchased. Therefore, the expression
represents the total cost, in dollars, for all binders and notebooks he purchased. In the given equation, the
expression is equal to 24. Therefore, it follows that 24 is the total cost, in dollars, for all binders and notebooks
purchased.

Choice A is incorrect. This is represented by the expression in the given equation. Choice B is incorrect. This is
represented by the expression in the given equation. Choice D is incorrect. This is represented by the expression
.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 45a534d0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 45a534d0

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

ID: 45a534d0 Answer

Correct Answer: -34

Rationale
The correct answer is . A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. Two lines represented by equations in standard
form , where , , and are constants, are parallel if the coefficients for and in one equation are
proportional to the corresponding coefficients in the other equation. The first equation in the given system can be
written in standard form by subtracting from both sides of the equation to yield . The second
equation in the given system can be written in standard form by adding to both sides of the equation to yield
. The coefficient of in this second equation, , is times the coefficient of in the first equation,
. For the lines to be parallel the coefficient of in the second equation, , must also be times the coefficient of in
the first equation, . Thus, , or . Therefore, if the given system has no solution, the value
of is .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 550b352c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 550b352c

How many solutions exist to the

equation shown above?

A. None

B. Exactly 1

C. Exactly 3

D. Infinitely many

ID: 550b352c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Subtracting 4 from each side of the given equation yields , or , so the equation has a
unique solution of .

Choice A is incorrect. Since 3 is a value of x that satisfies the given equation, the equation has at least 1 solution.
Choice C is incorrect. Linear equations can have 0, 1, or infinitely many solutions; no linear equation has exactly 3
solutions. Choice D is incorrect. If a linear equation has infinitely many solutions, it can be reduced to . This
equation reduces to , so there is only 1 solution.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a396ed75
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a396ed75

For a training program, Juan rides his bike at an average rate of minutes per mile. Which function models the
number of minutes it will take Juan to ride miles at this rate?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a396ed75 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It′s given that Juan rides his bike at an average rate of minutes per mile. The number of
minutes it will take Juan to ride miles can be determined by multiplying his average rate by the number of miles, ,
which yields . Therefore, the function models the number of minutes it will take Juan to ride
miles.

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: Easy

Question ID 50f4cb9c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 50f4cb9c

For the linear function , the table shows three values of and their corresponding values of . Function is
defined by , where and are constants. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 50f4cb9c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The table gives that when . Substituting 0 for and for into the equation
yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . The table gives
that when . Substituting for , for , and for into the equation
yields . Combining like terms yields , or . Since , substituting for
into this equation gives , which yields . Thus, the value of can be written as
, which is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of , not . Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 87071893
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 87071893

What value of is the solution to the given equation?

ID: 87071893 Answer

Correct Answer: 55

Rationale
The correct answer is . Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields . Therefore, the value of
is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ca9bb527
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ca9bb527

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ca9bb527 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given by the second equation in the system that . Substituting for in the first
equation yields . Adding to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Therefore, since and , the solution to the given system of equations is
.

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: Easy

Question ID 16889ef3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 16889ef3

Oil and gas production in a certain area dropped from 4 million barrels in 2000
to 1.9 million barrels in 2013. Assuming that the oil and gas production
decreased at a constant rate, which of the following linear functions f best
models the production, in millions of barrels, t years after the year 2000?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 16889ef3 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It is assumed that the oil and gas production decreased at a constant rate. Therefore, the function f
that best models the production t years after the year 2000 can be written as a linear function, , where m
is the rate of change of the oil and gas production and b is the oil and gas production, in millions of barrels, in the year
2000. Since there were 4 million barrels of oil and gas produced in 2000, . The rate of change, m, can be

calculated as , which is equivalent to , the rate of change in choice C.

Choices A and B are incorrect because each of these functions has a positive rate of change. Since the oil and gas
production decreased over time, the rate of change must be negative. Choice D is incorrect. This model may result
from misinterpreting 1.9 million barrels as the amount by which the production decreased.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c651cc56
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c651cc56

Some values of the linear function f are shown in the table

above. What is the value of ?

A. 6

B. 7

C. 8

D. 9

ID: c651cc56 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. A linear function has a constant rate of change, and any two rows of the table shown can be used
to calculate this rate. From the first row to the second, the value of x is increased by 2 and the value of is

increased by . So the values of increase by 3 for every increase by 1 in the value of x. Since ,
it follows that . Therefore, .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the third x-value in the table, not . Choices C and D are incorrect and may result from
errors when calculating the function’s rate of change.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID adb0c96c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: adb0c96c

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

ID: adb0c96c Answer

Correct Answer: 80

Rationale
The correct answer is . Subtracting the second equation in the given system from the first equation yields
, which is equivalent to , or . Dividing each
side of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the second equation yields . Adding
to both sides of this equation yields .

Alternate approach: Multiplying each side of the second equation in the given system by yields .
Subtracting the first equation in the given system from this equation yields ,
which is equivalent to , or . Dividing each side of this equation by yields
.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b4553284
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: b4553284

If , what is the value of ?

ID: b4553284 Answer

Correct Answer: 54

Rationale
The correct answer is . Dividing both sides of the given equation by yields . Multiplying both sides of this
equation by yields . Thus, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c22b5f25
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c22b5f25

In the xy-plane, the points and lie on the graph of

which of the following linear functions?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c22b5f25 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. A linear function can be written in the form , where m is the slope and b is the y-

coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. The slope of the graph can be found using the formula .

Substituting the values of the given points into this formula yields or , which simplifies to

. Only choice C shows an equation with this slope.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may result from computation errors or misinterpreting the given information.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d7bf55e1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d7bf55e1

A movie theater sells two types of tickets, adult tickets for $12 and child tickets
for $8. If the theater sold 30 tickets for a total of $300, how much, in dollars,
was spent on adult tickets? (Disregard the $ sign when gridding your answer.)

ID: d7bf55e1 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 180. Let a be the number of adult tickets sold and c be the number of child tickets sold. Since the
theater sold a total of 30 tickets, a + c = 30. The price per adult ticket is $12, and the price per child ticket is $8. Since
the theater received a total of $300 for the 30 tickets sold, it follows that 12a + 8c = 300. To eliminate c, the first
equation can be multiplied by 8 and then subtracted from the second equation:

Because the question asks for the amount spent on adult tickets, which is 12a dollars, the resulting equation can be
multiplied by 3 to give 3(4a) = 3(60) = 180. Therefore, $180 was spent on adult tickets.

Alternate approach: If all the 30 tickets sold were child tickets, their total price would be 30($8) = $240. Since the actual
total price of the 30 tickets was $300, the extra $60 indicates that a certain number of adult tickets, a, were sold. Since
the price of each adult ticket is $4 more than each child ticket, 4a = 60, and it follows that 12a = 180.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 11e1ab81
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 11e1ab81

The graph above shows the distance traveled d, in feet, by a product on a

conveyor belt m minutes after the product is placed on the belt. Which of the
following equations correctly relates d and m ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 11e1ab81 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The line passes through the origin. Therefore, this is a relationship of the form , where k is a
constant representing the slope of the graph. To find the value of k, choose a point on the graph of the line other
than the origin and substitute the values of m and d into the equation. For example, if the point is chosen, then
, and . Therefore, the equation of the line is .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating the slope of the line as the change in time over the change in
distance traveled instead of the change in distance traveled over the change in time. Choices C and D are incorrect
because each of these equations represents a line with a d-intercept of 2. However, the graph shows a line with a d-
intercept of 0.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 771bd0ca
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 771bd0ca

What value of is the solution to the given equation?

ID: 771bd0ca Answer

Correct Answer: -22

Rationale
The correct answer is . The given equation can be rewritten as . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Therefore, is
the value of that is the solution to the given equation.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4fe4fd7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 4fe4fd7c

A company’s total cost , in dollars, to produce x shirts is given by the

function above, where m is a constant and . The total cost to produce 100
shirts is $800. What is the total cost, in dollars, to produce 1000 shirts?
(Disregard the $ sign when gridding your answer.)

ID: 4fe4fd7c Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 3500. The given information includes a cost, $800, to produce 100 shirts. Substituting
and into the given equation yields . Subtracting 500 from both sides of the
equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 100 yields . Substituting the value of m
into the given equation yields . Substituting 1000 for x in this equation and solving for gives the
cost of 1000 shirts: , or 3500.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 789975b7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 789975b7

A gardener buys two kinds of fertilizer. Fertilizer A contains 60% filler materials
by weight and Fertilizer B contains 40% filler materials by weight. Together, the
fertilizers bought by the gardener contain a total of 240 pounds of filler
materials. Which equation models this relationship, where x is the number of
pounds of Fertilizer A and y is the number of pounds of Fertilizer B?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 789975b7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Since Fertilizer A contains 60% filler materials by weight, it follows that x pounds of Fertilizer A
consists of 0.6x pounds of filler materials. Similarly, y pounds of Fertilizer B consists of 0.4y pounds of filler materials.
When x pounds of Fertilizer A and y pounds of Fertilizer B are combined, the result is 240 pounds of filler materials.
Therefore, the total amount, in pounds, of filler materials in a mixture of x pounds of Fertilizer A and y pounds of
Fertilizer B can be expressed as .

Choice A is incorrect. This choice transposes the percentages of filler materials for Fertilizer A and Fertilizer B.
Fertilizer A consists of 0.6x pounds of filler materials and Fertilizer B consists of 0.4y pounds of filler materials.
Therefore, is equal to 240, not . Choice C is incorrect. This choice transposes the
percentages of filler materials for Fertilizer A and Fertilizer B and incorrectly represents how to take the percentage of a
value mathematically. Choice D is incorrect. This choice incorrectly represents how to take the percentage of a value
mathematically. Fertilizer A consists of 0.6x pounds of filler materials, not 60x pounds of filler materials, and Fertilizer
B consists of 0.4y pounds of filler materials, not 40y pounds of filler materials.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a309803e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a309803e

One gallon of paint will cover square feet of a surface. A room has a total wall area of square feet. Which
equation represents the total amount of paint , in gallons, needed to paint the walls of the room twice?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a309803e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that represents the total wall area, in square feet. Since the walls of the room will be
painted twice, the amount of paint, in gallons, needs to cover square feet. It’s also given that one gallon of paint will
cover square feet. Dividing the total area, in square feet, of the surface to be painted by the number of square feet
covered by one gallon of paint gives the number of gallons of paint that will be needed. Dividing by yields ,
or . Therefore, the equation that represents the total amount of paint , in gallons, needed to paint the walls of the
room twice is .

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

Choice C is incorrect and may result from finding the amount of paint needed to paint the walls once rather than twice.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bf883fde
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bf883fde

For the function , the graph of in the xy-plane has a slope of and passes through the point . Which
equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bf883fde Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. An equation defining a linear function can be written in the form , where and
are constants, is the slope of the graph of in the xy-plane, and is the y-intercept of the graph. It's
given that for the function , the graph of in the xy-plane has a slope of . Therefore, . It's also given
that this graph passes through the point . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph is , and it follows that
. Substituting for and for in the equation yields . Thus, the equation
that defines is .

Choice A is incorrect. For this function, the graph of in the xy-plane passes through the point , not
.

Choice C is incorrect. For this function, the graph of in the xy-plane passes through the point , not
.

Choice D is incorrect. For this function, the graph of in the xy-plane passes through the point , not
.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 2554b413
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2554b413

In the xy-plane, a line has a slope of 6 and passes through the point .
Which of the following is an equation of this line?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2554b413 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The slope-intercept form of an equation for a line is , where m is the slope of the line
and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. It’s given that the slope is 6, so . It’s also given that the line
passes through the point on the y-axis, so . Substituting and into the equation
gives .

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from misinterpreting the slope-intercept form of an equation of a line.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5bf5136d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 5bf5136d

The triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle must be greater than the length of the
third side. If a triangle has side lengths of and , which inequality represents the possible lengths, , of the third side
of the triangle?

A.

B.

C.

D. or

ID: 5bf5136d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that a triangle has side lengths of and , and represents the length of the third side
of the triangle. It’s also given that the triangle inequality theorem states that the sum of any two sides of a triangle
must be greater than the length of the third side. Therefore, the inequalities , , and
represent all possible values of . Subtracting from both sides of the inequality yields
, or . Adding and in the inequality yields , or . Subtracting from
both sides of the inequality yields , or . Since all x-values that satisfy the inequality
also satisfy the inequality , it follows that the inequalities and represent the possible
values of . Therefore, the inequality represents the possible lengths, , of the third side of the triangle.

Choice A is incorrect. This inequality gives the upper bound for but does not include its lower bound.

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 620abf36
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 620abf36

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 620abf36 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields , or
. Therefore, the value of is .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d62ad380
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: d62ad380
An artist paints and sells square tiles. The selling price P, in dollars, of a painted tile is a linear function of the side
length of the tile s, in inches, as shown in the table below.

Side length, s (inches) Price, P (dollars)

3 8.00

6 18.00

9 28.00

Which of the following could define the relationship between s and P ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d62ad380 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The relationship between s and P can be modeled by a linear equation of the form P = ks + a, where

k and a are constants. The table shows that P increases by 10 when s increases by 3, so k = . To solve for a,

substitute one of the given pairs of values for s and P: when s = 3, P = 8, so , which yields a = –2. The

solution is therefore .

Choice A is incorrect. When s = 3, P = 8, but 3(3) + 10 = 19 ≠ 8. Choice B is incorrect. This may result from using the
first number given for P in the table as the constant term a in the linear equation P = ks + a, which is true only when s =
0. Choice D is incorrect and may result from using the reciprocal of the slope of the line.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID ed18c4f7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ed18c4f7

Cathy has n CDs. Gerry has 3 more than twice the number of CDs that Cathy
has. In terms of n, how many CDs does Gerry have?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ed18c4f7 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The term 2n represents twice the number of CDs that Cathy has, and adding 3 represents 3 more
than that amount.

Choices A and B are incorrect. The expression 3n represents three times the number of CDs that Cathy has. Choice C is
incorrect. Subtracting 3 represents 3 fewer than twice the number of CDs that Cathy has.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 52a8ef85
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 52a8ef85

The equation represents the number of sweaters, , and number of shirts, , that Yesenia
purchased for . If Yesenia purchased sweaters, how many shirts did she purchase?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 52a8ef85 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that the equation represents the number of sweaters, , and the
number of shirts, , that Yesenia purchased for . If Yesenia purchased sweaters, the number of shirts she
purchased can be calculated by substituting for in the given equation, which yields , or
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Therefore, if Yesenia purchased sweaters, she purchased shirts.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of shirts Yesenia purchased if she purchased sweaters.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the price, in dollars, for each sweater, not the number of shirts Yesenia purchased.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3462d850
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3462d850
Marisol drove 3 hours from City A to City B. The equation below estimates the distance d, in miles, Marisol traveled
after driving for t hours.

Which of the following does 45 represent in the equation?

A. Marisol took 45 trips from City A to City B.

B. The distance between City A and City B is 45 miles.

C. Marisol drove at an average speed of about 45 miles per hour.

D. It took Marisol 45 hours to drive from City A to City B.

ID: 3462d850 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that d is the distance, in miles, Marisol traveled after driving for t hours. Therefore, 45
represents the distance in miles traveled per hour, which is the speed she drove in miles per hour.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from misidentifying speed as the number of trips. Choice B is incorrect and may
result from misidentifying speed as the total distance. Choice D is incorrect and may result from misidentifying the
speed as the time, in hours.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0d685865
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 0d685865

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0d685865 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that . Substituting for into the given expression yields , which is
equivalent to .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of . Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 12255364
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 12255364

A gym charges its members a onetime enrollment fee and a membership fee of per month. If there are no
charges other than the enrollment fee and the membership fee, after how many months will a member have been
charged a total of at the gym?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 12255364 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that a gym charges its members a onetime enrollment fee and a membership fee of
per month. Let represent the number of months at the gym after which a member will have been charged a total
of . If there are no charges other than the enrollment fee and the membership fee, the equation
can be used to represent this situation. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing
both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, a member will have been charged a total of after
months at the gym.

