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 173 . It’s given that line 𝑗 is perpendicular to line 𝑘 in the xy-plane. This means that the slope of line 𝑗

is the negative reciprocal of the slope of line 𝑘. The equation of line 𝑘, 𝑦 = - 17 3

𝑥 + 5, is written in slope-intercept 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. It follows that the slope
of line 𝑘 is - 17
3
. The negative reciprocal of a number is -1 divided by the number. Therefore, the negative reciprocal of - 17
3
is
-1 , or 3. Thus, the slope of line 𝑗 is 3. Note that 3/17, .1764, .1765, and 0.176 are examples of ways to enter a correct
- 17 17 17
3
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 3f5a3602
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 3f5a3602

What system of linear equations is represented by the lines shown?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 3f5a3602 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
𝑦 -𝑦
Choice D is correct. A line in the xy-plane that passes through the points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 has slope 𝑚, where 𝑚 = 𝑥22 - 𝑥11 ,
and can be defined by an equation of the form 𝑦 - 𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑥 - 𝑥1 . One of the lines shown in the graph passes through the
𝑦 -𝑦
points 8, 0 and 3, 4. Substituting 8 for 𝑥1 , 0 for 𝑦1 , 3 for 𝑥2 , and 4 for 𝑦2 in the equation 𝑚 = 2 1
𝑥2 - 𝑥1 yields 𝑚 = 4 - 0,
3-8 or 𝑚 = - 45 .
Substituting - 45 for 𝑚, 8 for 𝑥1 and 0 for 𝑦1 in the equation 𝑦 - 𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑥 - 𝑥1 yields 𝑦 - 0 = - 45 𝑥 - 8, which is equivalent to
𝑦 = - 45 𝑥 + 32
5 . Adding 5 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 5 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5 . Multiplying both sides of this equation by -10
4 4 32

yields -8𝑥 - 10𝑦 = - 64. Therefore, an equation of this line is -8𝑥 - 10𝑦 = - 64. Similarly, the other line shown in the graph
𝑦 -𝑦
passes through the points 8, 0 and 3, 2. Substituting 8 for 𝑥1 , 0 for 𝑦1 , 3 for 𝑥2 , and 2 for 𝑦2 in the equation 𝑚 = 𝑥22 - 𝑥11 yields
𝑚 = 23 -- 08 , or 𝑚 = - 25 . Substituting - 25 for 𝑚, 8 for 𝑥1 , and 0 for 𝑦1 in the equation 𝑦 - 𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑥 - 𝑥1 yields 𝑦 - 0 = - 25 𝑥 - 8, which is
equivalent to 𝑦 = - 25 𝑥 + 16
5 . Adding 5 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 5 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5 . Multiplying both sides of this
2 2 16

equation by 10 yields 4𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 32. Therefore, an equation of this line is 4𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 32. So, the system of linear equations
represented by the lines shown is 4𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 32 and -8𝑥 - 10𝑦 = - 64.

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 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 33. It’s given in the table that the coordinates of two points on a line in the xy-plane are (𝑘, 13) and
(𝑘 + 7, - 15). 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, 𝑚, between any two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , on the line can be calculated using the slope
𝑦 -𝑦
formula, 𝑚 = . It follows that the slope of the line with the given points from the table, (𝑘, 13) and (𝑘 + 7, - 15), is
2 1
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
𝑚= which is equivalent to 𝑚 = -28
-15 - 13
𝑘 + 7 - 𝑘, 7 , or 𝑚 = - 4. It's given that the y-intercept of the line is (𝑘 - 5, 𝑏). Substituting -4 for
-𝑏
𝑚 and the coordinates of the points (𝑘 - 5, 𝑏) and (𝑘, 13) into the slope formula yields -4 = 𝑘13 - 𝑘 - 5 , which is equivalent to
-𝑏 13 - 𝑏
- 𝑘 + 5 , or -4 = 5 . Multiplying both sides of this equation by 5 yields -20 = 13 - 𝑏. Subtracting 13 from both sides of
-4 = 𝑘13
this equation yields -33 = - 𝑏. Dividing both sides of this equation by -1 yields 𝑏 = 33. Therefore, the value of 𝑏 is 33.

