Question ID f5aa5040

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: f5aa5040

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

ID: f5aa5040 Answer

Correct Answer: 20.25, 81/4

Rationale
81 𝑐
The correct answer is . The given linear equation is 2𝑦 = 𝑐. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields 𝑦 = .
4 2
𝑐 𝑐
Substituting 2
for 𝑦 in the equation of the parabola yields 2
= - 2𝑥2 + 9𝑥. Adding 2𝑥2 and -9𝑥 to both sides of this
𝑐
equation yields 2𝑥2 - 9𝑥 + 2 = 0. Since it’s given that the line and the parabola intersect at exactly one point, the equation
𝑐
2𝑥2 - 9𝑥 + 2 = 0 must have exactly one solution. An equation of the form 𝐴𝑥2 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶 = 0, where 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 are
𝑐
constants, has exactly one solution when the discriminant, 𝐵2 - 4𝐴𝐶, is equal to 0. In the equation 2𝑥2 - 9𝑥 + 2 = 0, where
𝑐 𝑐 𝑐
𝐴 = 2, 𝐵 = - 9, and 𝐶 = , the discriminant is -92 - 42 . Setting the discriminant equal to 0 yields -92 - 42 = 0, or
2 2 2
81
81 - 4𝑐 = 0. Adding 4𝑐 to both sides of this equation yields 81 = 4𝑐. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields 𝑐 = .
4
Note that 81/4 and 20.25 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 252a3b3a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 252a3b3a

Which of the following could be the equation of the graph shown in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D. msup

ID: 252a3b3a Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
1 𝑛
Choice B is correct. Each of the given choices is an equation of the form 𝑦 = - 10 𝑥𝑥 - 𝑎𝑚 𝑥 + 𝑏 , where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑚, and 𝑛 are
positive constants. In the xy-plane, the graph of an equation of this form has x-intercepts at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝑎, and 𝑥 = -𝑏. The
graph shown has x-intercepts at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 4, and 𝑥 = - 5. Therefore, 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑏 = 5. Of the given choices, only choices
1
A and B have 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑏 = 5. For an equation in the form 𝑦 = - 10 𝑥𝑥 - 𝑎𝑚 𝑥 + 𝑏𝑛 , if all values of 𝑥 that are less than -𝑏 or
greater than 𝑎 correspond to negative y-values, then the sum of all the exponents of the factors on the right-hand side of
the equation is even. In the graph shown, all values of 𝑥 less than -5 or greater than 4 correspond to negative y-values.
1 𝑛
Therefore, the sum of all the exponents of the factors on the right-hand side of the equation 𝑦 = - 𝑥𝑥 - 4𝑚 𝑥 + 5 must
10
be even. For choice A, the sum of these exponents is 1 + 1 + 1, or 3, which is odd. For choice B, the sum of these
1 2
exponents is 1 + 1 + 2, or 4, which is even. Therefore, 𝑦 = - 10 𝑥𝑥 - 4𝑥 + 5 could be the equation of the graph shown.

Choice A is incorrect. For the graph of this equation, all values of 𝑥 less than -5 correspond to positive, not negative, y-
values.

Choice C is incorrect. The graph of this equation has x-intercepts at 𝑥 = - 4, 𝑥 = 0, and 𝑥 = 5, rather than x-intercepts at
𝑥 = - 5, 𝑥 = 0, and 𝑥 = 4.

Choice D is incorrect. The graph of this equation has x-intercepts at 𝑥 = - 4, 𝑥 = 0, and 𝑥 = 5, rather than x-intercepts at
𝑥 = - 5, 𝑥 = 0, and 𝑥 = 4.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2992ac30
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 2992ac30

The function models the population, in thousands, of a certain city years after . According to the model, the
population is predicted to increase by every months. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2992ac30 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑃 models the population, in thousands, of a certain city 𝑡 years after 2003.
The value of the base of the given exponential function, 1.04, corresponds to an increase of 4% for every increase of 1 in
6 6 4
the exponent, 𝑡. If the exponent is equal to 0, then 𝑡 = 0. Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields 𝑡 = 0. If the
4 4 6
6 4 4 2
exponent is equal to 1, then 4 𝑡 = 1. Multiplying both sides of this equation by 6
yields 𝑡 = 6 , or 𝑡 = 3 . Therefore, the
2
population is predicted to increase by 4% every 3
of a year. It’s given that the population is predicted to increase by 4%
2 2
every 𝑛 months. Since there are 12 months in a year, of a year is equivalent to 12, or 8, months. Therefore, the value of
3 3
𝑛 is 8.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of months in which the population is predicted to increase by 4% according to
6
the model 𝑃𝑡 = 2601.04𝑡 , not 𝑃𝑡 = 2601.04 4 𝑡 .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of months in which the population is predicted to increase by 4% according to
4 6
the model 𝑃𝑡 = 2601.04 6 𝑡 , not 𝑃𝑡 = 2601.04 4 𝑡 .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the number of months in which the population is predicted to increase by 4% according to
1 6
the model 𝑃𝑡 = 2601.04 6 𝑡 , not 𝑃𝑡 = 2601.04 4 𝑡 .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3d7d7534
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 3d7d7534