Choice A is incorrect. A member will have been charged a total of , or , after months at the gym.

Choice B is incorrect. A member will have been charged a total of , or , after months at the gym.

Choice D is incorrect. A member will have been charged a total of , or , after months at the
gym.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b82a943c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: b82a943c

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b82a943c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Dividing both sides of the given equation by yields . Substituting for in the
expression yields , which is equivalent to .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of . Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 092ad67d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 092ad67d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 092ad67d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Adding the first equation to the second equation in the given system yields
, or . Combining like terms in this equation yields
. Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Thus, the value of is .

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. This is the value of , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 90095507
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 90095507

Townsend Realty Group Investments

Property Purchase price Monthly rental
address (dollars) price (dollars)

Clearwater
128,000 950
Lane

Driftwood
176,000 1,310
Drive

Edgemont
70,000 515
Street

Glenview
140,000 1,040
Street

Hamilton
450,000 3,365
Circle

The Townsend Realty Group invested in the five different properties listed in the
table above. The table shows the amount, in dollars, the company paid for each
property and the corresponding monthly rental price, in dollars, the company
charges for the property at each of the five locations. Townsend Realty
purchased the Glenview Street property and received a 40% discount off the
original price along with an additional 20% off the discounted price for
purchasing the property in cash. Which of the following best approximates the
original price, in dollars, of the Glenview Street property?

A. $350,000

B. $291,700

C. $233,300

D. $175,000

ID: 90095507 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Let x be the original price, in dollars, of the Glenview Street property. After the 40% discount, the
price of the property became dollars, and after the additional 20% off the discounted price, the price of the
property became . Thus, in terms of the original price of the property, x, the purchase price of the property is

. It follows that . Solving this equation for x gives . Therefore, of the given
choices, $291,700 best approximates the original price of the Glenview Street property.

Choice A is incorrect because it is the result of dividing the purchase price of the property by 0.4, as though the
purchase price were 40% of the original price. Choice C is incorrect because it is the closest to dividing the purchase
price of the property by 0.6, as though the purchase price were 60% of the original price. Choice D is incorrect because
it is the result of dividing the purchase price of the property by 0.8, as though the purchase price were 80% of the
original price.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID eac739b2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: eac739b2

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: eac739b2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by yields , or
. Therefore, the value of is .

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: Easy

Question ID 3122fc7b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3122fc7b

A linear model estimates the population of a city from to . The model estimates the population was
thousand in , thousand in , and thousand in . To the nearest whole number, what is the value of
?

ID: 3122fc7b Answer

Correct Answer: 257

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that a linear model estimates the population of a city from to . Since
the population can be estimated using a linear model, it follows that there is a constant rate of change for the model.
It’s also given that the model estimates the population was thousand in , thousand in , and
thousand in . The change in the population between and is , or , thousand. The change
in the number of years between and is , or , years. Dividing by gives , or
, thousand per year. Thus, the change in population per year from to estimated by the model is
thousand. The change in the number of years between and is , or , years. Multiplying the
change in population per year by the change in number of years yields the increase in population from to
estimated by the model: , or , thousand. Adding the change in population from to estimated
by the model to the estimated population in yields the estimated population in . Thus, the estimated
population in is , or , thousand. Therefore to the nearest whole number, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ba79f10f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: ba79f10f

The table shows three values of and their corresponding values of . There is a linear relationship between and .
Which of the following equations represents this relationship?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ba79f10f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A linear relationship can be represented by an equation of the form , where and
are constants. It’s given in the table that when , . Substituting for and for in yields
, or . Substituting for in the equation yields . It’s also given in
the table that when , . Substituting for and for in the equation yields
, or . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Therefore, the
equation represents the relationship between and .

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: Easy

Question ID d9d83c02
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: d9d83c02

For what value of w does

?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d9d83c02 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. To solve the equation, use the distributive property to multiply on the right-hand side of the
equation which gives w – 10 = 2w + 10. Subtract w from both sides of the equation, which gives –10 = w + 10. Finally,
subtract 10 from both sides of the equation, which gives –20 = w.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from making sign errors. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
incompletely distributing the 2 in the expression 2(w + 5).

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 59a49431
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 59a49431

The shaded region shown represents solutions to an inequality. Which ordered pair is a solution to this
inequality?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 59a49431 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since the shaded region shown represents solutions to an inequality, an ordered pair is a
solution to the inequality if it's represented by a point in the shaded region. Of the given choices, only is
represented by a point in the shaded region. Therefore, is a solution to the inequality.

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: Easy

Question ID 23dedddd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 23dedddd

In the linear function , and . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 23dedddd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since is a linear function, it can be defined by an equation of the form , where
and are constants. It's given that . Substituting for and for in the equation
yields , or . Substituting for in the equation yields . It's given
that . Substituting for and for in the equation yields , or
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Substituting for in the equation
yields . Therefore, an equation that defines is .

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: Medium

Question ID 948087f2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 948087f2

Which of the following ordered pairs (x, y) satisfies the

system of inequalities above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 948087f2 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Any point (x, y) that is a solution to the given system of inequalities must satisfy both inequalities
in the system. The second inequality in the system can be rewritten as . Of the given answer choices, only
choice D satisfies this inequality, because inequality is a true statement. The point also satisfies
the first inequality.

Alternate approach: Substituting into the first inequality gives , or , which is a true

statement. Substituting into the second inequality gives , or , which is a true statement.
Therefore, since satisfies both inequalities, it is a solution to the system.

Choice A is incorrect because substituting −2 for x and −1 for y in the first inequality gives , or
, which is false. Choice B is incorrect because substituting −1 for x and 3 for y in the first inequality gives

, or , which is false. Choice C is incorrect because substituting 1 for x and 5 for y in the first
inequality gives , or , which is false.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a8e6bd75
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a8e6bd75

Which of the following is the graph of the equation

in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a8e6bd75 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. In the xy-plane, the graph of the equation , where m and b are constants, is a line with
slope m and y-intercept . Therefore, the graph of in the xy-plane is a line with slope 2 and a y-intercept

. Having a slope of 2 means that for each increase in x by 1, the value of y increases by 2. Only the graph in
choice D has a slope of 2 and crosses the y-axis at . Therefore, the graph shown in choice D must be the correct
answer.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The graph of in the xy-plane is a line with slope 2 and a y-intercept at

. The graph in choice A crosses the y-axis at the point , not , and it has a slope of , not 2. The
graph in choice B crosses the y-axis at ; however, the slope of this line is , not 2. The graph in choice C has a

slope of 2; however, the graph crosses the y-axis at , not .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5ad6bc97
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 5ad6bc97

The function gives the total number of people on a company retreat with managers. What is the total number of
people on a company retreat with managers?

ID: 5ad6bc97 Answer

Correct Answer: 50

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the function gives the total number of people on a company retreat with
managers. It's also given that managers are on the company retreat. Substituting for in the given function yields
, or . Therefore, there are a total of people on a company retreat with managers.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 7d6928bd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 7d6928bd

A cleaning service that cleans both offices and homes can clean at most places per day. Which inequality
represents this situation, where is the number of offices and is the number of homes?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7d6928bd Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the cleaning service cleans both offices and homes, where is the number of offices
and is the number of homes the cleaning service can clean per day. Therefore, the expression represents the
number of places the cleaning service can clean per day. It's also given that the cleaning service can clean at most
places per day. Since represents the number of places the cleaning service can clean per day and the service
can clean at most places per day, it follows that the inequality represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect. This inequality represents a cleaning service that cleans at least places per day.

Choice C is incorrect. This inequality represents a cleaning service that cleans at most more offices than homes per
day.

Choice D is incorrect. This inequality represents a cleaning service that cleans at least more offices than homes per
day.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b64e2c7f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b64e2c7f

Monarch butterflies can fly only with a body temperature of at least . If a monarch

butterfly's body temperature is , what is the minimum increase needed in its body temperature, in , so that it
can fly?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b64e2c7f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that monarch butterflies can fly only with a body temperature of at least
. Let represent the minimum increase needed in the monarch butterfly's body
temperature to fly. If the monarch butterfly's body temperature is , the inequality represents
this situation. Subtracting from both sides of this inequality yields . Therefore, if the monarch butterfly's
body temperature is , the minimum increase needed in its body temperature, in , so that it can fly is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the minimum increase needed in body temperature if the monarch butterfly's body
temperature is , not .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the minimum increase needed in body temperature if the monarch butterfly's body
temperature is , not .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the minimum increase needed in body temperature if the monarch butterfly's body
temperature is , not .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 4b76c7f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 4b76c7f1

In the given system of equations, a is a constant. If the system has infinitely

many solutions, what is the value of a ?

A. 4

B. 9

C. 36

D. 54

ID: 4b76c7f1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. A system of two linear equations has infinitely many solutions if one equation is equivalent to the
other. This means that when the two equations are written in the same form, each coefficient or constant in one
equation is equal to the corresponding coefficient or constant in the other equation multiplied by the same number. The
equations in the given system of equations are written in the same form, with x and y on the left-hand side of the
equation and a constant on the right-hand side of the equation. The coefficients of x and y in the second equation are
equal to the coefficients of x and y, respectively, in the first equation multiplied by 4: and . Therefore,
the constant in the second equation must be equal to 4 times the constant in the first equation: , or .

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. When , , or , the given system of equations has no solution.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8c515062
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 8c515062

A candle is made of ounces of wax. When the candle is burning, the amount of wax in the candle decreases by
ounce every hours. If ounces of wax remain in this candle, for how many hours has it been burning?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8c515062 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the candle starts with ounces of wax and has ounces of wax remaining after a
period of time has passed. The amount of wax the candle has lost during the time period can be found by subtracting
the remaining amount of wax from the amount of wax the candle was made of, which yields ounces, or
ounces. This means the candle loses ounces of wax during that period of time. It’s given that the amount of wax
decreases by ounce every hours. If represents the number of hours the candle has been burning, it follows that
. Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the candle has been burning for
hours.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from using the equation rather than to represent the situation,
and then rounding to the nearest whole number.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the amount of wax, in ounces, remaining in the candle, not the number of hours it has
been burning.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from using the equation rather than to represent the situation.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 6fa593f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 6fa593f1

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6fa593f1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that . Adding to both sides of this equation yields , or
. Therefore, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of , not . Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a73a5c22
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a73a5c22

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a73a5c22 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The value of when can be found by substituting for in the given equation
. This yields , or . Therefore, when , the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of when , rather than the value of when .

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: Easy

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 is a solution to the system, the point 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
. It follows that if a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown and the
graph of , this system has either zero solutions or one solution, the point . Substituting for
and for in the equation yields , or . Since this equation is not true, the
point does not lie on the graph of . Therefore, 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 535fa6e6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 535fa6e6

Davio bought some potatoes and celery. The potatoes cost per pound, and the celery cost per pound. If
Davio spent in total and bought twice as many pounds of celery as pounds of potatoes, how many pounds of
celery did Davio buy?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 535fa6e6 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Let represent the number of pounds of potatoes and let represent the number of pounds of
celery that Davio bought. It’s given that potatoes cost per pound and celery costs per pound. If Davio
spent in total, then the equation represents this situation. It’s also given that Davio
bought twice as many pounds of celery as pounds of potatoes; therefore, . Substituting for in the equation
yields , which is equivalent to , or
. Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the equation
yields , or . Therefore, Davio bought pounds of celery.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of potatoes, not the number of pounds of celery, Davio bought.

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: Easy

Question ID a9c04a21
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: a9c04a21

What is the solution to the

equation ?

A. 1

B. 1.5

C. 2

D. 4

ID: a9c04a21 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Subtracting 3 from both sides of the given equation yields . Dividing both sides by 2 results
in .

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from computational errors. Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8a1544f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8a1544f1

What is the equation of the line shown

in the xy-plane above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8a1544f1 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Any line in the xy-plane can be defined by an equation in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope
of the line and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. From the graph, the y-intercept of the line is (0, 3).
Therefore, b = 3. The slope of the line is the change in the value of y divided by the change in the value of x for any two

points on the line. The line shown passes through (0, 3) and (1, 0), so , or m = –3. Therefore, the equation
of the line is y = –3x + 3.

Choices A and C are incorrect because the equations given in these choices represent a line with a positive slope.
However, the line shown has a negative slope. Choice D is incorrect because the equation given in this choice

represents a line with slope of . However, the line shown has a slope of –3.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8b2a2a63
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8b2a2a63

The y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane is . What is the value of ?

ID: 8b2a2a63 Answer

Correct Answer: -32

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that the y-intercept of the graph of is . Substituting for
in this equation yields , or . Therefore, the value of that corresponds to the y-intercept of
the graph of in the xy-plane is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 70774aa4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 70774aa4

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 70774aa4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that . Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore,
the value of is .

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: Easy

Question ID 41fdc0b8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 41fdc0b8

The table above shows the population of Greenleaf, Idaho, for the years 2000 and 2010. If the relationship between
population and year is linear, which of the following functions P models the population of Greenleaf t years after 2000?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 41fdc0b8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It is given that the relationship between population and year is linear; therefore, the function that
models the population t years after 2000 is of the form , where m is the slope and b is the population
when . In the year 2000, . Therefore, . The slope is given by

. Therefore, , which is equivalent to the

equation in choice A.

Choice B is incorrect and may be the result of incorrectly calculating the slope as just the change in the value of P.
Choice C is incorrect and may be the result of the same error as in choice B, in addition to incorrectly using t to
represent the year, instead of the number of years after 2000. Choice D is incorrect and may be the result of incorrectly
using t to represent the year instead of the number of years after 2000.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 44d65912
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 44d65912
Angela is playing a video game. In this game, players can score points only by collecting coins and stars. Each coin
is worth c points, and each star is worth s points.
The first time she played, Angela scored 700 points. She collected 20 coins and 10 stars.
The second time she played, Angela scored 850 points. She collected 25 coins and 12 stars.

Which system of equations can be used to correctly determine the values of c

and s ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 44d65912 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The number of coins collected can be multiplied by c to give the score from the points earned from
coins. Similarly, the number of stars collected can be multiplied by s to give the score from the points earned from the
stars. Therefore, the total score each time Angela played is , and the total score the second time she
played is .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may result from misidentifying the terms of the equation. Choice A switches
coins and stars, choice C switches stars and points, and choice D misidentifies coins, stars, and points.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e53688cb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e53688cb

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

ID: e53688cb Answer

Correct Answer: 18

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given by the second equation in the system that . Substituting for in the
first equation in the system, , yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields
.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 768b2425
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 768b2425

Last week, an interior designer earned a total of from consulting for hours and drawing up plans for hours.
The equation represents this situation. Which of the following is the best interpretation of in
this context?

A. The interior designer earned per hour consulting last week.

B. The interior designer worked hours drawing up plans last week.

C. The interior designer earned per hour drawing up plans last week.

D. The interior designer worked hours consulting last week.

ID: 768b2425 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that represents the situation where an interior designer earned a
total of last week from consulting for hours and drawing up plans for hours. Thus, represents the
amount earned, in dollars, from consulting for hours, and represents the amount earned, in dollars, from drawing
up plans for hours. Since represents the amount earned, in dollars, from consulting for hours, it follows that
the interior designer earned per hour consulting last week.

Choice B is incorrect. The interior designer worked hours, not hours, drawing up plans last week.