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 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 6. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, 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,
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 and 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 = 𝐹, are parallel if the coefficients for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in one equation are proportional to the
corresponding coefficients in the other equation, meaning 𝐷 𝐴
= 𝐸𝐵 ; and the lines are distinct if the constants are not
proportional, meaning 𝐹
𝐶
is not equal to 𝐷
𝐴
or 𝐸𝐵 . The first equation in the given system is 32 𝑦 - 14 𝑥 = 2
3
- 32 𝑦. Multiplying each
side of this equation by 12 yields 18𝑦 - 3𝑥 = 8 - 18𝑦. Adding 18𝑦 to each side of this equation yields 36𝑦 - 3𝑥 = 8, or
-3𝑥 + 36𝑦 = 8. The second equation in the given system is 12 𝑥 + 32 = 𝑝𝑦 + 92 . Multiplying each side of this equation by 2 yields
𝑥 + 3 = 2𝑝𝑦 + 9. Subtracting 2𝑝𝑦 from each side of this equation yields 𝑥 + 3 - 2𝑝𝑦 = 9. Subtracting 3 from each side of this
equation yields 𝑥 - 2𝑝𝑦 = 6. Therefore, the two equations in the given system, written in standard form, are -3𝑥 + 36𝑦 = 8
and 𝑥 - 2𝑝𝑦 = 6. As previously stated, if this system has no solution, the lines represented by the equations in the xy-
𝑝
plane are parallel and distinct, meaning the proportion -31 = -2𝑝
36
, or - 13 = - 18 , is true and the proportion 68 = -31 is not true. The
𝑝
proportion 6
8
= 1
-3
is not true. Multiplying each side of the true proportion, - 13 = - 18 , by -18 yields 6 = 𝑝. Therefore, if the
system has no solution, then the value of 𝑝 is 6.

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 $ 220 for the first two hours of repair plus an
hourly fee for each additional hour. Let 𝑛 represent the hourly fee for each additional hour after the first two hours. Since
it’s given that 𝑥 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 𝑛𝑥 - 2. Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair is
𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 𝑛𝑥 - 2. It’s given that the total cost for 5 hours of repair is $ 400. Substituting 5 for 𝑥 and 400 for 𝑓𝑥 into the
equation 𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 𝑛𝑥 - 2 yields 400 = 220 + 𝑛5 - 2, or 400 = 220 + 3𝑛. Subtracting 220 from both sides of this equation
yields 180 = 3𝑛. Dividing both sides of this equation by 3 yields 𝑛 = 60. Substituting 60 for 𝑛 in the equation
𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 𝑛𝑥 - 2 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 60𝑥 - 2, which is equivalent to 𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 60𝑥 - 120, or 𝑓𝑥 = 60𝑥 + 100. Therefore, the
total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair is 𝑓𝑥 = 60𝑥 + 100.

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair where the specialist charges
$ 340, rather than $ 220, for the first two hours of repair.

Choice C is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair where the specialist charges
$ 160, rather than $ 220, for the first two hours of repair, and an hourly fee of $ 80, rather than $ 60, after the first two
hours.

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair where the specialist charges
$ 380, rather than $ 220, for the first two hours of repair, and an hourly fee of $ 80, rather than $ 60, after the first two
hours.

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 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 𝑦 = 0. It's given that function
ℎ is defined by ℎ𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 28. Therefore, the equation representing the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28. Substituting 0 for 𝑦 in
the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28 yields 0 = 4𝑥 + 28. Subtracting 28 from both sides of this equation yields -28 = 4𝑥. Dividing both
sides of this equation by 4 yields -7 = 𝑥. Therefore, the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane is -7, 0. It's given
that the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑎, 0. Therefore, 𝑎 = - 7. The y-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point
on the graph where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28 yields 𝑦 = 40 + 28, or 𝑦 = 28. Therefore, the y-
intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, 28. It's given that the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 0, 𝑏. Therefore,
𝑏 = 28. If 𝑎 = - 7 and 𝑏 = 28, then the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏 is -7 + 28, or 21.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑏, not 𝑎 + 𝑏.