What is a solution to the given equation?

ID: 3d7d7534 Answer

Correct Answer: 30, -30

Rationale

The correct answer is either -30 or 30. Adding 7 to each side of the given equation yields 𝑑 - 30𝑑 + 30 = 0. Since a
product of two factors is equal to 0 if and only if at least one of the factors is 0, either 𝑑 - 30 = 0 or 𝑑 + 30 = 0. Adding 30
to each side of the equation 𝑑 - 30 = 0 yields 𝑑 = 30. Subtracting 30 from each side of the equation 𝑑 + 30 = 0 yields
𝑑 = - 30. Therefore, the solutions to the given equation are -30 and 30. Note that -30 and 30 are examples of ways to
enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 841ef26c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 841ef26c

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 841ef26c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 5. Since 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥2 + 64𝑥 + 262, it follows that
2 2
𝑓𝑥 + 5 = 4𝑥 + 5 + 64𝑥 + 5 + 262. Expanding the quantity 𝑥 + 5 in this equation yields
𝑓𝑥 + 5 = 4𝑥2 + 10𝑥 + 25 + 64𝑥 + 5 + 262. Distributing the 4 and the 64 yields
𝑓𝑥 + 5 = 4𝑥2 + 40𝑥 + 100 + 64𝑥 + 320 + 262. Combining like terms yields 𝑓𝑥 + 5 = 4𝑥2 + 104𝑥 + 682. Therefore,
𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥2 + 104𝑥 + 682. For a quadratic function defined by an equation of the form 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where 𝑎, ℎ, and 𝑘
are constants and 𝑎 is positive, 𝑔𝑥 reaches its minimum, 𝑘, when the value of 𝑥 is ℎ. The equation 𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥2 + 104𝑥 + 682
can be rewritten in this form by completing the square. This equation is equivalent to 𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥2 + 26 + 682, or
𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥2 + 26𝑥 + 169 - 169 + 682. This equation can be rewritten as 𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 132 - 169 + 682, or
𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 132 - 4169 + 682, which is equivalent to 𝑔𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 132 + 6. This equation is in the form 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where
𝑎 = 4, ℎ = - 13, and 𝑘 = 6. Therefore, 𝑔𝑥 reaches its minimum when the value of 𝑥 is -13.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑥, rather than 𝑔𝑥, reaches its minimum.

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑥 - 5, rather than 𝑓𝑥 + 5, reaches its minimum.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cc6ccd71
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: cc6ccd71

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

A. One

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

ID: cc6ccd71 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale

Choice C is correct. If a value of 𝑥 satisfies 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 0, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 will contain a point 𝑥, 0 and thus touch the x-
axis. Since there are 3 points at which this graph touches the x-axis, there are 3 values of 𝑥 for which 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 0.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ea6d05bb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: ea6d05bb

The expression is equivalent to the expression , where , , and are constants.

What is the value of ?

ID: ea6d05bb Answer

Correct Answer: -419

Rationale

The correct answer is -419. It's given that the expression 3𝑥 - 2319𝑥 + 6 is equivalent to the expression 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐,
where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants. Applying the distributive property to the given expression, 3𝑥 - 2319𝑥 + 6, yields
3𝑥19𝑥 + 3𝑥6 - 2319𝑥 - 236, which can be rewritten as 57𝑥2 + 18𝑥 - 437𝑥 - 138. Combining like terms yields
57𝑥2 - 419𝑥 - 138. Since this expression is equivalent to 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, it follows that the value of 𝑏 is -419.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 09d21d79
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 09d21d79

The graph of is shown, where and are constants. What is the value of ?