Choice C is incorrect. The interior designer earned per hour, not per hour, drawing up plans last week.

Choice D is incorrect. The interior designer worked hours, not hours, consulting last week.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID d02193fb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: d02193fb

The shaded region shown represents the solutions to which inequality?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d02193fb Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The equation for the line representing the boundary of the shaded region can be written in slope-
intercept form , where is the slope and is the y-intercept of the line. For the graph shown, the
boundary line passes through the points and . Given two points on a line, and , the
slope of the line can be calculated using the equation . Substituting the points and for
and in this equation yields , which is equivalent to , or . Since the
point represents the y-intercept, it follows that . Substituting for and for in the equation
yields as the equation of the boundary line. Since the shaded region represents all the points
above this boundary line, it follows that the shaded region shown represents the solutions to the inequality
.

Choice A is incorrect. This inequality represents a region below, not above, a boundary line with a slope of , not .

Choice B is incorrect. This inequality represents a region below, not above, the boundary line shown.

Choice C is incorrect. This inequality represents a region whose boundary line has a slope of , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a4d6fbec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a4d6fbec

If , what is the value of when ?

ID: a4d6fbec Answer

Correct Answer: 50

Rationale
The correct answer is . Substituting for in the given equation yields , or . Therefore, the
value of is when .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID bbf9e5ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bbf9e5ce

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bbf9e5ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. A tour group with people, where , can be split into two subgroups: the first people and
the additional people. Since the museum charges per person for the first people and for each
additional person, the charge for the first people is and the charge for the additional people is
. Therefore, the total charge, in dollars, is given by the function , or
.

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 8643d906
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8643d906

The population of snow leopards in a certain area can be modeled by the

function P defined above, where is the population t years after 1990. Of
the following, which is the best interpretation of the equation ?

A. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 30 in the year 2020.

B. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 30 in the year 2030.

C. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 550 in the year 2020.

D. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 550 in the year 2030.

ID: 8643d906 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that represents the population of snow leopards t years after 1990.
corresponds to and . It follows that corresponds to 30 years after 1990, or 2020. Thus, the
best interpretation of is that the snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 550 in the year
2020.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from reversing the interpretations of t and . Choice D is incorrect and
may result from determining that 30 years after 1990 is 2030, not 2020.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8a6de407
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8a6de407

The function f is defined by , where m and b are constants. If

and , what is the value of m ?

ID: 8a6de407 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 2. The slope-intercept form of an equation for a line is , where m is the slope and b
is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Two ordered pairs, and , can be used to compute the slope using

the formula . It’s given that and ; therefore, the two ordered pairs for this line are

and . Substituting these values for and gives , or 2.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 17f176ec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 17f176ec

A movie theater charges $11 for each full-price ticket and $8.25 for each
reduced-price ticket. For one movie showing, the theater sold a total of 214 full-
price and reduced-price tickets for $2,145. Which of the following systems of
equations could be used to determine the number of full-price tickets, f, and the
number of reduced-price tickets, r, sold?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 17f176ec Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The movie theater sells f full-price tickets and r reduced-price tickets, so the total number of tickets
sold is f + r. Since the movie theater sold a total of 214 full-price and reduced-price tickets for one movie showing, it
follows that f + r = 214. The movie theater charges $11 for each full-price ticket; thus, the sales for full-price tickets, in
dollars, is given by 11f. The movie theater charges $8.25 for each reduced-price ticket; thus, the sales for reduced-price
tickets, in dollars, is given by 8.25r. Therefore, the total sales, in dollars, for the movie showing is given by 11f + 8.25r.
Since the total sales for all full-price and reduced-price tickets is $2,145, it follows that 11f + 8.25r = 2,145.

Choice A is incorrect. This system of equations suggests that the movie theater sold a total of 2,145 full-price and
reduced-price tickets for a total of $214. Choice C is incorrect. This system suggests that the movie theater charges
$8.25 for each full-price ticket and $11 for each reduced-price ticket. Choice D is incorrect. This system suggests that
the movie theater charges $8.25 for each full-price ticket and $11 for each reduced-price ticket and sold a total of 2,145
tickets for a total of $214.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 12ae3452
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 12ae3452

The equation gives the relationship between the side lengths and of a certain parallelogram. If
, what is the value of ?

ID: 12ae3452 Answer

Correct Answer: 14

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that the equation gives the relationship between the side lengths
and of a certain parallelogram. Substituting for in the given equation yields , or .
Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. Therefore, if , the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f40552a9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: f40552a9

What is the y-intercept of the line graphed?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f40552a9 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The y-intercept of a line graphed in the xy-plane is the point where the line intersects the y-axis. The
line graphed intersects the y-axis at the point . Therefore, the y-intercept of the line graphed is .

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: Easy
Question ID 3ce92ce8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3ce92ce8

For the given function , the graph of in the xy-plane is parallel to line . What is the slope of line ?

ID: 3ce92ce8 Answer

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that function is defined by . Therefore, the equation representing
the graph of in the xy-plane is , and the graph is a line. For a linear equation in the form
, represents the slope of the line. Since the value of in the equation is , the slope of
the line defined by function is . It's given that line is parallel to the line defined by function . The slopes of parallel
lines are equal. Therefore, the slope of line is also .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7d89376f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 7d89376f

A discount airline sells a certain number of tickets, x, for a flight for $90 each. It
sells the number of remaining tickets, y, for $250 each. For a particular flight,
the airline sold 120 tickets and collected a total of $27,600 from the sale of
those tickets. Which system of equations represents this relationship between
x and y ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7d89376f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The airline sold two types of tickets for this flight: x tickets at $90 each and the remaining tickets,
y, at $250 each. Because the airline sold a total of 120 tickets for this flight, it must be true that x + y = 120. The
amount, in dollars, collected from the sale of x tickets at $90 each is represented by 90x. The amount, in dollars,
collected from the sale of the remaining y tickets at $250 each is represented by 250y. It is given that a total of $27,600
was collected from the sale of all tickets. Therefore, it must also be true that 90x + 250y = 27,600.

Choice B is incorrect. The total number of tickets sold is represented correctly as x + y = 120. The total amount, in
dollars, collected from the sale of the x tickets at $90 each and the remaining tickets, y, at $250 has been correctly
represented as 90x + 250y. However, according to the information given, this total should be equal to 27,600, not
120(27,600) dollars. Choice C is incorrect. The total number of tickets sold has been correctly represented as x + y.
However, according to the information given, this total should be equal to 120, not 27,600, as shown in choice C. The
total amount, in dollars, collected from the sale of the x tickets at $90 each and the remaining tickets, y, at $250 has
been correctly represented as 90x + 250y. However, according to the information given, this total should be equal to
27,600, not 120(27,600) dollars. Choice D is incorrect. The two equations given in choice D have no meaning in this
context.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID eafdbbbd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: eafdbbbd

What value of is the solution to the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: eafdbbbd Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. For the given equation, is a factor of both terms on the left-hand side. Therefore, the given
equation can be rewritten as , or , which is equivalent to
. Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields . Subtracting from both sides
of this equation yields .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of for which the left-hand side of the given equation equals , not .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of for which the left-hand side of the given equation equals , not .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of for which the left-hand side of the given equation equals , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID fb43b85f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: fb43b85f

A line passes through the points and in the xy-plane. What is the slope of the line?

ID: fb43b85f Answer

Correct Answer: 1.636, 18/11

Rationale
The correct answer is . For a line that passes through the points and in the xy-plane, the slope of
the line can be calculated using the slope formula, . It's given that a line passes through the points
and in the xy-plane. Substituting for and for in the slope formula,
, yields , or . Therefore, the slope of the line is . Note that 18/11 and 1.636 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1ecaa9c0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 1ecaa9c0

Robert rented a truck to transport materials he purchased from a hardware

store. He was charged an initial fee of $20.00 plus an additional $0.70 per mile
driven. If the truck was driven 38 miles, what was the total amount Robert was
charged?

A. $46.60

B. $52.90

C. $66.90

D. $86.50

ID: 1ecaa9c0 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that Robert was charged an initial fee of $20.00 to rent the truck plus an additional $0.70
per mile driven. Let m represent the number of miles the truck was driven. Since the rental charge is $0.70 per mile
driven, represents the amount Robert was charged for m miles driven. Let c equal the total amount, in dollars,
Robert was charged to rent the truck. The total amount can be represented by the equation . It’s
given that the truck was driven 38 miles, thus . Substituting 38 into the equation gives .
Multiplying gives . Adding these values gives , so the total amount Robert was
charged is $46.60.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from setting up the equation incorrectly or from making calculation
errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b75f7812
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b75f7812

Maria plans to rent a boat. The boat rental costs $60 per hour, and she will also
have to pay for a water safety course that costs $10. Maria wants to spend no
more than $280 for the rental and the course. If the boat rental is available only
for a whole number of hours, what is the maximum number of hours for which
Maria can rent the boat?

ID: b75f7812 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 4. The equation , where h is the number of hours the boat has been rented, can
be written to represent the situation. Subtracting 10 from both sides and then dividing by 60 yields . Since the
boat can be rented only for whole numbers of hours, the maximum number of hours for which Maria can rent the boat
is 4.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 45bba652
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 45bba652

If , what is
the value of ?

A. 2

B. 5

C. 7

D. 12

ID: 45bba652 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Adding the like terms on the left-hand side of the given equation yields . Dividing both
sides of this equation by 5 yields .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from subtracting 5, not dividing by 5, on both sides of the equation .
Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of x, not the value of . Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of , not
the value of .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9ed4c1a2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 9ed4c1a2

What is the slope of the graph of in the xy-plane?

ID: 9ed4c1a2 Answer

Correct Answer: 13.75, 55/4

Rationale
The correct answer is . In the xy-plane, the graph of an equation in the form , where and are
constants, has a slope of and a y-intercept of . Applying the distributive property to the right-hand side of the
given equation yields . Combining like terms yields . This equation is in the form
, where and . It follows that the slope of the graph of in the xy-
plane is . Note that 55/4 and 13.75 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 628300a9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 628300a9

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

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 628300a9 Answer

Correct Answer: C

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b544a348
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b544a348

In the solution to the system of equations

above, what is the value of x ?

ID: b544a348 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 7. Subtracting the second equation from the first equation eliminates the variable y.

Dividing both sides of the resulting equation by 4 yields x = 7.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a1fd2304
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: a1fd2304

How many liters of a 25% saline solution must be added to 3 liters of a 10%
saline solution to obtain a 15% saline solution?

ID: a1fd2304 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 1.5. The total amount, in liters, of a saline solution can be expressed as the liters of each type of
saline solution multiplied by the percent concentration of the saline solution. This gives , , and

, where x is the amount, in liters, of 25% saline solution and 10%, 15%, and 25% are represented as 0.10,

0.15, and 0.25, respectively. Thus, the equation must be true. Multiplying 3 by 0.10 and
distributing 0.15 to yields . Subtracting 0.15x and 0.30 from each side of the
equation gives . Dividing each side of the equation by 0.10 yields . Note that 1.5 and 3/2 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e53870b6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: e53870b6

In the given equation, k is a constant. If the equation has infinitely

many solutions, what is the value of k ?

ID: e53870b6 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 5. Subtracting from both sides of the given equation gives , so for any value of x,
if and only if . Therefore, if the given equation has infinitely many solutions, the value of k is 5.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0df106df
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0df106df

An online bookstore sells novels and magazines. Each novel sells for $4, and
each magazine sells for $1. If Sadie purchased a total of 11 novels and
magazines that have a combined selling price of $20, how many novels did she
purchase?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 4

D. 5

ID: 0df106df Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Let n be the number of novels and m be the number of magazines that Sadie purchased. If Sadie
purchased a total of 11 novels and magazines, then . It is given that the combined price of 11 novels and
magazines is $20. Since each novel sells for $4 and each magazine sells for $1, it follows that . So the
system of equations below must hold.

Subtracting corresponding sides of the second equation from the first equation yields , so . Therefore,
Sadie purchased 3 novels.

Choice A is incorrect. If 2 novels were purchased, then a total of $8 was spent on novels. That leaves $12 to be spent
on magazines, which means that 12 magazines would have been purchased. However, Sadie purchased a total of 11
novels and magazines. Choices C and D are incorrect. If 4 novels were purchased, then a total of $16 was spent on
novels. That leaves $4 to be spent on magazines, which means that 4 magazines would have been purchased. By the
same logic, if Sadie purchased 5 novels, she would have no money at all ($0) to buy magazines. However, Sadie
purchased a total of 11 novels and magazines.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0ea7ef01
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0ea7ef01

Oxygen gas is placed inside a tank with a constant volume. The graph shows the estimated temperature , in kelvins, of
the oxygen gas when its pressure is atmospheres.

What is the estimated temperature, in kelvins, of the oxygen gas when its pressure is atmospheres?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0ea7ef01 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. For the graph shown, the x-axis represents pressure, in atmospheres, and the y-axis represents
temperature, in kelvins. Therefore, the estimated temperature, in kelvins, of the oxygen gas when its pressure is
atmospheres is represented by the y-coordinate of the point on the graph that has an x-coordinate of . The point on
the graph with an x-coordinate of has a y-coordinate of approximately . Therefore, the estimated temperature, in
kelvins, of the oxygen gas when its pressure is atmospheres is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the pressure, in atmospheres, not the estimated temperature, in kelvins, of the oxygen gas
when its pressure is atmospheres.

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: Easy

Question ID 5e08a055
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 5e08a055

One of the equations in a system of two linear equations is given. The system has no solution. Which equation could
be the second equation in the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5e08a055 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the lines represented
by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct. Lines represented by equations in standard form,
and , are parallel if the coefficients for and in one equation are proportional to the
corresponding coefficients in the other equation, meaning ; and the lines are distinct if the constants are not
proportional, meaning is not equal to or . The given equation, , can be written in standard form
by subtracting from both sides of the equation to yield . Therefore, the given equation can be written
in the form , where , , and . The equation in choice B, , is written
in the form , where , , and . Therefore, , which can be rewritten as
; , which can be rewritten as ; and , which can be rewritten as . Since ,
, and is not equal to , it follows that the given equation and the equation are parallel and
distinct. Therefore, a system of two linear equations consisting of the given equation and the equation
has no solution. Thus, the equation in choice B could be the second equation in the system.

Choice A is incorrect. The equation and the given equation represent the same line in the xy-plane.
Therefore, a system of these linear equations would have infinitely many solutions, rather than no solution.

Choice C is incorrect. The equation and the given equation represent lines in the xy-plane that are
distinct and not parallel. Therefore, a system of these linear equations would have exactly one solution, rather than no
solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The equation and the given equation represent lines in the xy-plane that are
distinct and not parallel. Therefore, a system of these linear equations would have exactly one solution, rather than no
solution.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f0773a55
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: f0773a55

The graph represents the total charge, in dollars, by an electrician for hours of work. The electrician charges a
onetime fee plus an hourly rate. What is the best interpretation of the slope of the graph?

A. The electrician’s hourly rate

B. The electrician’s onetime fee

C. The maximum amount that the electrician charges

D. The total amount that the electrician charges

ID: f0773a55 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the electrician charges a onetime fee plus an hourly rate. It's also given that the graph
represents the total charge, in dollars, for hours of work. This graph shows a linear relationship in the xy-plane. Thus,
the total charge , in dollars, for hours of work can be represented as , where is the slope and
is the y-intercept of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane. Since the given graph represents the total charge, in
dollars, by an electrician for hours of work, it follows that its slope is , or the electrician’s hourly rate.

Choice B is incorrect. The electrician's onetime fee is represented by the y-coordinate of the y-intercept, not the slope,
of the graph.