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of -𝑎 + 𝑏, not 𝑎 + 𝑏.

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 ℎ can be written in slope-intercept form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope of the
line and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept of the line. It’s given that line ℎ contains the points 18, 130, 23, 160, and 26, 178. Therefore,
its slope 𝑚 can be found as 160 - 130 , or 6. Substituting 6 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 𝑏. Substituting 130
23 - 18
for 𝑦 and 18 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 130 = 6(18) + 𝑏, or 130 = 108 + 𝑏. Subtracting 108 from both sides of this
equation yields 22 = 𝑏. Substituting 22 for 𝑏 in 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 22. Since line 𝑘 is the result of translating line ℎ
down 5 units, an equation of line 𝑘 is 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 22 - 5, or 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 17. Substituting 0 for 𝑦 in this equation yields 0 = 6𝑥 + 17.
Solving this equation for 𝑥 yields 𝑥 = - 17
6
. Therefore, the x-intercept of line 𝑘 is - 17
6
, 0.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 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 5. It's given that the equation 10𝑥 + 15𝑦 = 85 represents the situation, where 𝑥 is the number of on-
site training courses, 𝑦 is the number of online training courses, and 85 is the total number of hours of training courses
the apprentice has enrolled in. Therefore, 10𝑥 represents the number of hours the apprentice has enrolled in on-site
training courses, and 15𝑦 represents the number of hours the apprentice has enrolled in online training courses. Since 𝑥 is
the number of on-site training courses and 𝑦 is the number of online training courses the apprentice has enrolled in, 10 is
the number of hours each on-site course takes and 15 is the number of hours each online course takes. Subtracting
these numbers gives 15 - 10, or 5 more hours each online training course takes than each on-site training course.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1b1deebe
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 1b1deebe

In the given system of equations, and are constants. The graphs of these equations in the xy-plane intersect at the
point . What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1b1deebe Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the graphs of the given system of equations intersect at the point 4, 𝑦. Therefore, 4, 𝑦 is
the solution to the given system. Multiplying the first equation in the given system by -2 yields -2𝑎𝑥 - 2𝑏𝑦 = -144. Adding
this equation to the second equation in the system yields -2𝑎 + 6𝑥 + -2𝑏 + 2𝑏𝑦 = -144 + 56, or -2𝑎 + 6𝑥 = - 88. Since 4, 𝑦 is
the solution to the system, the value of 𝑎 can be found by substituting 4 for 𝑥 in this equation, which yields -2𝑎 + 64 = - 88
. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields -2𝑎 + 6 = -22. Subtracting 6 from both sides of this equation yields
-2𝑎 = -28. Dividing both sides of this equation by -2 yields 𝑎 = 14.

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 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 10 days is $ 270 for the first day and $ 135 for
each additional day. Therefore, the cost 𝑦, in dollars, for 𝑥 days, where 𝑥 ≤ 10, is the sum of the cost for the first day, $ 270
, and the cost for the additional 𝑥 - 1 days, $ 135𝑥 - 1. It follows that 𝑦 = 270 + 135𝑥 - 1, which is equivalent to
𝑦 = 270 + 135𝑥 - 135, or 𝑦 = 135𝑥 + 135.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the cost of renting a backhoe is $ 135 for the first day
and $ 270 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 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 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 12 . For an equation in slope-intercept form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, 𝑚 represents the slope of the line in the xy-
plane defined by this equation. It's given that line 𝑝 is defined by 4𝑦 + 8𝑥 = 6. Subtracting 8𝑥 from both sides of this
equation yields 4𝑦 = - 8𝑥 + 6. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields 𝑦 = - 84 𝑥 + 64 , or 𝑦 = - 2𝑥 + 32 . Thus, the slope of
line 𝑝 is -2. If line 𝑟 is perpendicular to line 𝑝, then the slope of line 𝑟 is the negative reciprocal of the slope of line 𝑝. The
negative reciprocal of -2 is - -21 = 12 . 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 𝑟 is perpendicular to line 𝑝 in the xy-plane. This means that the slope of line 𝑟 is the
negative reciprocal of the slope of line 𝑝. If the equation for line 𝑝 is rewritten in slope-intercept form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚
and 𝑏 are constants, then 𝑚 is the slope of the line and 0, 𝑏 is its y-intercept. Subtracting 18𝑥 from both sides of the
equation 2𝑦 + 18𝑥 = 9 yields 2𝑦 = -18𝑥 + 9. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields 𝑦 = -9𝑥 + 92 . It follows that the
slope of line 𝑝 is -9. The negative reciprocal of a number is -1 divided by the number. Therefore, the negative reciprocal of
-9 is -1
-9
, or 19 . Thus, the slope of line 𝑟 is 19 .