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 2eef7e61
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 2eef7e61

The graph of the function f is a line in the xy-plane. If the line has slope and
, which of the following defines f?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2eef7e61 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The equation for the function f in the xy-plane can be represented by , where m is

the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Since it’s given that the line has a slope of , it follows that

in , which yields . It’s given that . This implies that the graph of the
function f in the xy-plane passes through the point . Thus, the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph is 3, so

in , which yields . Therefore, the equation defines the function f.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from a sign error for the y-intercept. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
using the denominator of the given slope as m in , in addition to a sign error for the y-intercept. Choice D
is incorrect and may result from using the denominator of the given slope as m in .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 46f68129
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 46f68129

A librarian has 43 books to distribute to a group of children. If he gives each

child 2 books, he will have 7 books left over. How many children are in the
group?

A. 15

B. 18

C. 25

D. 29

ID: 46f68129 Answer

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Subtracting the number of books left over from the total number of books results in ,
which is the number of books distributed. Dividing the number of books distributed by the number of books given to

each child results in .

Choice A is incorrect and results from dividing the total number of books by the number of books given to each child,

, then subtracting the number of books left over from the result, . Choice C is incorrect and
results from adding the number of books left over to the total number of books, , then dividing the result by

the number of books given to each child, . Choice D is incorrect and results from dividing the total number of

books by the number of books given to each child, , then adding the number of books left over, .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 441558e7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 441558e7

Scientists collected fallen acorns that each housed a colony of the ant species P. ohioensis and analyzed each colony's
structure. For any of these colonies, if the colony has worker ants, the equation , where
, gives the predicted number of larvae, , in the colony. If one of these colonies has worker ants,
which of the following is closest to the predicted number of larvae in the colony?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 441558e7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the equation , where , gives the predicted number of
larvae, , in a colony of ants if the colony has worker ants. If one of these colonies has worker ants, the predicted
number of larvae in that colony can be found by substituting for in the given equation. Substituting for in the
given equation yields , or . Of the given choices, is closest to the predicted number
of larvae in the colony.

Choice B is incorrect. This is closest to the predicted number of larvae in a colony with worker ants.

Choice C is incorrect. This is closest to the number of worker ants for which the predicted number of larvae in a colony
is .

Choice D is incorrect. This is closest to the predicted number of larvae in a colony with worker ants.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 174885f8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 174885f8

Jay walks at a speed of miles per hour and runs at a speed of miles per hour. He walks for hours and runs for
hours for a combined total of miles. Which equation represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 174885f8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Since Jay walks at a speed of miles per hour for hours, Jay walks a total of miles. Since
Jay runs at a speed of miles per hour for hours, Jay runs a total of miles. Therefore, the total number of miles
Jay travels can be represented by . Since the combined total number of miles is , the equation
represents this situation.

Choice B 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: Easy

Question ID 038d87d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 038d87d7

A neighborhood consists of a -hectare park and a -hectare residential area. The total number of trees in the
neighborhood is . The equation represents this situation. Which of the following is the best
interpretation of x in this context?

A. The average number of trees per hectare in the park

B. The average number of trees per hectare in the residential area

C. The total number of trees in the park

D. The total number of trees in the residential area

ID: 038d87d7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that a neighborhood consists of a -hectare park and a -hectare residential area and
that the total number of trees in the neighborhood is . It's also given that the equation
represents this situation. Since the total number of trees for a given area can be determined by taking the number of
hectares times the average number of trees per hectare, this must mean that the terms and correspond to the
number of trees in the park and in the residential area, respectively. Since corresponds to the number of trees in the
park, and is the size of the park, in hectares, must represent the average number of trees per hectare in the park.

Choice B 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 5ad9eff0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 5ad9eff0

The width of a rectangular dance floor is w feet. The length of the floor is 6 feet
longer than its width. Which of the following expresses the perimeter, in feet, of
the dance floor in terms of w ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5ad9eff0 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It is given that the width of the dance floor is w feet. The length is 6 feet longer than the width;
therefore, the length of the dance floor is . So the perimeter is .

Choice A is incorrect because it is the sum of one length and one width, which is only half the perimeter. Choice C is
incorrect and may result from using the formula for the area instead of the formula for the perimeter and making a
calculation error. Choice D is incorrect because this is the area, not the perimeter, of the dance floor.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8f0c82e2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 8f0c82e2

The minimum value of is less than times another number . Which inequality shows the possible values of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8f0c82e2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the minimum value of is less than times another number . Therefore, the
possible values of are all greater than or equal to the value of less than times . The value of times is given
by the expression . The value of less than is given by the expression . Therefore, the possible values
of are all greater than or equal to . This can be shown by the inequality .

Choice A is incorrect. This inequality shows the possible values of if the maximum, not the minimum, value of is
less than times .

Choice C is incorrect. This inequality shows the possible values of if the maximum, not the minimum, value of is
times less than , not less than times .

Choice D is incorrect. This inequality shows the possible values of if the minimum value of is times less than
, not less than times .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 6f6dfe3e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 6f6dfe3e

The table shows three values of and their corresponding values of , where is a constant, for the linear relationship
between and . What is the slope of the line that represents this relationship in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6f6dfe3e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The slope, , of a line in the xy-plane can be found using two points on the line, and
, and the slope formula . Based on the given table, the line representing the relationship between
and in the xy-plane passes through the points , , and , where is a constant.
Substituting two of these points, and , for and , respectively, in the slope formula
yields , which is equivalent to , or . Therefore, the slope of the line that
represents this relationship in the xy-plane is .

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: Medium

Question ID c3989ef8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: c3989ef8

Henry receives a gift card to pay for movies online. He uses his gift card to buy movies for each. If he
spends the rest of his gift card balance on renting movies for each, how many movies can Henry rent?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c3989ef8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that Henry uses his gift card to buy movies for each. Therefore, Henry
spends , or , of his gift card to buy movies. After buying movies with his gift card,
Henry has a gift card balance of , or . It's also given that Henry spends the rest of his gift card
balance on renting movies for each. Therefore, Henry can rent , or , movies.

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: Easy

Question ID 90bd9ef8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 90bd9ef8

The average annual energy cost for a certain home is $4,334. The homeowner
plans to spend $25,000 to install a geothermal heating system. The
homeowner estimates that the average annual energy cost will then be $2,712.
Which of the following inequalities can be solved to find t, the number of years
after installation at which the total amount of energy cost savings will exceed
the installation cost?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 90bd9ef8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The savings each year from installing the geothermal heating system will be the average annual
energy cost for the home before the geothermal heating system installation minus the average annual energy cost
after the geothermal heating system installation, which is dollars. In t years, the savings will be
dollars. Therefore, the inequality that can be solved to find the number of years after installation at
which the total amount of energy cost savings will exceed (be greater than) the installation cost, $25,000, is
.

Choice A is incorrect. It gives the number of years after installation at which the total amount of energy cost savings
will be less than the installation cost. Choice C is incorrect and may result from subtracting the average annual energy
cost for the home from the onetime cost
of the geothermal heating system installation. To find the predicted total savings, the predicted average cost should be
subtracted from the average annual energy cost before the installation, and the result should be multiplied by the

number of years, t. Choice D is incorrect and may result from misunderstanding the context. The ratio
compares the average energy cost before installation and the average energy cost after installation; it does not
represent the savings.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID a7a14e87
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: a7a14e87

In the xy-plane, line k is defined by . Line j is perpendicular to line k,

and the y-intercept of line j is . Which of the following is an equation of line
j?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a7a14e87 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that line j is perpendicular to line k and that line k is defined by the equation .
This equation can be rewritten in slope-intercept form, , where m represents the slope of the line and b
represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line, by subtracting x from both sides of the equation, which yields
. Thus, the slope of line k is . Since line j and line k are perpendicular, their slopes are opposite reciprocals
of each other. Thus, the slope of line j is 1. It’s given that the y-intercept of line j is . Therefore, the equation for line
j in slope-intercept form is , which can be rewritten as .

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 75012ee7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 75012ee7

For each real number , which of the following points lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given
system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 75012ee7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The two given equations are equivalent because the second equation can be obtained from the
first equation by multiplying each side of the equation by . Thus, the graphs of the equations are coincident, so if a
point lies on the graph of one of the equations, it also lies on the graph of the other equation. A point lies on the
graph of an equation in the xy-plane if and only if this point represents a solution to the equation. It is sufficient,
therefore, to find the point that represents a solution to the first given equation. Substituting the x- and y-coordinates of
choice B, and , for and , respectively, in the first equation yields , which is
equivalent to , or . Therefore, the point represents a solution to the first
equation and thus lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given system.

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 fbb0ea7f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: fbb0ea7f

A rocket contained kilograms (kg) of propellant before launch. Exactly seconds after launch, kg
of this propellant remained. On average, approximately how much propellant, in kg, did the rocket burn each second
after launch?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: fbb0ea7f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the rocket contained of propellant before launch and had
remaining exactly seconds after launch. Finding the difference between the amount, in , of
propellant before launch and the remaining amount, in , of propellant after launch gives the amount, in , of
propellant burned during the seconds: . Dividing the amount of propellant burned
by the number of seconds yields . Thus, an average of of propellant burned each second
after launch.

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 finding the amount of propellant burned, rather than the amount of propellant
burned each second.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 686b7cad
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 686b7cad

A proposal for a new library was included on an election ballot. A radio show stated that times as many people voted
in favor of the proposal as people who voted against it. A social media post reported that more people voted in
favor of the proposal than voted against it. Based on these data, how many people voted against the proposal?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 686b7cad Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that a radio show stated that times as many people voted in favor of the proposal as
people who voted against it. Let represent the number of people who voted against the proposal. It follows that is
the number of people who voted in favor of the proposal and , or , is how many more people voted in favor of
the proposal than voted against it. It's also given that a social media post reported that more people voted in
favor of the proposal than voted against it. Thus, . Since , the value of must be half of
, or . Therefore, people voted against the proposal.

Choice B is incorrect. This is how many more people voted in favor of the proposal than voted against it, not the
number of people who voted against the proposal.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of people who voted in favor of the proposal, not the number of people who
voted against the proposal.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 023c0a8d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 023c0a8d

For the function f, if for all values of x,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C. 0

D. 2

ID: 023c0a8d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that for all values of x. If , then will equal . Dividing both
sides of by 3 gives . Therefore, substituting 2 for x in the given equation yields , which
can be rewritten as .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of the constant in the given equation for f. Choice C is incorrect and may result
from substituting , rather than , into the given equation. Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of x that
yields for the left-hand side of the given equation; it’s not the value of .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b9839f9e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b9839f9e

In the equation above, F represents the total amount of money, in dollars, a

food truck charges for x drinks and y salads. The price, in dollars, of each drink
is the same, and the price, in dollars, of each salad is the same. Which of the
following is the best interpretation for the number 7.00 in this context?

A. The price, in dollars, of one drink

B. The price, in dollars, of one salad

C. The number of drinks bought during the day

D. The number of salads bought during the day

ID: b9839f9e Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that is equal to the total amount of money, in dollars, a food truck
charges for x drinks and y salads. Since each salad has the same price, it follows that the total charge for y salads is
dollars. When , the value of the expression is , or 7.00. Therefore, the price for one salad is
7.00 dollars.

Choice A is incorrect. Since each drink has the same price, it follows that the total charge for x drinks is dollars.
Therefore, the price, in dollars, for one drink is 2.50, not 7.00. Choices C and D are incorrect. In the given equation, F
represents the total charge, in dollars, when x drinks and y salads are bought at the food truck. No information is
provided about the number of drinks or the number of salads that are bought during the day. Therefore, 7.00 doesn’t
represent either of these quantities.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0d1dca87
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0d1dca87

If is the solution to the given system of

equations, what is the value of y ?

ID: 0d1dca87 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 23. Since it’s given that , the value of y can be found by substituting 2 for x in the first
equation and solving for y. Substituting 2 for x yields , or . Subtracting 6 from both sides of
this equation yields .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3f8a701b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 3f8a701b

The equation , where a and b are constants, has no solutions.

Which of the following must be true? I. II. III.

A. None

B. I only

C. I and II only

D. I and III only

ID: 3f8a701b Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. For a linear equation in a form to have no solutions, the x-terms must have equal
coefficients and the remaining terms must not be equal. Expanding the right-hand side of the given equation yields
. Inspecting the x-terms, 9 must equal a, so statement I must be true. Inspecting the remaining terms,

5 can’t equal . Dividing both of these quantities by 9 yields that b can’t equal . Therefore, statement III must be

true. Since b can have any value other than , statement II may or may not be true.

Choice A is incorrect. For the given equation to have no solution, both and must be true. Choice B is

incorrect because it must also be true that . Choice C is incorrect because when , there are many values of
b that lead to an equation having no solution. That is, b might be 5, but b isn’t required to be 5.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID daad7c32
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: daad7c32

An object hangs from a spring. The formula relates the length ,

in centimeters, of the spring to the weight w, in newtons, of the object. Which of
the following describes the meaning of the 2 in this context?

A. The length, in centimeters, of the spring with no weight attached

B. The weight, in newtons, of an object that will stretch the spring 30 centimeters

C. The increase in the weight, in newtons, of the object for each one-centimeter increase in the length of the spring

D. The increase in the length, in centimeters, of the spring for each one-newton increase in the weight of the object

ID: daad7c32 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The value 2 is multiplied by w, the weight of the object. When the weight is 0, the length is 30 + 2(0)
= 30 centimeters. If the weight increases by w newtons, the length increases by 2w centimeters, or 2 centimeters for
each one-newton increase in weight.

Choice A is incorrect because this describes the value 30. Choice B is incorrect because 30 represents the length of the
spring before it has been stretched. Choice C is incorrect because this describes the value w.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f02b4509
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: f02b4509

A moving truck can tow a trailer if the combined weight of the trailer and the boxes it contains is no more than
pounds. What is the maximum number of boxes this truck can tow in a trailer with a weight of pounds if each box
weighs pounds?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f02b4509 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the truck can tow a trailer if the combined weight of the trailer and the boxes it
contains is no more than pounds. If the trailer has a weight of pounds and each box weighs pounds,
the expression , where is the number of boxes, gives the combined weight of the trailer and the boxes.
Since the combined weight must be no more than pounds, the possible numbers of boxes the truck can tow are
given by the inequality . Subtracting from both sides of this inequality yields .
Dividing both sides of this inequality by yields , or is less than or equal to approximately . Since
the number of boxes, , must be a whole number, the maximum number of boxes the truck can tow is the greatest
whole number less than , which is .

Choice B is incorrect. Towing the trailer and boxes would yield a combined weight of pounds, which is greater
than pounds.

Choice C is incorrect. Towing the trailer and boxes would yield a combined weight of pounds, which is greater
than pounds.

Choice D is incorrect. Towing the trailer and boxes would yield a combined weight of pounds, which is greater
than pounds.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2704399f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 2704399f

Which of the following systems of equations has the same solution as the
system of equations graphed above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2704399f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The solution to a system of equations is the coordinates of the intersection point of the graphs of
the equations in the xy-plane. Based on the graph, the solution to the given system of equations is best approximated

as . In the xy-plane, the graph of is a horizontal line on which every y-coordinate is 0, and the graph of

is a vertical line on which every x-coordinate is . These graphs intersect at the point . Therefore, the
system of equations in choice A has the same solution as the given system.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. If graphed in the xy-plane, these choices would intersect at the points , ,

and , respectively, not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a04050d8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a04050d8

The table above gives the typical amounts of energy per gram, expressed in
both food calories and kilojoules, of the three macronutrients in food. If the 180
food calories in a granola bar come entirely from p grams of protein, f grams of
fat, and c grams of carbohydrate, which of the following expresses f in terms of
p and c ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a04050d8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It is given that there are 4.0 food calories per gram of protein, 9.0 food calories per gram of fat, and
4.0 food calories per gram of carbohydrate. If 180 food calories in a granola bar came from p grams of protein, f grams
of fat, and c grams of carbohydrate, then the situation can be represented by the equation . The
equation can then be rewritten in terms of f by subtracting 4p and 4c from both sides of the equation and then dividing

both sides of the equation by 9. The result is the equation .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may be the result of not representing the situation with the correct equation or
incorrectly rewriting the equation in terms of f.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5a7ab8e8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 5a7ab8e8

How many solutions does the given equation have?

A. Exactly one

B. Exactly two

C. Infinitely many

D. Zero

ID: 5a7ab8e8 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. If the two sides of a linear equation are equivalent, then the equation is true for any value. If an
equation is true for any value, it has infinitely many solutions. Since the two sides of the given linear equation
are equivalent, the given equation has infinitely many solutions.

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: Medium

Question ID 9d0396d4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 9d0396d4

The point with coordinates lies on the line shown. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9d0396d4 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given from the graph that the points and lie on the line. For two points on a line,
and , the slope of the line can be calculated using the slope formula . Substituting
for and for in this formula, the slope of the line can be calculated as , or .
It's also given that the point lies on the line. Substituting for , for , and for in
the slope formula yields , or . Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields
. Expanding the left-hand side of this equation yields . Adding to both sides of
this equation yields . Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields . Thus, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of when .

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 81390d6c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 81390d6c

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 81390d6c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Substituting for in the given function yields , or . Therefore,
the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of . Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 567ac7ab
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 567ac7ab

One of the two equations in a linear system is . The system has

no solution. Which of the following could be the other equation in the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 567ac7ab Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. A system of two linear equations written in standard form has no solution when the equations are
distinct and the ratio of the x-coefficient to the y-coefficient for one equation is equivalent to the ratio of the x-
coefficient to the y-coefficient for the other equation. This ratio for the given equation is 2 to 6, or 1 to 3. Only choice B
is an equation that isn’t equivalent to the given equation and whose ratio of the x-coefficient to the y-coefficient is 1 to
3.

Choice A is incorrect. Multiplying each of the terms in this equation by 2 yields an equation that is equivalent to the
given equation. This system would have infinitely many solutions. Choices C and D are incorrect. The ratio of the x-
coefficient to the y-coefficient in (choice C) is to 2, or to 1. This ratio in (choice D) is
6 to 2, or 3 to 1. Since neither of these ratios is equivalent to that for the given equation, these systems would have
exactly one solution.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cb58833c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: cb58833c

The line with the equation is graphed in the xy‑plane. What is

the x-coordinate of the x‑intercept of the line?

ID: cb58833c Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 1.25. The y-coordinate of the x-intercept is 0, so 0 can be substituted for y, giving

. This simplifies to . Multiplying both sides of by 5 gives . Dividing both sides

of by 4 gives , which is equivalent to 1.25. Note that 1.25 and 5/4 are examples of ways to enter a
correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c841e8e8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: c841e8e8

What is the solution to the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c841e8e8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields . Therefore, the solution to the
given equation is .

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: Easy

Question ID e9ef0e6b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: e9ef0e6b

A model estimates that whales from the genus Eschrichtius travel to miles in the ocean each day during their
migration. Based on this model, which inequality represents the estimated total number of miles, , a whale from the
genus Eschrichtius could travel in days of its migration?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e9ef0e6b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that the model estimates that whales from the genus Eschrichtius travel to miles in
the ocean each day during their migration. If one of these whales travels miles each day for days, then the whale
travels miles total. If one of these whales travels miles each day for days, then the whale travels
miles total. Therefore, the model estimates that in days of its migration, a whale from the genus Eschrichtius could
travel at least and at most miles total. Thus, the inequality represents the
estimated total number of miles, , a whale from the genus Eschrichtius could travel in days of its migration.

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 4f7981a0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 4f7981a0

If , what is the
value of ?

ID: 4f7981a0 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 24. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by 3 yields . Using the distributive
property to rewrite the left-hand side of this equation yields .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 73b5f330
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 73b5f330

The function is defined by . For what value of does ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 73b5f330 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the function is defined by . Substituting for in this
equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of
this equation by yields . Therefore, the value of when is .

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 is the value of , not the value of when .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 1efd8202
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 1efd8202

Which table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1efd8202 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Each of the given choices gives three values of : , , and . Substituting for in the given
equation yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given equation
equation yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given equation
is . Substituting for in the given equation yields , or . Therefore, when , the
corresponding value of for the given equation is . Substituting for in the given equation yields
, or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of for the given equation is . Thus, if the three
values of are , , and , then their corresponding values of are , , and , respectively, for the given
equation.

Choice B is incorrect. This table gives three values of and their corresponding values of for the equation
.

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: Easy

Question ID 36ab4122
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 36ab4122

Megan’s regular wage at her job is p dollars per hour for the first 8 hours of
work in a day plus 1.5 times her regular hourly wage for work in excess of
8 hours that day. On a given day, Megan worked for 10 hours, and her total
earnings for that day were $137.50. What is Megan’s regular hourly wage?

A. $11.75

B. $12.50

C. $13.25

D. $13.75

ID: 36ab4122 Answer

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Since p represents Megan’s regular pay per hour, 1.5p represents the pay per hour in excess of 8
hours. Since Megan worked for 10 hours, she must have been paid p dollars per hour for 8 of the hours plus 1.5p
dollars per hour for the remaining 2 hours. Therefore, since Megan earned $137.50 for the 10 hours, the situation can
be represented by the equation 137.5 = 8p + 2(1.5)p. Distributing the 2 in the equation gives 137.5 = 8p + 3p, and
combining like terms gives 137.5 = 11p. Dividing both sides by 11 gives p = 12.5. Therefore, Megan’s regular wage is
$12.50.

Choices A and C are incorrect and may be the result of calculation errors. Choice D is incorrect and may result from
finding the average hourly wage that Megan earned for the 10 hours of work.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 74c98c82
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 74c98c82

An event planner is planning a party. It costs the event planner a onetime fee of to rent the venue and per
attendee. The event planner has a budget of . What is the greatest number of attendees possible without
exceeding the budget?

ID: 74c98c82 Answer

Correct Answer: 16

Rationale
The correct answer is . The total cost of the party is found by adding the onetime fee of the venue to the cost per
attendee times the number of attendees. Let be the number of attendees. The expression thus
represents the total cost of the party. It's given that the budget is , so this situation can be represented by the
inequality . The greatest number of attendees can be found by solving this inequality for .
Subtracting from both sides of this inequality gives . Dividing both sides of this inequality by
results in approximately . Since the question is stated in terms of attendees, rounding down to the
nearest whole number, , gives the greatest number of attendees possible.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 776cfa7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 776cfa7c

Hana deposited a fixed amount into her bank account each month. The function gives the amount,
in dollars, in Hana's bank account after monthly deposits. What is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. With each monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account increased by .

B. Before Hana made any monthly deposits, the amount in her bank account was .

C. After monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account was .

D. Hana made a total of monthly deposits.

ID: 776cfa7c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that represents the number of monthly deposits. In the given function
, the coefficient of is . This means that for every increase in the value of by , the value of
increases by . It follows that with each monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account increased by .

Choice B is incorrect. Before Hana made any monthly deposits, the amount in her bank account was .

Choice C is incorrect. After monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account was .

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 637022d2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 637022d2

The given equation describes the relationship between the number of birds, , and the number of reptiles, , that can be
cared for at a pet care business on a given day. If the business cares for reptiles on a given day, how many birds can
it care for on this day?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 637022d2 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The number of birds can be found by calculating the value of when in the given equation.
Substituting for in the given equation yields , or . Subtracting from both
sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, if the
business cares for reptiles on a given day, it can care for birds on this day.

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: Medium

Question ID 6efcc0a3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6efcc0a3

In the linear function , and . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6efcc0a3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. An equation defining a linear function can be written in the form , where and
are constants. It’s given that . Substituting for and for in the equation yields
, or . Substituting for in the equation yields . It’s also
given that . Substituting for and for in the equation yields ,
or . Subtracting from the left- and right-hand sides of this equation yields . Substituting for
in the equation yields , or .

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting for and for in this equation yields , which isn't a true
statement.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting for and for in this equation yields , or , which isn't
a true statement.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting for in this equation yields , which isn't a true statement.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 14360f84
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 14360f84

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 14360f84 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the lines represented
by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane represented by
equations in the form , where , , and are constants, are parallel if the coefficients for and in
one equation are proportional to the corresponding coefficients in the other equation. The first equation in the given
system can be written in the form by subtracting from both sides of the equation to yield
. The second equation in the given system can be written in the form by subtracting
from both sides of the equation to yield . The coefficient of in this second equation, , is times
the coefficient of in the first equation, . For the lines to be parallel, the coefficient of in the second equation, ,
must also be times the coefficient of in the first equation, . Thus, , or . Therefore, if
the given system has no solution, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. If the value of is , then the given system would have one solution, rather than no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. If the value of is , then the given system would have one solution, rather than no solution.

Choice C is incorrect. If the value of is , then the given system would have one solution, rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c5479c1a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c5479c1a

A shipment consists of -pound boxes and -pound boxes with a total weight of pounds. There are -pound
boxes in the shipment. How many -pound boxes are in the shipment?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c5479c1a Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that the shipment consists of -pound boxes and -pound boxes with a total weight of
pounds. Let represent the number of -pound boxes and represent the number of -pound boxes in the
shipment. Therefore, the equation represents this situation. It's given that there are -pound
boxes in the shipment. Substituting for in the equation yields , or
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Thus, there are -pound boxes in the shipment.

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. This is the number of -pound boxes in the shipment.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e744499e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: e744499e

An elementary school teacher is ordering x workbooks and y sets of flash cards

for a math class. The teacher must order at least 20 items, but the total cost of
the order must not be over $80. If the workbooks cost $3 each and the flash
cards cost $4 per set, which of the following systems of inequalities models
this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e744499e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The total number of workbooks and sets of flash cards ordered is represented by x + y. Since the
teacher must order at least 20 items, it must be true that x + y ≥ 20. Each workbook costs $3; therefore, 3x represents
the cost, in dollars, of x workbooks. Each set of flashcards costs $4; therefore, 4y represents the cost, in dollars, of y
sets of flashcards. It follows that the total cost for x workbooks and y sets of flashcards is 3x + 4y. Since the total cost
of the order must not be over $80, it must also be true that 3x + 4y ≤ 80. Of the choices given, these inequalities are
shown only in choice A.

Choice B is incorrect. The second inequality says that the total cost must be greater, not less than or equal to $80.
Choice C incorrectly limits the cost by the minimum number of items and the number of items with the maximum cost.
Choice D is incorrect. The first inequality incorrectly says that at most 20 items must be ordered, and the second
inequality says that the total cost of the order must be at least, not at most, $80.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5e422ff9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 5e422ff9

In the solution to the system of equations

above, what is the value of y ?

A.

B.

C. 9

D. 15

ID: 5e422ff9 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Multiplying both sides of by 5 results in . Multiplying both sides of
by 2 results in . Subtracting the resulting equations yields , which
simplifies to . Dividing both sides of by results in .

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from incorrectly subtracting the transformed equation. Choice C is
incorrect and may result from finding the value of x instead of the value of y.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2e1a7f66
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2e1a7f66

Figure A and figure B are both regular polygons. The sum of the perimeter of figure A and the perimeter of figure B is
inches. The equation represents this situation, where is the number of sides of figure A and is the
number of sides of figure B. Which statement is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. Each side of figure B has a length of inches.

B. The number of sides of figure B is .

C. Each side of figure A has a length of inches.

D. The number of sides of figure A is .

ID: 2e1a7f66 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that figure A and figure B (not shown) are both regular polygons and the sum of the
perimeters of the two figures is . It’s also given that is the number of sides of figure A and is the number
of sides of figure B, and that the equation represents this situation. Thus, and represent the
perimeters, in inches, of figure A and figure B, respectively. Since represents the perimeter, in inches, of figure B and
is the number of sides of figure B, it follows that each side of figure B has a length of .

Choice B is incorrect. The number of sides of figure B is , not .

Choice C is incorrect. Since the perimeter, in inches, of figure A is represented by , each side of figure A has a length
of , not .

Choice D is incorrect. The number of sides of figure A is , not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 029c2dc2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 029c2dc2

A teacher is creating an assignment worth points. The assignment will consist of questions worth point and
questions worth points. Which equation represents this situation, where represents the number of -point
questions and represents the number of -point questions?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 029c2dc2 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since represents the number of -point questions and represents the number of -point
questions, the assignment is worth a total of , or , points. Since the assignment is worth points,
the equation represents this situation.

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: Easy

Question ID 113b938e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 113b938e

The equation above represents the speed y, in feet per second, of Sheila’s
bicycle x seconds after she applied the brakes at the end of a ride. If the
equation is graphed in the xy-plane, which of the following is the best
interpretation of the x-coordinate of the line’s x-intercept in the context of the
problem?

A. The speed of Sheila’s bicycle, in feet per second, before Sheila applied the brakes

B. The number of feet per second the speed of Sheila’s bicycle decreased each second after Sheila applied the brakes

The number of seconds it took from the time Sheila began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a complete
C. stop

The number of feet Sheila’s bicycle traveled from the time she began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a
D. complete stop

ID: 113b938e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that for each point on the graph of the given equation, the x-coordinate represents
the number of seconds after Sheila applied the brakes, and the y-coordinate represents the speed of Sheila’s bicycle at
that moment in time. For the graph of the equation, the y-coordinate of the x-intercept is 0. Therefore, the x-coordinate
of the x-intercept of the graph of the given equation represents the number of seconds it took from the time Sheila
began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a complete stop.

Choice A is incorrect. The speed of Sheila’s bicycle before she applied the brakes is represented by the y-coordinate of
the y-intercept of the graph of the given equation, not the x-coordinate of the x-intercept. Choice B is incorrect. The
number of feet per second the speed of Sheila’s bicycle decreased each second after Sheila applied the brakes is
represented by the slope of the graph of the given equation, not the x-coordinate of the x-intercept. Choice D is
incorrect and may result from misinterpreting x as the distance, in feet, traveled after applying the brakes, rather than
the time, in seconds, after applying the brakes.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4e77195b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 4e77195b

If , what is the value of ?

ID: 4e77195b Answer

Correct Answer: 480

Rationale
The correct answer is . Multiplying both sides of the given equation by yields , or
. Therefore, if , the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c4ea43ef
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c4ea43ef

To earn money for college, Avery works two part-time jobs: A and B. She earns
$10 per hour working at job A and $20 per hour working at job B. In one week,
Avery earned a total of s dollars for working at the two part-time jobs. The
graph above represents all possible combinations of numbers of hours Avery
could have worked at the two jobs to earn s dollars. What is the value of s ?