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

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

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

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 e723bd67
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: e723bd67

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: e723bd67 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale

Choice D is correct. All the tables in the choices have the same three values of 𝑥, 440, 441, and 442, so each of the three
values of 𝑥 can be substituted in the given inequality to compare the corresponding values of 𝑦 in each of the tables.
Substituting 440 for 𝑥 in the given inequality yields 2440 - 𝑦 > 883, or 880 - 𝑦 > 883. Subtracting 880 from both sides of this
inequality yields -𝑦 > 3. Dividing both sides of this inequality by -1 yields 𝑦 < - 3. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 440, the
corresponding value of 𝑦 must be less than -3. Substituting 441 for 𝑥 in the given inequality yields 2441 - 𝑦 > 883, or
882 - 𝑦 > 883. Subtracting 882 from both sides of this inequality yields -𝑦 > 1. Dividing both sides of this inequality by -1
yields 𝑦 < - 1. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 441, the corresponding value of 𝑦 must be less than -1. Substituting 442 for 𝑥 in the
given inequality yields 2442 - 𝑦 > 883, or 884 - 𝑦 > 883. Subtracting 884 from both sides of this inequality yields -𝑦 > - 1.
Dividing both sides of this inequality by -1 yields 𝑦 < 1. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 442, the corresponding value of 𝑦 must be less
than 1. For the table in choice D, when 𝑥 = 440, the corresponding value of 𝑦 is -4, which is less than -3; when 𝑥 = 441, the
corresponding value of 𝑦 is -2, which is less than -1; when 𝑥 = 442, the corresponding value of 𝑦 is 0, which is less than 1.
Therefore, the table in choice D gives values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑦 that are all solutions to the given
inequality.

Choice A is incorrect. When 𝑥 = 440, the corresponding value of 𝑦 in this table is 0, which isn't less than -3.

Choice B is incorrect. When 𝑥 = 440, the corresponding value of 𝑦 in this table is 0, which isn't less than -3.

Choice C is incorrect. When 𝑥 = 440, the corresponding value of 𝑦 in this table is -2, which isn't less than -3.

Question Difficulty: Medium

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 𝑓, 𝑓𝑥 must equal 39 for all values of 𝑥. Of the given choices, only choice B
gives three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑓𝑥 for the given linear function 𝑓.

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 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 𝑥 represent the number of children in a whale-watching tour group. Let 𝑦 represent the number of
adults in this group. Because it's given that 21 people are in a group and the group consists of adults and children, it
must be true that 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 21. Since the company's revenue is 60 dollars per child, the total revenue from 𝑥 children in this
group was 60𝑥 dollars. Since the company's revenue is 80 dollars per adult, the total revenue from 𝑦 adults in this group
was 80𝑦 dollars. Because it's given that the total revenue for this group was 1,440 dollars, it must be true that
60𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,440. The equations 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 21 and 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,440 form a linear system of equations that can be solved to
find the value of 𝑥, which represents the number of children in the group, using the elimination method. Multiplying both
sides of the equation 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 21 by 80 yields 80𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,680. Subtracting 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,440 from 80𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,680
yields (80𝑥 + 80𝑦) - (60𝑥 + 80𝑦) = 1,680 - 1,440, which is equivalent to 80𝑥 - 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 - 80𝑦 = 240, or 20𝑥 = 240. Dividing
both sides of this equation by 20 yields 𝑥 = 12. Therefore, 12 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 797a81fb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 797a81fb

How many solutions does the given system of equations have?

A. Exactly one

B. Exactly two

C. Infinitely many

D. Zero

ID: 797a81fb Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has zero solutions if the lines representing
the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. Two lines are distinct and parallel if they have the same slope but
different y-intercepts. Each equation in the given system can be written in slope-intercept form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the
slope of the line representing the equation in the xy-plane and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept. Adding 12𝑥 to both sides of the first
equation in the given system of equations, -12𝑥 + 14𝑦 = 36, yields 14𝑦 = 12𝑥 + 36. Dividing both sides of this equation by
14 yields 𝑦 = 67 𝑥 + 18
7
. It follows that the first equation in the given system of equations has a slope of 67 and a y-intercept
of 0, 18
7
. Adding 6𝑥 to both sides of the second equation in the given system of equations, -6𝑥 + 7𝑦 = - 18, yields
7𝑦 = 6𝑥 - 18. Dividing both sides of this equation by 7 yields 𝑦 = 67 𝑥 - 187
. It follows that the second equation in the given
system of equations has a slope of 67 and a y-intercept of 0, - 18
7
. Since the slopes of these lines are the same and the y-
intercepts are different, it follows that the given system of equations has zero solutions.

Alternate approach: To solve the system by elimination, multiplying the second equation in the given system of
equations, -6𝑥 + 7𝑦 = - 18, by -2 yields 12𝑥 - 14𝑦 = 36. Adding this equation to the first equation in the given system of
equations, -12𝑥 + 14𝑦 = 36, yields ( - 12𝑥 + 12𝑥) + ( - 14𝑦 + 14𝑦) = 36 + 36, or 0 = 72. Since this equation isn't true, the given
system of equations has zero 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 C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

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 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏,
where 𝑚 represents the slope and 0, 𝑏 represents the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. It’s given that the graph of the
linear function 𝑓, where 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, in the xy-plane contains the point 0, 3. Thus, 𝑏 = 3. The slope of the graph of a line
𝑦 -𝑦
containing any two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 can be found using the slope formula, 𝑚 = 𝑥22 - 𝑥11 . Since it’s given that the graph
of the linear function 𝑓 contains the points 0, 3 and 7, 31, it follows that the slope of the graph of the line containing these
points is 𝑚 = 317 - 0 , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 and 3 for 𝑏 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 3.
-3

Choice A is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 28 and a y-intercept of 0, 34.

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of 0, 38.

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 7 and a y-intercept of 0, 3.

Question Difficulty: Medium

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, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope and 0, 𝑏 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 1. The graph of the second equation is a line with
slope 8. 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 0 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 0, 1, or infinitely many points
of intersection.

Choice D is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations in the xy-plane can have only 0, 1, 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 9e5863bd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 9e5863bd

For a snowstorm in a certain town, the minimum rate of snowfall recorded was inches per hour, and the maximum
rate of snowfall recorded was inches per hour. Which inequality is true for all values of , where represents a rate of
snowfall, in inches per hour, recorded for this snowstorm?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9e5863bd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that for a snowstorm in a certain town, the minimum rate of snowfall recorded was 0.6
inches per hour, the maximum rate of snowfall recorded was 1.8 inches per hour, and 𝑠 represents a rate of snowfall, in
inches per hour, recorded for this snowstorm. It follows that the inequality 0.6 ≤ 𝑠 ≤ 1.8 is true for all values of 𝑠.

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 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 𝑦 = 3𝑥. Substituting 3𝑥 for 𝑦 in the equation
2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12 yields 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 12, or 5𝑥 = 12.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b5f62071
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b5f62071

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

ID: b5f62071 Answer

Correct Answer: -28

Rationale

The correct answer is -28. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, 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 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶, where 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 are constants, are parallel if the coefficients for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in one
equation are proportional to the corresponding coefficients for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in the other equation. The first equation in the
given system, 48𝑥 - 64𝑦 = 48𝑦 + 24, can be written in the form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 by subtracting 48𝑦 from both sides of the
equation to yield 48𝑥 - 112𝑦 = 24. The second equation in the given system, 𝑟𝑦 = 18 - 12𝑥, can be written in the form
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 by adding 12𝑥 to both sides of the equation to yield 12𝑥 + 𝑟𝑦 = 18 . The coefficient of 𝑥 in the second equation is
1 times the coefficient of 𝑥 in the first equation. That is, 48 1 = 12. For the lines to be parallel, the coefficient of 𝑦 in the
4 4
second equation must also be 14 times the coefficient of 𝑦 in the first equation. Therefore, -112 14 = 𝑟, or -28 = 𝑟. Thus, if the
given system has no solution, the value of 𝑟 is -28.