A. 128

B. 160

C. 200

D. 320

ID: c4ea43ef Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Avery earns $10 per hour working at job A. Therefore, if she works a hours at job A, she will earn
 dollars. Avery earns $20 per hour working at job B. Therefore, if she works b hours at job B, she will earn
dollars. The graph shown represents all possible combinations of the number of hours Avery could have worked at the
two jobs to earn s dollars. Therefore, if she worked a hours at job A, worked b hours at job B, and earned s dollars from
both jobs, the following equation represents the graph: , where s is a constant. Identifying any point
from the graph and substituting the values of the coordinates for a and b, respectively, in this equation yield the
value of s. For example, the point , where and , lies on the graph. Substituting 16 for a and 0 for b in
the equation yields , or . Similarly, the point , where and ,
lies on the graph. Substituting 0 for a and 8 for b in the equation yields , or .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. If the value of s is 128, 200, or 320, then no points on the graph will satisfy this
equation. For example, if the value of s is 128 (choice A), then the equation becomes
. The point , where and , lies on the graph. However, substituting 16 for a and 0
for b in yields , or , which is false. Therefore, doesn’t satisfy
the equation, and so the value of s can’t be 128. Similarly, if (choice C) or (choice D), then
substituting 16 for a and 0 for b yields and , respectively, which are both false.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c8e0f511
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c8e0f511

For a camping trip a group bought one-liter bottles of water and three-liter bottles of water, for a total of liters
of water. Which equation represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c8e0f511 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that for a camping trip a group bought one-liter bottles of water and three-liter bottles
of water. Since the group bought one-liter bottles of water, the total number of liters bought from one-liter bottles of
water is represented as , or . Since the group bought three-liter bottles of water, the total number of liters bought
from three-liter bottles of water is represented as . It's given that the group bought a total of liters; thus, the
equation represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the group bought three-liter bottles of water and
one-liter bottles of water, for a total of liters of water.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 830120b0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 830120b0

Which of the following consists of the y-coordinates of all the points that
satisfy the system of inequalities above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 830120b0 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Subtracting the same number from each side of an inequality gives an equivalent inequality. Hence,
subtracting 1 from each side of the inequality gives . So the given system of inequalities is equivalent
to the system of inequalities and , which can be rewritten as . Using the transitive
property of inequalities, it follows that .

Choice A is incorrect because there are points with a y-coordinate less than 6 that satisfy the given system of
inequalities. For example, satisfies both inequalities. Choice C is incorrect. This may result from solving the
inequality for x, then replacing x with y. Choice D is incorrect because this inequality allows y-values that are not

the y-coordinate of any point that satisfies both inequalities. For example, is contained in the set ;

however, if 2 is substituted into the first inequality for y, the result is . This cannot be true because the second

inequality gives .
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID b8e73b5b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b8e73b5b

Ken is working this summer as part of a crew on a farm. He earned $8 per hour
for the first 10 hours he worked this week. Because of his performance, his
crew leader raised his salary to $10 per hour for the rest of the week. Ken saves
90% of his earnings from each week. What is the least number of hours he
must work the rest of the week to save at least $270 for the week?

A. 38

B. 33

C. 22

D. 16

ID: b8e73b5b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Ken earned $8 per hour for the first 10 hours he worked, so he earned a total of $80 for the first 10
hours he worked. For the rest of the week, Ken was paid at the rate of $10 per hour. Let x be the number of hours he will
work for the rest of the week. The total of Ken’s earnings, in dollars, for the week will be . He saves 90% of his
earnings each week, so this week he will save dollars. The inequality represents

the condition that he will save at least $270 for the week. Factoring 10 out of the expression gives .
The product of 10 and 0.9 is 9, so the inequality can be rewritten as . Dividing both sides of this
inequality by 9 yields , so . Therefore, the least number of hours Ken must work the rest of the week
to save at least $270 for the week is 22.

Choices A and B are incorrect because Ken can save $270 by working fewer hours than 38 or 33 for the rest of the
week. Choice D is incorrect. If Ken worked 16 hours for the rest of the week, his total earnings for the week will be
, which is less than $270. Since he saves only 90% of his earnings each week, he would save
even less than $240 for the week.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2d0e13a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2d0e13a6

Line is defined by . Line is parallel to line in the xy-plane. What is the slope of ?

ID: 2d0e13a6 Answer

Correct Answer: .25, 1/4

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that line is defined by . It's also given that line is parallel to line in
the xy-plane. A line in the xy-plane represented by an equation in slope-intercept form has a slope of
and a y-intercept of . Therefore, the slope of line is . Since parallel lines have equal slopes, the slope of line
is . Note that 1/4 and .25 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b3c7ca1d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b3c7ca1d

Which of the following systems of linear equations has no solution?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b3c7ca1d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the graphs of the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in slope-intercept form, , where and are constants, are parallel if their
slopes, , are the same and are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, , are different. In the equations
and , the values of are each , and the values of are and , respectively. Since
the slopes of these lines are the same, and the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different, it follows that the system
of linear equations in choice C has no solution.

Choice A is incorrect. The lines represented by the equations in this system are a vertical line and a horizontal line.
Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations have different slopes and the same y-coordinate of
the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a horizontal line and a line with a slope of
that have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no
solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1bc11c4e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 1bc11c4e

The given function models the number of gallons of gasoline that remains from a full gas tank in a car after driving
miles. According to the model, about how many gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1bc11c4e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the function models the number of gallons that remain from a full gas tank in a car
after driving miles. In the given function , the coefficient of is . This means that
for every increase in the value of by , the value of decreases by . It follows that for each mile driven,
there is a decrease of gallons of gasoline. Therefore, gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile.

Choice B is incorrect and represents the number of gallons of gasoline in a full gas tank.

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 aad7e1b9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: aad7e1b9

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: aad7e1b9 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The y-intercept of the graph of a function in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where . It′s
given that . Substituting for in this equation yields , or . Since it′s
given that , it follows that when . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-
plane is .

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: Easy

Question ID e77a76ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e77a76ce

Which of the following systems of linear equations has no solution?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e77a76ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the graphs of the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in slope-intercept form, , where and are constants, are parallel if their
slopes, , are the same and are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, , are different. In the equations
and , the values of are each , and the values of are and , respectively. Since the
slopes of these lines are the same and the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different, it follows that the system of
linear equations in choice A has no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a horizontal line and a line with a slope of
that have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no
solution.

Choice C is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations have different slopes and the same y-coordinate of
the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a vertical line and a horizontal line. Therefore,
this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9ff10b3b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 9ff10b3b

If , what is
the value of x ?

A.

B.

C. 3

D. 6

ID: 9ff10b3b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. To make it easier to add like terms on the left-hand side of the given equation, both sides of the

equation can be multiplied by 6, which is the lowest common denominator of and . This yields ,
which can be rewritten as . Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from subtracting the denominators instead of numerators with common

denominators to get , rather than , on the left-hand side of the equation. Choice B is incorrect and may result

from rewriting the given equation as instead of . Choice D is incorrect and may result from
conceptual or computational errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 78391fcc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 78391fcc

f(x) 21 18 15 12

The table above shows some values of x and their corresponding values
for the linear function f. What is the x-intercept of the graph of in the
xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 78391fcc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The equation of a linear function can be written in the form , where , m is the
slope of the graph of , and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph. The value of m can be found

using the slope formula, . According to the table, the points and lie on the graph of

. Using these two points in the slope formula yields , or . Substituting for m in the
slope-intercept form of the equation yields . The value of b can be found by substituting values from the
table and solving; for example, substituting the coordinates of the point into the equation
gives , which yields . This means the function given by the table can be represented by
the equation . The value of the x-intercept of the graph of can be determined by finding the
value of x when . Substituting into yields , or . This corresponds to

the point .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from substituting the value of the slope for the x-coordinate of the x-intercept.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error. Choice D is incorrect and may result from substituting the
y-coordinate of the y-intercept for the x-coordinate of the x-intercept.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1e11190a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 1e11190a

Store A sells raspberries for per pint and blackberries for per pint. Store B sells raspberries for per
pint and blackberries for per pint. A certain purchase of raspberries and blackberries would cost at Store
A or at Store B. How many pints of blackberries are in this purchase?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1e11190a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that store A sells raspberries for per pint and blackberries for per pint, and
a certain purchase of raspberries and blackberries at store A would cost . It’s also given that store B sells
raspberries for per pint and blackberries for per pint, and this purchase of raspberries and blackberries at
store B would cost . Let represent the number of pints of raspberries and represent the number of pints of
blackberries in this purchase. The equation represents this purchase of raspberries and
blackberries from store A and the equation represents this purchase of raspberries and
blackberries from store B. Solving the system of equations by elimination gives the value of and the value of that
make the system of equations true. Multiplying both sides of the equation for store A by yields
, or . Multiplying both sides of the
equation for store B by yields , or .
Subtracting both sides of the equation for store A, , from the corresponding sides of the
equation for store B, , yields , or
. Dividing both sides of this equationby yields . Thus, pints of blackberries are in
this purchase.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. Choice D is incorrect. This is the
number of pints of raspberries, not blackberries, in the purchase.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cee5b352
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: cee5b352

The length, , of a white whale was when it was born and increased an average of per
month for the first months after it was born. Which equation best represents this situation, where is the number of
months after the whale was born and is the length, in , of the whale?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: cee5b352 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that the length of the whale was when it was born and that its length increased
an average of per month for the first months after it was born. Since represents the number of months
after the whale was born, the total increase in the whale's length, in , is times , or . The length of the whale
, in , can be found by adding the whale's length at birth, , to the total increase in length, .
Therefore, the equation that best represents this situation is .

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: Easy

Question ID 2d54c272
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2d54c272

At a school fair, students can win colored tokens that are worth a different number of points depending on the color.
One student won green tokens and red tokens worth a total of points. The given equation represents this
situation. How many more points is a red token worth than a green token?

ID: 2d54c272 Answer

Correct Answer: 40

Rationale
The correct answer is . It's given that , where is the number of green tokens and is the
number of red tokens won by one student and these tokens are worth a total of points. Since the equation
represents the situation where the student won points with green tokens and red tokens for a total of points, each
term on the left-hand side of the equation represents the number of points won for one of the colors. Since the
coefficient of in the given equation is , a green token must be worth points. Similarly, since the coefficient of in
the given equation is , a red token must be worth points. Therefore, a red token is worth points, or
points, more than a green token.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4ec95eab
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 4ec95eab

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4ec95eab Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the substitution method. Substituting
for from the first equation in the given system into the second equation yields , or .

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. This is the absolute value of , not the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 03503d49
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 03503d49

A business owner plans to purchase the same model of chair for each of the employees. The total budget to spend
on these chairs is , which includes a sales tax. Which of the following is closest to the maximum possible
price per chair, before sales tax, the business owner could pay based on this budget?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 03503d49 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that a business owner plans to purchase chairs. If is the price per chair, the total
price of purchasing chairs is . It’s also given that sales tax is included, which is equivalent to multiplied
by , or . Since the total budget is , the inequality representing the situation is given by
. Dividing both sides of this inequality by and rounding the result to two decimal places
gives . To not exceed the budget, the maximum possible price per chair is .

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the maximum possible price per chair including sales tax, not the maximum possible price
per chair before sales tax.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the maximum possible price if the sales tax is added to the total budget, not the
maximum possible price per chair before sales tax.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID de6fe450
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: de6fe450

On January 1, 2015, a city’s minimum hourly wage was $9.25. It will increase by
$0.50 on the first day of the year for the next 5 years. Which of the following
functions best models the minimum hourly wage, in dollars, x years after
January 1, 2015, where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: de6fe450 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the city’s minimum hourly wage will increase by $0.50 on the first day of the year for
the 5 years after January 1, 2015. Therefore, the total increase, in dollars, in the minimum hourly wage x years after
January 1, 2015, is represented by . Since the minimum hourly wage on January 1, 2015, was $9.25, it follows
that the minimum hourly wage, in dollars, x years after January 1, 2015, is represented by . Therefore, the
function best models this situation.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. In choice A, the function models a situation where the minimum hourly wage is $9.25
on January 1, 2015, but decreases by $0.50 on the first day of the year for the next 5 years. The functions in choices B
and D both model a situation where the minimum hourly wage is increasing by $9.25 on the first day of the year for the
5 years after January 1, 2015.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a35c7164
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: a35c7164

In the given pair of equations, and are constants. The graph of this pair of equations in the xy-plane is a pair of
perpendicular lines. Which of the following pairs of equations also represents a pair of perpendicular lines?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a35c7164 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Two lines are perpendicular if their slopes are negative reciprocals, meaning that the slope of the
first line is equal to divided by the slope of the second line. Each equation in the given pair of equations can be
written in slope-intercept form, , where is the slope of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane and
is the y-intercept. For the first equation, , subtracting from both sides gives , and
dividing both sides of this equation by gives . Therefore, the slope of the graph of this equation is
. For the second equation, , subtracting from both sides gives , and dividing both
sides of this equation by gives . Therefore, the slope of the graph of this equation is . Since the
graph of the given pair of equations is a pair of perpendicular lines, the slope of the graph of the second equation, ,
must be the negative reciprocal of the slope of the graph of the first equation, . The negative reciprocal of is
, or . Therefore, , or . Similarly, rewriting the equations in choice B in slope-intercept form
yields and . It follows that the slope of the graph of the first equation in choice B is
and the slope of the graph of the second equation in choice B is . Since , is equal to
, or . Since is the negative reciprocal of , the pair of equations in choice B represents a pair of
perpendicular lines.

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 f03465dc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f03465dc

For each real number , which of the following points lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given
system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f03465dc Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Dividing both sides of the second equation in the given system by yields , which is
the first equation in the given system. Therefore, the first and second equations represent the same line in the xy-plane.
If the x- and y-coordinates of a point satisfy an equation, the point lies on the graph of the equation in the xy-plane.
Choice A is a point with x-coordinate and y-coordinate . Substituting for and for in the
equation yields . Applying the distributive property to the left-hand side of this
equation yields . Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields , so the
coordinates of the point satisfy both equations in the given system. Therefore, for each real number ,
the point lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given 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 e2e3942f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e2e3942f

In the system of equations above, a is a constant. If the system of equations

has no solution, what is the value of a ?

A.

B. 0

C. 1

D. 2

ID: e2e3942f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations has no solution when the graphs of the equations have the same
slope and different y-coordinates of the y-intercepts. Each of the given equations is written in the slope-intercept form
of a linear equation, , where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of the
equation. For these two linear equations, the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different: and . Thus, if the
system of equations has no solution, the slopes of the two linear equations must be the same. The slope of the first
linear equation is 2. Therefore, for the system of equations to have no solution, the value of a must be 2.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cd33b015
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: cd33b015

If is the solution to the given system of

equations, what is the value of y ?

A. 10

B. 15

C. 60

D. 65

ID: cd33b015 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Substituting 20 for in the second equation in the system yields , or
. Subtracting 40 from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 3
yields .

Choice A is incorrect. If , then since . However, substituting 10 for both x and y in the second
equation yields , which is a false statement. Choice C is incorrect. If , then since .
However, substituting these values for x and y in the second equation yields , which is a false statement.
Choice D is incorrect. If , then since . However, substituting these values for x and y in the
second equation yields , which is a false statement.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 042aa429
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 042aa429

If and , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 042aa429 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The value of can be found by substituting for in the given equation , which
yields , or . The value of can be found by substituting for in the given equation
, which yields , or . The value of the expression can be found by
substituting the corresponding values into the expression, which gives . This expression is equivalent to
, or .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of , not .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating as , rather than

.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 28c2253f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 28c2253f

Characteristics for Rock Types

Weight per volume Cost per
Rock type
(lb/ft3) pound

Basalt 180 $0.18

Granite 165 $0.09

Limestone 120 $0.03

Sandstone 135 $0.22

A city is planning to build a rock retaining wall, a monument, and a garden in a

park. The table above shows four rock types that will be considered for use in
the project. Also shown for each rock type is its weight per volume, in pounds
per cubic foot (lb/ft3), and the cost per pound, in dollars. Only basalt, granite,
and limestone will be used in the garden. The rocks in the garden will have a
total weight of 1,000 pounds. If 330 pounds of granite is used, which of the
following equations could show the relationship between the amounts, x and y,
in ft3, for each of the other rock types used?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 28c2253f Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the weight of the granite used in the garden is 330 pounds. The weight of the
3 3
limestone used in the garden is a product of its weight per volume, in lb/ft3, and its volume, in ft3. Therefore, the weight
of the limestone used in the garden can be represented by , where x is the volume, in ft3, of the limestone used.
Similarly, the weight of the basalt used in the garden can be represented by , where y is the volume, in ft3, of the
basalt used. It’s given that the total weight of the rocks used in the garden will be 1,000 pounds. Thus, the sum of the
weights of the three rock types used is 1,000 pounds, which can be represented by the equation
. Subtracting 330 from both sides of this equation yields .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation uses the weight per volume of granite instead of limestone. Choice B is incorrect.
This equation uses the weight per volume of granite instead of basalt, and doesn’t take into account the 330 pounds of
granite that will be used in the garden. Choice D is incorrect. This equation doesn’t take into account the 330 pounds of
granite that will be used in the garden.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b2de69bd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b2de69bd

x y

1 5

2 7

3 9

4 11

The table above shows some pairs of x values and y values. Which of the
following equations could represent the relationship between x and y ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b2de69bd Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Each of the choices is a linear equation in the form y = mx + b, where m and b are constants. In this
equation, m represents the change in y for each increase in x by 1. From the table, it can be determined that the value
of y increases by 2 for each increase in x by 1. In other words, for the pairs of x and y in the given table, m = 2. The
value of b can be found by substituting the values of x and y from any row of the table and substituting the value of m
into the equation y = mx + b and then solving for b. For example, using x = 1, y = 5, and m = 2 yields 5 = 2(1) + b. Solving
for b yields b = 3. Therefore, the equation y = 2x + 3 could represent the relationship between x and y in the given table.

Alternatively, if an equation represents the relationship between x and y, then when each pair of x and y from the table
is substituted into the equation, the result will be a true statement. Of the equations given, the equation y = 2x + 3 in
choice A is the only equation that results in a true statement when each of the pairs of x and y are substituted into the
equation.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because when at least one pair of x and y from the table is substituted into the
equations given in these choices, the result is a false statement. For example, when the pair x = 4 and y = 11 is
substituted into the equation in choice B, the result is 11 = 3(4) – 2, or 11 = 10, which is false.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 963da34c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 963da34c

A shipping service restricts the dimensions of the boxes it will ship for a certain
type of service. The restriction states that for boxes shaped like rectangular
prisms, the sum of the perimeter of the base of the box and the height of the
box cannot exceed 130 inches. The perimeter of the base is determined using
the width and length of the box. If a box has a height of 60 inches and its length
is 2.5 times the width, which inequality shows the allowable width x, in inches,
of the box?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 963da34c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. If x is the width, in inches, of the box, then the length of the box is 2.5x inches. It follows that the
perimeter of the base is , or 7x inches. The height of the box is given to be 60 inches. According to the
restriction, the sum of the perimeter of the base and the height of the box should not exceed 130 inches. Algebraically,
this can be represented by , or . Dividing both sides of the inequality by 7 gives . Since x
represents the width of the box, x must also be a positive number. Therefore, the inequality represents all
the allowable values of x that satisfy the given conditions.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from calculation errors or misreading the given information.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4acd05cd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 4acd05cd

The graph shows the linear relationship between and . Which table gives three values of and their corresponding
values of for this relationship?

A.

B.

C.
D.

ID: 4acd05cd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the graph shows the linear relationship between and . The given graph passes
through the points , , and . It follows that when , the corresponding value of is ,
when , the corresponding value of is , and when , the corresponding value of is . Of the given
choices, only the table in choice D gives these three values of and their corresponding values of for the relationship
shown in the graph.

Choice A is incorrect. This table represents a relationship between and such that the graph passes through the
points , , and .

Choice B is incorrect. This table represents a relationship between and such that the graph passes through the
points , , and .

Choice C is incorrect. This table represents a linear relationship between and such that the graph passes through
the points , , and .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 7038b587
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 7038b587

Vivian bought party hats and cupcakes for . Each package of party hats cost , and each cupcake cost . If
Vivian bought packages of party hats, how many cupcakes did she buy?

ID: 7038b587 Answer

Correct Answer: 41

Rationale
The correct answer is . The number of cupcakes Vivian bought can be found by first finding the amount Vivian spent
on cupcakes. The amount Vivian spent on cupcakes can be found by subtracting the amount Vivian spent on party hats
from the total amount Vivian spent. The amount Vivian spent on party hats can be found by multiplying the cost per
package of party hats by the number of packages of party hats, which yields , or . Subtracting the amount
Vivian spent on party hats, , from the total amount Vivian spent, , yields , or . Since the amount
Vivian spent on cupcakes was and each cupcake cost , it follows that Vivian bought cupcakes.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 10c448d6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 10c448d6

A line in the xy-plane has a slope of and passes through the point . Which equation represents this line?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 10c448d6 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The equation of a line in the xy-plane can be written as , where represents the
slope of the line and represents the y-intercept of the line. It's given that the slope of the line is . It follows that
. It's also given that the line passes through the point . It follows that . Substituting for and
for in yields . Thus, the equation represents this line.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 13909d78
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 13909d78

The function is defined by the equation . What is the value of when ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 13909d78 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Substituting for in the given equation yields , or . Therefore,
the value of when is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of when .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of when .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of when .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0366d965
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 0366d965

x y

3 7

k 11

12 n

The table above shows the coordinates of three points on a line in the xy-plane,
where k and n are constants. If the slope of the line is 2, what is the value of
?

ID: 0366d965 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 30. The slope of a line can be found by using the slope formula, . It’s given that the

slope of the line is 2; therefore, . According to the table, the points and lie on the line.

Substituting the coordinates of these points into the equation gives . Multiplying both sides of this

equation by gives , or . Solving for k gives . According to the table, the

points and also lie on the line. Substituting the coordinates of these points into gives

. Solving for n gives . Therefore, , or 30.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f81a0503
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: f81a0503

In the xy-plane, line passes through the points and . Which equation defines line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f81a0503 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. An equation defining a line in the xy-plane can be written in the form , where
represents the slope and represents the y-intercept of the line. It’s given that line passes through the point
; therefore, . The slope, , of a line can be found using any two points on the line, and
, and the slope formula . Substituting the points and for and ,
respectively, in the slope formula yields , or . Substituting for and for in the equation
yields .

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: Medium

Question ID 7a987ae4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 7a987ae4

If , what is the
value of ?

A. 24

B. 49

C. 50

D. 99

ID: 7a987ae4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by 5 yields . Substituting 50 for in the
expression yields .

Alternate approach: Dividing both sides of by 2 yields . Evaluating the expression for
yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from finding the value of instead of . Choice C is incorrect and may
result from finding the value of instead of . Choice D is incorrect and may result from finding the value of
instead of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 84d0d07e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 84d0d07e

A clothing store is having a sale on shirts and pants. During the sale, the cost
of each shirt is $15 and the cost of each pair of pants is $25. Geoff can spend
at most $120 at the store. If Geoff buys s shirts and p pairs of pants, which of
the following must be true?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 84d0d07e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. Since the cost of each shirt is $15 and Geoff buys s shirts, the expression represents the
amount Geoff spends on shirts. Since the cost of each pair of pants is $25 and Geoff buys p pairs of pants, the
expression represents the amount Geoff spends on pants. Therefore, the sum represents the total
amount Geoff spends at the store. Since Geoff can spend at most $120 at the store, the total amount he spends must
be less than or equal to 120. Thus, .

Choice B is incorrect. This represents the situation in which Geoff spends at least, rather than at most, $120 at the
store. Choice C is incorrect and may result from reversing the cost of a shirt and that of a pair of paints. Choice D is
incorrect and may result from both reversing the cost of a shirt and that of a pair of pants and from representing a
situation in which Geoff spends at least, rather than at most, $120 at the store.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID aee9fd2d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: aee9fd2d

If , the value of is between which of the following pairs of values?

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: aee9fd2d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by , or , yields ,
or . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing
both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, if , then the value of is . It follows
that of the given choices, the value of is between and .

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 ce6b52d8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ce6b52d8

If , what is the value of ?

ID: ce6b52d8 Answer

Correct Answer: 60

Rationale
The correct answer is . Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields . Applying
the distributive property to the left-hand side of this equation yields . Adding to both sides of
this equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Therefore, the value
of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 466b87e3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 466b87e3

In the system of equations above, c is a constant. If the system has

no solution, what is the value of c ?

ID: 466b87e3 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . A system of two linear equations has no solution when the graphs of the equations have the
same slope and different y-intercepts. Each of the given linear equations is written in the slope-intercept form,
, where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of the equation. For these
two linear equations, the y-intercepts are and . Thus, if the system of equations has no solution, the
slopes of the graphs of the two linear equations must be the same. The slope of the graph of the first linear equation is

. Therefore, for the system of equations to have no solution, the value of c must be . Note that 1/2 and .5 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 0cadb20e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0cadb20e

The function is defined by , and , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0cadb20e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that and , where is a constant. Therefore, for the given
function , when , . Substituting for and for in the given function yields .
Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields
. Therefore, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of if . Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of if .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of if .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ee031767
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ee031767

A dance teacher ordered outfits for students for a dance recital. Outfits for
boys cost $26, and outfits for girls cost $35. The dance teacher ordered a total
of 28 outfits and spent $881. If b represents the number of outfits the dance
teacher ordered for boys and g represents the number of outfits the dance
teacher ordered for girls, which of the following systems of equations can be
solved to find b and g ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ee031767 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Outfits for boys cost $26 each and the teacher ordered b outfits for boys, so the teacher spent 26b
dollars on outfits for boys. Similarly, outfits for girls cost $35 each and the teacher ordered g outfits for girls, so the
teacher spent 35g dollars on outfits for girls. Since the teacher spent a total of $881 on outfits for boys and girls, the
equation 26b + 35g = 881 must be true. And since the teacher ordered a total of 28 outfits, the equation b + g = 28 must
also be true.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from switching the constraint on the total number of outfits with the constraint on
the cost of the outfits. Choice C is incorrect and may result from switching the constraint on the total number of outfits
with the constraint on the cost of the outfits, as well as switching the cost of the outfits for boys with the cost of the
outfits for girls. Choice D is incorrect and may result from switching the cost of the outfits for boys with the cost of the
outfits for girls.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 265f2a53
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 265f2a53

When line is graphed in the xy-plane, it has an x-intercept of and a y-intercept of . What is the slope
of line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 265f2a53 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that when line is graphed in the xy-plane, it has an x-intercept of and a y-
intercept of . The slope, , of a line can be found using any two points on the line, and , and
the slope formula . Substituting the points and for and , respectively,

in the slope formula yields , or . Therefore, the slope of line is .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the slope of a line that has an x-intercept of and a y-intercept of .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2875ba81
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 2875ba81

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2875ba81 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the elimination method. Multiplying each
side of the second equation in the given system by yields , or . Subtracting
this equation from the first equation in the given system yields , which is
equivalent to , or .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of , not the value of .

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 89541f9b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 89541f9b

Which of the following ordered pairs satisfies

the inequality ?

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II only

D. I and III only

ID: 89541f9b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Substituting into the inequality gives , or , which is a true statement.
Substituting into the inequality gives , or , which is a true statement. Substituting into
the inequality gives , or , which is not a true statement. Therefore, and are the only
ordered pairs shown that satisfy the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect because the ordered pair also satisfies the inequality. Choice B is incorrect because the
ordered pair also satisfies the inequality. Choice D is incorrect because the ordered pair does not satisfy the
inequality.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 153ee763
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 153ee763

In the given equation, is a constant. The equation has no solution. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 153ee763 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. A linear equation in one variable has no solution if and only if the equation is false; that is, when
there is no value of that produces a true statement. It's given that in the equation , is a constant
and the equation has no solution for . Therefore, the value of the constant is one that results in a false equation.
Factoring out the common factor of on the left-hand side of the given equation yields .
Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by
yields . This equation is false if and only if . Adding to both sides of yields
. Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . It follows that the equation is false if and
only if . Therefore, the given equation has no solution if and only if the value of is .

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 520e6f5b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 520e6f5b

Characteristics for Rock Types

Weight per volume Cost per
Rock type
(lb/ft3) pound

Basalt 180 $0.18

Granite 165 $0.09

Limestone 120 $0.03

Sandstone 135 $0.22

A city is planning to build a rock retaining wall, a monument, and a garden in a

park. The table above shows four rock types that will be considered for use in
the project. Also shown for each rock type is its weight per volume, in pounds
per cubic foot (lb/ft3), and the cost per pound, in dollars. The equation
gives the total cost, in
dollars, of the rocks used in the project in terms of the number of ft3 of
limestone, w, and the number of ft3 of basalt, z. All four rock types are used in
the project. Which of the following is the best interpretation of 3,385.80 in this
context?

A. The cost of the granite and sandstone needed for the project

B. The cost of the basalt and limestone needed for the project

C. The cost of the basalt needed for the project

D. The cost of the sandstone needed for the project

ID: 520e6f5b Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The table shows the cost of limestone is $0.03/lb, and the weight per volume for limestone is 120
3 3
lb/ft3. Therefore, the term represents the cost, in dollars, of w ft3 of limestone. Similarly, the term
represents the cost, in dollars, of z ft3 of basalt. The given equation shows that the total cost of all the
rocks used in the project is $7,576.20. Since it’s given that all four rock types are used in the project, the remaining
term, 3,385.80, represents the cost, in dollars, of the granite and sandstone needed for the project.

Choice B is incorrect. The cost of basalt and limestone needed for the project can be represented by
. Choice C is incorrect. The cost of the basalt needed for the project can be represented by
the expression . Choice D is incorrect and may result from neglecting to include granite in the rock types
used for the project.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID cc3e9528
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: cc3e9528

The graph of is translated down units in the xy-plane. What is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of
the resulting graph?

ID: cc3e9528 Answer

Correct Answer: 59/9, 6.555, 6.556

Rationale
The correct answer is . When the graph of an equation in the form , where , , and are
constants, is translated down units in the xy-plane, the resulting graph can be represented by the equation
. It’s given that the graph of is translated down units in the xy-plane.
Therefore, the resulting graph can be represented by the equation , or .
Adding to both sides of this equation yields . The x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of an
equation in the xy-plane is the value of in the equation when . Substituting for in the equation
yields , or . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields .
Therefore, the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the resulting graph is . Note that 59/9, 6.555, and 6.556 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 915463e0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 915463e0

Normal body temperature for an adult is between and , inclusive.

If Kevin, an adult male, has a body temperature that is considered to be normal,
which of the following could be his body temperature?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 915463e0 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Normal body temperature must be greater than or equal to 97.8°F but less than or equal to 99°F. Of
the given choices, 97.9°F is the only temperature that fits these restrictions.

Choices A and B are incorrect. These temperatures are less than 97.8°F, so they don’t fit the given restrictions. Choice D
is incorrect. This temperature is greater than 99°F, so it doesn’t fit the given restrictions.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f718c9cf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f718c9cf

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

ID: f718c9cf Answer

Correct Answer: 1.8, 9/5

Rationale
The correct answer is . Multiplying the first equation in the given system by yields . Subtracting
the second equation in the given system, , from yields
, which is equivalent to , or .
Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . The value of can be found by substituting for in either of
the two given equations. Substituting for in the equation yields , or
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation
by yields , or . Therefore, the value of is , or . Note that 9/5 and 1.8 are examples of
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 48fb34c8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 48fb34c8

For which of the following tables are all the values of and their corresponding values of solutions to the given
inequality?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 48fb34c8 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. All the tables in the choices have the same three values of , so each of the three values of can
be substituted in the given inequality to compare the corresponding values of in each of the tables. Substituting for
in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is
greater than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when ,
the corresponding value of is greater than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or
. Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is greater than . For the table in choice D, when ,
the corresponding value of is , which is greater than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is
greater than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is greater than . Therefore, the table in
choice D gives values of and their corresponding values of that are all solutions to the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect. In the table for choice A, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater
than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than ; when , the corresponding
value of is , which is not greater than .