Question Difficulty: Hard

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 241. For a certain animal, it's given that a model predicts the animal weighed 241 pounds when it
was born and gained 3 pounds per day in its first year of life. It's also given that this model is defined by an equation in
the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥, where 𝑓𝑥 is the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal 𝑥 days after it was born, and 𝑎 and 𝑏 are
constants. It follows that 𝑎 represents the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal when it was born and 𝑏 represents
the predicted rate of weight gain, in pounds per day, in its first year of life. Thus, the value of 𝑎 is 241.

Question Difficulty: Medium

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 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 0c541d87
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0c541d87

Two customers purchased the same kind of bread and eggs at a store. The first customer paid dollars for loaf of
bread and dozen eggs. The second customer paid dollars for loaves of bread and dozen eggs. What is the
cost, in dollars, of dozen eggs?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0c541d87 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Let 𝑙 represent the cost, in dollars, of 1 loaf of bread, and let 𝑑 represent the cost, in dollars, of 1
dozen eggs. It’s given that the first customer paid 12.45 dollars for 1 loaf of bread and 2 dozen eggs. Therefore, the first
customer’s purchase can be represented by the equation 𝑙 + 2𝑑 = 12.45. It’s also given that the second customer paid
19.42 dollars for 4 loaves of bread and 1 dozen eggs. Therefore, the second customer’s purchase can be represented by
the equation 4𝑙 + 𝑑 = 19.42. The equations 𝑙 + 2𝑑 = 12.45 and 4𝑙 + 𝑑 = 19.42 form a system of linear equations, which can
be solved by elimination to find the value of 𝑑. Multiplying the first equation in the system by -4 yields -4𝑙 - 8𝑑 = - 49.8.
Adding -4𝑙 - 8𝑑 = - 49.8 to the second equation, 4𝑙 + 𝑑 = 19.42, yields -4𝑙 + 4𝑙 + -8𝑑 + 𝑑 = -49.8 + 19.42, which is equivalent
to -7𝑑 = - 30.38. Dividing both sides of this equation by -7 yields 𝑑 = 4.34. Therefore, the cost, in dollars, of 1 dozen eggs
is 4.34.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the cost, in dollars, of 1 loaf of bread.

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 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 38bf4e04
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 38bf4e04

A factory makes -inch, -inch, and -inch concrete screws. During a certain day, the number of -inch concrete screws
that the factory makes is times the number of -inch concrete screws, and the number of -inch concrete screws is
. During this day, the factory makes concrete screws total. Which equation represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 38bf4e04 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that during a certain day at a factory, the number of 7-inch concrete screws the factory
makes is 𝑛 and the number of 4-inch concrete screws the factory makes is 22. It's also given that during this day the
number of 9-inch concrete screws the factory makes is 5 times the number of 7-inch concrete screws, or 5𝑛. Therefore,
the total number of 7-inch, 9-inch, and 4-inch concrete screws is 𝑛 + 5𝑛 + 22, or 6𝑛 + 22. It's given that during this day, the
factory makes 100 concrete screws total. Thus, the equation 6𝑛 + 22 = 100 represents this situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the total length, in inches, of all the concrete screws,
rather than the total number of concrete screws, is 100.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the total number of 9-inch concrete screws and 4-inch
concrete screws, not including the 7-inch concrete screws, is 100.

Question Difficulty: Hard

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 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 𝑡 in the xy-plane can be written in slope-intercept form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏,
where 𝑚 is the slope of line 𝑡 and 0, 𝑏 is its y-intercept. It’s given that line 𝑡 has a slope of - 13 . Therefore, 𝑚 = - 13 .
Substituting - 13 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = - 13 𝑥 + 𝑏, or 𝑦 = - 3𝑥 + 𝑏. It’s also given that line 𝑡 passes through the
point 9, 10. Substituting 9 for 𝑥 and 10 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = - 3𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 10 = - 93 + 𝑏, or 10 = - 3 + 𝑏. Adding 3 to both
sides of this equation yields 13 = 𝑏. Substituting 13 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑦 = - 3𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = - 3𝑥 + 13.

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 9, not - 13 , and passes through the point 0, 10, not
9, 10.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation defines a line that passes through the point 0, 10, not 9, 10.

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 2. An equation with one variable, 𝑥, has infinitely many solutions only when both sides of the
equation are equal for any defined value of 𝑥. It's given that 2𝑥 + 16 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8, where 𝑎 is a constant. This equation can be
rewritten as 2𝑥 + 8 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8. If this equation has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of this equation are equal for
any defined value of 𝑥. Both sides of this equation are equal for any defined value of 𝑥 when 2 = 𝑎. Therefore, if the
equation has infinitely many solutions, the value of 𝑎 is 2.

Alternate approach: If the given equation, 2𝑥 + 16 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8, has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of this equation
are equal for any value of 𝑥. If 𝑥 = 0, then substituting 0 for 𝑥 in 2𝑥 + 16 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8 yields 20 + 16 = 𝑎0 + 8, or 16 = 8𝑎. Dividing
both sides of this equation by 8 yields 2 = 𝑎.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d7c8ba0b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: d7c8ba0b

In the xy-plane, line passes through the points and . Which equation defines line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d7c8ba0b Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. An equation defining a line in the xy-plane can be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 represents
the slope and 0, 𝑏 represents the y-intercept of the line. It’s given that line 𝑡 passes through the point 0, 9; therefore, 𝑏 = 9.
𝑦 -𝑦
The slope, 𝑚, of a line can be found using any two points on the line, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , and the slope formula 𝑚 = 2 1
𝑥2 - 𝑥1 .
Substituting 0, 9 and 1, 17 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the slope formula yields 𝑚 = 17 - 9
1-0 , or 𝑚 = 8. Substituting 8
for 𝑚 and 9 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 9.

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 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 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 150𝑥 - 90 = - 90 + 150𝑥.
Applying the commutative property of addition to the right-hand side of this equation yields 150𝑥 - 90 = 150𝑥 - 90. Since
the two sides of the equation are equivalent, this equation is true for any value of 𝑥. 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 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 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 𝑥, 𝑦 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 𝑥 and 𝑦, respectively, in each inequality makes both of the inequalities true. Substituting
the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of choice D, 14 and 0, for 𝑥 and 𝑦, respectively, in the first inequality in the given
system, 𝑦 ≤ 𝑥 + 7, yields 0 ≤ 14 + 7, or 0 ≤ 21, which is true. Substituting 14 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑦 in the second inequality in the
given system, 𝑦 ≥ - 2𝑥 - 1, yields 0 ≥ - 214 - 1, or 0 ≥ - 29, which is true. Therefore, the point 14, 0 is a solution to the given
system of inequalities in the xy-plane.

Choice A is incorrect. Substituting -14 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑦 in the inequality 𝑦 ≤ 𝑥 + 7 yields 0 ≤ - 14 + 7, or 0 ≤ - 7, which is not
true.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and -14 for 𝑦 in the inequality 𝑦 ≥ - 2𝑥 - 1 yields -14 ≥ - 20 - 1, or -14 ≥ - 1, which
is not true.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 14 for 𝑦 in the inequality 𝑦 ≤ 𝑥 + 7 yields 14 ≤ 0 + 7, or 14 ≤ 7, 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, 𝑥 and 𝑦, 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, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, are distinct if the y-coordinates of their y-intercepts, 𝑏, are different and
are parallel if their slopes, 𝑚, are the same. For the two equations in the given system, 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 10 and 𝑦 = 2𝑥 - 1, the
values of 𝑏 are 10 and -1, respectively, and the values of 𝑚 are both 2. Since the values of 𝑏 are different, the graphs of
these lines have different y-coordinates of the y-intercept and are distinct. Since the values of 𝑚 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 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