Choice B is incorrect. In the table for choice B, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater
than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than .

Choice C is incorrect. In the table for choice C, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater
than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than ; when , the corresponding
value of is , which is not greater than .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9f6f96ff
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 9f6f96ff

A wire with a length of inches is cut into two parts. One part has a length of inches, and the other part has a
length of inches. The value of is more than times the value of . What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9f6f96ff Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that a wire with a length of inches is cut into two parts. It's also given that one part
has a length of inches and the other part has a length of inches. This can be represented by the equation
. It's also given that the value of is more than times the value of . This can be represented by the
equation . Substituting for in the equation yields , or
. Subtracting from each side of this equation yields . Dividing each side of this equation by
yields . Substituting for in the equation yields , or .

Choice A is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of inches; however, represents the
length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of is more than times the value of .

Choice B is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of inches; however, represents the
length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of is more than times the value of .

Choice C is incorrect. This represents a part that is more than the length of the other part, rather than more than
times the length of the other part.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7e1bff94
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 7e1bff94

The table gives the number of hours, , of labor and a plumber’s total charge , in dollars, for two different jobs.

There is a linear relationship between and . Which equation represents this relationship?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7e1bff94 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that there is a linear relationship between a plumber's hours of labor, , and the plumber's
total charge , in dollars. It follows that the relationship can be represented by an equation of the form
, where is the rate of change of the function and is a constant. The rate of change of can be
calculated by dividing the difference in two values of by the difference in the corresponding values of . Based on
the values given in the table, the rate of change of is , or . Substituting for in the equation
yields . The value of can be found by substituting any value of and its
corresponding value of for and , respectively, in this equation. Substituting for and for yields
, or . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Substituting
for in the equation yields .

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: Medium

Question ID ce314070
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ce314070

If , what is the
value of ?

A. 2

B.

C.

D.

ID: ce314070 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Multiplying the given equation by 2 on each side yields . Applying the

distributive property, this equation can be rewritten as , or .

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may result from calculation errors in solving the given equation for and then
substituting that value of x in the expression .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d8539e09
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: d8539e09

For which of the following tables are all the values of and their corresponding values of solutions to the given
inequality?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d8539e09 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. All the tables in the choices have the same three values of , so each of the three values of can
be substituted in the given inequality to compare the corresponding values of in each of the tables. Substituting for
in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is less
than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the
corresponding value of is less than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or .
Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is less than . For the table in choice C, when , the
corresponding value of is , which is less than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is less
than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is less than . Therefore, the table in choice C gives
values of and their corresponding values of that are all solutions to the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect. In the table for choice A, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than
; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than ; when , the corresponding value of
is , which is not less than .

Choice B is incorrect. In the table for choice B, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than
.

Choice D is incorrect. In the table for choice D, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than
; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than ; when , the corresponding value of
is , which is not less than .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e8f9e117
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: e8f9e117

The formula above is Ohm’s law for an electric circuit with current I, in amperes,
potential difference V, in volts, and resistance R, in ohms. A circuit has a
resistance of 500 ohms, and its potential difference will be generated by n six-
volt batteries that produce a total potential difference of volts. If the circuit
is to have a current of no more than 0.25 ampere, what is the greatest number,
n, of six-volt batteries that can be used?

ID: e8f9e117 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 20. For the given circuit, the resistance R is 500 ohms, and the total potential difference V
generated by n batteries is volts. It’s also given that the circuit is to have a current of no more than 0.25 ampere,

which can be expressed as . Since Ohm’s law says that , the given values for V and R can be substituted

for I in this inequality, which yields . Multiplying both sides of this inequality by 500 yields , and
dividing both sides of this inequality by 6 yields . Since the number of batteries must be a whole number
less than 20.833, the greatest number of batteries that can be used in this circuit is 20.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 868fc236
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 868fc236

The table above gives the typical amounts of energy per gram, expressed in
both food calories and kilojoules, of the three macronutrients in food. If x food
calories is equivalent to k kilojoules, of the following, which best represents the
relationship between x and k ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 868fc236 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The relationship between x food calories and k kilojoules can be modeled as a proportional
relationship. Let and represent the values in the first two rows in the table: and .

The rate of change, or , is ; therefore, the equation that best represents the relationship between x
and k is .

Choice A is incorrect and may be the result of calculating the rate of change using . Choice C is incorrect
because the number of kilojoules is greater than the number of food calories. Choice D is incorrect and may be the
result of an error when setting up the equation.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 431c3038
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 431c3038

In an article about exercise, it is estimated that a 160-pound adult uses 200

calories for every 30 minutes of hiking and 150 calories for every 30 minutes of
bicycling. An adult who weighs 160 pounds has completed 1 hour of bicycling.
Based on the article, how many hours should the adult hike to use a total of
1,900 calories from bicycling and hiking?

A. 9.5

B. 8.75

C. 6

D. 4

ID: 431c3038 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since a 160-pound adult uses 200 calories for every 30 minutes of hiking, then the same adult uses
calories after hiking for h 30-minute periods. Similarly, the same adult uses calories after bicycling for b
30-minute periods. Therefore, the equation represents the situation where a 160-pound adult
uses a total of 1,900 calories from hiking for h 30-minute periods and bicycling for b 30-minute periods. It’s given that
the adult completes 1 hour, or 2 30-minute periods, of bicycling. Substituting 2 for b in the equation
yields , or . Subtracting 300 from both sides of
this equation yields . Dividing both sides by 200 yields . Since h represents the number of 30-
minute periods spent hiking and there are 2 30-minute periods in every hour, it follows that the adult will need to hike

for , or 4 hours to use a total of 1,900 calories from bicycling and hiking.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from solving the equation . This represents 0 30-minute periods
bicycling instead of 2. Choice B is incorrect and may result from solving the equation . This
represents 1 30-minute period of bicycling instead of 2. Choice C is incorrect. This may result from determining that the
number of 30-minute periods the adult should hike is 8, but then subtracting 2 from 8, rather than dividing 8 by 2, to find
the number of hours the adult should hike.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c8fb6bcb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c8fb6bcb

The given function represents the perimeter, in , of a rectangle with a length of and a fixed
width. What is the width, in , of the rectangle?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c8fb6bcb Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that represents the perimeter, in , of a rectangle
with a length of and a fixed width. If represents a fixed width, in , then the perimeter, in , of a rectangle
with a length of and a fixed width of can be given by the function . Therefore,
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Therefore, the width, in , of the rectangle is .

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 d909cd31
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d909cd31

One of the two equations in a system of linear equations is given. The system has infinitely many solutions. Which of
the following could be the second equation in the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d909cd31 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It's given that the system has infinitely many solutions. A system of two linear equations has
infinitely many solutions when the two linear equations are equivalent. Dividing both sides of the given equation by
yields . Dividing both sides of choice C by also yields , so choice C is equivalent to
the given equation. Thus, choice C could be the second equation in the system.

Choice A is incorrect. The system consisting of this equation and the given equation has one solution, not infinitely
many solutions.

Choice B is incorrect. The system consisting of this equation and the given equation has one solution, not infinitely
many solutions.

Choice D is incorrect. The system consisting of this equation and the given equation has no solution, not infinitely
many solutions.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 98d3393a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 98d3393a

Line in the xy-plane is perpendicular to the line with equation

. What is the slope of line ?

A. 0

B.

C.

D. The slope of line is undefined.

ID: 98d3393a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It is given that line is perpendicular to a line whose equation is x = 2. A line whose equation is a
constant value of x is vertical, so must therefore be horizontal. Horizontal lines have a slope of 0, so has a slope of
0.

Choice B is incorrect. A line with slope is perpendicular to a line with slope 2. However, the line with equation x = 2
is vertical and has undefined slope (not slope of 2). Choice C is incorrect. A line with slope –2 is perpendicular to a line

with slope . However, the line with equation x = 2 has undefined slope (not slope of ). Choice D is incorrect; this
is the slope of the line x = 2 itself, not the slope of a line perpendicular to it.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f88970cc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f88970cc

Which of the following points is the solution to the given system of equations in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f88970cc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. A solution to a system of equations in the xy-plane is a point that lies on the graph of each
equation in the system. The first equation given is . Substituting for in the second given equation yields
, or . It follows that in the xy-plane, the point lies on the graph of each equation in the
system. Therefore, the solution to the given system of equations in the xy-plane is .

Choice A is incorrect. The point doesn't lie on the graph of either equation in the given system.

Choice C is incorrect. The point doesn't lie on the graph of the second equation in the given system.

Choice D is incorrect. The point doesn't lie on the graph of the second equation in the given system.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 56dc8045
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 56dc8045

The function models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container seconds after it begins draining from a hole at
the bottom. According to the model, what is the predicted volume, in milliliters, draining from the container each
second?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 56dc8045 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container seconds
after it begins draining from a hole at the bottom. The given function can be rewritten as
. Thus, for each increase of by , the value of decreases by , or . Therefore, the
predicted volume, in milliliters, draining from the container each second is milliliters.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the amount of liquid, in milliliters, in the container before the liquid begins draining.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4f669597
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 4f669597

What value of p is the solution of

the equation above?

ID: 4f669597 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 1.2. One way to solve the equation is to first distribute the terms
outside the parentheses to the terms inside the parentheses: . Next, combine like terms on the
left side of the equal sign: . Subtracting 10p from both sides yields . Finally, dividing both

sides by gives , which is equivalent to . Note that 1.2 and 6/5 are examples of ways to enter a
correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3c4ce699
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 3c4ce699

If , what is the value of ?

ID: 3c4ce699 Answer

Correct Answer: 27

Rationale
The correct answer is . Multiplying both sides of the given equation by yields , or .
Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f2bbd43d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: f2bbd43d

The point is a solution to the system of inequalities in the xy-plane. Which of the following could be the value of
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f2bbd43d Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the point is a solution to the given system of inequalities in the xy-plane. This
means that the coordinates of the point, when substituted for the variables and , make both of the inequalities in the
system true. Substituting for in the inequality yields , which is true. Substituting for in the
inequality yields . Subtracting from both sides of this inequality yields .
Dividing both sides of this inequality by yields . Therefore, must be a value less than . Of the
given choices, only is less than .

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the inequality yields , or

, which is not true.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the inequality yields , or

, which is not true.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting for and for in the inequality yields , or

, which is not true.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ffb371f5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ffb371f5

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ffb371f5 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Adding the second equation in the given system to the first equation in the given system yields
, which is equivalent to .

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: Easy

Question ID 6989c80a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6989c80a

The function gives the temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, that corresponds to a temperature of kelvins. If a
temperature increased by kelvins, by how much did the temperature increase, in degrees Fahrenheit?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6989c80a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the function gives the temperature, in degrees
Fahrenheit, that corresponds to a temperature of kelvins. A temperature that increased by kelvins means that
the value of increased by kelvins. It follows that an increase in by increases by , or .
Therefore, if a temperature increased by kelvins, the temperature increased by degrees Fahrenheit.

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 c4d49134
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c4d49134

The equation gives the speed , in miles per hour, of a certain car seconds after it began to accelerate. What is the
speed, in miles per hour, of the car seconds after it began to accelerate?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c4d49134 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. In the given equation, is the speed, in miles per hour, of a certain car seconds after it began to
accelerate. Therefore, the speed of the car, in miles per hour, seconds after it began to accelerate can be found by
substituting for in the given equation, which yields , or . Thus, the speed of the car seconds
after it began to accelerate is miles per hour.

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: Easy

Question ID 0cb57740
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 0cb57740

Each side of a -sided polygon has one of three lengths. The number of sides with length is
times the number of sides with length . There are sides with length . Which equation must be true for the
value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0cb57740 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that each side of a -sided polygon has one of three lengths. It's also given that the
number of sides with length is times the number of sides with length . Therefore, there
are , or , sides with length . It’s also given that there are sides with length . Therefore, the number
of , , and sides are , , and , respectively. Since there are a total of sides, the equation
represents this situation. Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields
. Therefore, the equation that must be true for the value of is .

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 ece00725
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ece00725

Connor has dollars and Maria has dollars. Connor has times as many dollars as Maria, and together they have a
total of . Which system of equations represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ece00725 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that Connor has dollars, Maria has dollars, and Connor has times as many dollars
as Maria. This can be represented by the equation . It’s also given that together, Connor and Maria have a total
of , which can be represented by the equation . Therefore, the system consisting of the equations
and represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect. The equation represents a situation where Maria has times as many dollars as Connor,
rather than the situation where Connor has times as many dollars as Maria.

Choice C is incorrect. The equation represents a situation where Connor has times, rather than times,
as many dollars as Maria. The equation represents a situation where Connor and Maria together have a
total of , rather than .

Choice D is incorrect. The equation represents a situation where Maria has times as many dollars as
Connor, rather than the situation where Connor has times as many dollars as Maria. The equation
represents a situation where Connor and Maria together have a total of , rather than .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 255996a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 255996a6

In the equation above, T represents Brittany’s total take-home pay, in dollars, for
her first week of work, where h represents the number of hours she worked that
week and 1,000 represents a sign-on bonus. If Brittany’s total take-home pay
was $1,576, for how many hours was Brittany paid for her first week of work?

A. 16

B. 32

C. 55

D. 88

ID: 255996a6 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Since Brittany’s total take-home pay was $1,576, the value 1,576 can be substituted for T in the
given equation to give . Subtracting 1,000 from both sides of this equation
gives . Dividing both sides of this equation by 18 gives . Therefore, Brittany was paid for 32 hours for
her first week of work.

Choice A is incorrect. This is half the number of hours Brittany was paid for. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
dividing 1,000 by 18. Choice D is incorrect and may result from dividing 1,576 by 18.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a1696f3e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a1696f3e

The function is defined as , where a is a constant. If

, what is the value of a ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a1696f3e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Substituting 4 for x in g(x) = 5x + a gives g(4) = 5(4) + a. Since g(4) = 31, the equation g(4) = 5(4) +
a simplifies to 31 = 20 + a. It follows that a = 11.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may result from arithmetic errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c01f4a95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c01f4a95

For the linear function , is a constant and . What is the value of ?

ID: c01f4a95 Answer

Correct Answer: 39

Rationale
The correct answer is . It’s given that for the linear function , is a constant and . Substituting for
and for in the given equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation
yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the
given equation, , yields . Substituting for in this equation yields
, or . Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dfa45424
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: dfa45424

Tony spends $80 per month on public transportation. A 10-ride pass costs
$12.50, and a single-ride pass costs $1.50. If g represents the number of 10-
ride passes Tony buys in a month and t represents the number of single-ride
passes Tony buys in a month, which of the following equations best represents
the relationship between g and t ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dfa45424 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since a 10-ride pass costs $12.50 and g is the number of 10-ride passes Tony buys in a month, the
expression represents the amount Tony spends on 10-ride passes in a month. Since a single-ride pass costs
$1.50 and t is the number of single-ride passes Tony buys in a month, the expression represents the amount
Tony spends on single-ride passes in a month. Therefore, the sum represents the amount he spends
on the two types of passes in a month. Since Tony spends a total of $80 on passes in a month, this expression can be
set equal to 80, producing .

Choices A and B are incorrect. The expression represents the total number of the two types of passes Tony buys
in a month, not the amount Tony spends, which is equal to 80, nor the cost of one of each pass, which is equal to
. Choice C is incorrect and may result from reversing the cost for each type of pass Tony buys in a
month.

Question Difficulty: Easy