ID: 09d21d79 Answer

Correct Answer: -24

Rationale

The correct answer is -24. Since the graph passes through the point 0, - 6, it follows that when the value of 𝑥 is 0, the
value of 𝑦 is -6. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and -6 for 𝑦 in the given equation yields -6 = 202 + 𝑏0 + 𝑐, or -6 = 𝑐. Therefore, the
value of 𝑐 is -6. Substituting -6 for 𝑐 in the given equation yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 - 6. Since the graph passes through the
point -1, - 8, it follows that when the value of 𝑥 is -1, the value of 𝑦 is -8. Substituting -1 for 𝑥 and -8 for 𝑦 in the equation
2
𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 - 6 yields -8 = 2-1 + 𝑏-1 - 6, or -8 = 2 - 𝑏 - 6, which is equivalent to -8 = - 4 - 𝑏. Adding 4 to each side of this
equation yields -4 = - 𝑏. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields 4 = 𝑏. Since the value of 𝑏 is 4 and the value of 𝑐
is -6, it follows that the value of 𝑏𝑐 is 4-6, or -24.

Alternate approach: The given equation represents a parabola in the xy-plane with a vertex at -1, - 8. Therefore, the given
2
equation, 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, which is written in standard form, can be written in vertex form, 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where ℎ, 𝑘 is
the vertex of the parabola and 𝑎 is the value of the coefficient on the 𝑥2 term when the equation is written in standard
2
form. It follows that 𝑎 = 2. Substituting 2 for 𝑎, -1 for ℎ, and -8 for 𝑘 in this equation yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥 - -1 + -8, or
2
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 1 - 8. Squaring the binomial on the right-hand side of this equation yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 1 - 8. Multiplying each
term inside the parentheses on the right-hand side of this equation by 2 yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 4𝑥 + 2 - 8, which is equivalent to
𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 4𝑥 - 6. From the given equation 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, it follows that the value of 𝑏 is 4 and the value of 𝑐 is -6.
Therefore, the value of 𝑏𝑐 is 4-6, or -24.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 95d1c344
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 95d1c344

The graph models the number of active projects a company was working on months after the end of November ,
where . According to the model, what is the predicted number of active projects the company was working on
at the end of November ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 95d1c344 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that the graph models the number of active projects a company was working on 𝑥 months
after the end of November 2012. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 that corresponds to the end of November 2012 is 0. The point
at which 𝑥 = 0 is the y-intercept of the graph. It follows that the y-intercept of the graph shown is the point 0, 5. Therefore,
according to the model, the predicted number of active projects the company was working on at the end of November
2012 is 5.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 that corresponds to the end of November 2012, not the predicted number of
active projects the company was working on at the end of November 2012.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the predicted number of active projects the company was working on 2 months after the
end of November 2012.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the predicted number of active projects the company was working on 4 months after the
end of November 2012.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 433184f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 433184f1

Which expression is equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 433184f1 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
4 1 4 -1
Choice D is correct. The expression 4𝑥 - 5
-
𝑥+1
can be rewritten as
4𝑥 - 5
+
𝑥+1
. To add the two terms of this expression,
𝑥+1 4 𝑥 + 14
the terms can be rewritten with a common denominator. Since 𝑥 + 1 = 1, the expression 4𝑥 - 5 can be rewritten as 𝑥 + 14𝑥 - 5 .
4𝑥 - 5 -1 4𝑥 - 5-1 4 -1
Since = 1, the expression can be rewritten as . Therefore, the expression + can be rewritten
4𝑥 - 5 𝑥+1 4𝑥 - 5𝑥 + 1 4𝑥 - 5 𝑥+1
𝑥 + 14 4𝑥 - 5-1 𝑥 + 14 + 4𝑥 - 5-1
as 𝑥 + 14𝑥 - 5
+ 4𝑥 - 5𝑥 + 1 , which is equivalent to 𝑥 + 14𝑥 - 5 . Applying the distributive property to each term of the
4𝑥 + 4 + -4𝑥 + 5 4𝑥 + -4𝑥 + 4 + 5 9
numerator yields 𝑥 + 14𝑥 - 5 , or 𝑥 + 14𝑥 - 5 . Adding like terms in the numerator yields 𝑥 + 14𝑥 - 5 .

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 d135f4bf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: d135f4bf

The function is defined by . In the xy-plane, the graph of is the result of

translating the graph of up units. What is the value of ?

ID: d135f4bf Answer

Correct Answer: 76

Rationale

The correct answer is 76. It's given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 is the result of translating the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 up 4 units in
the xy-plane. It follows that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 is the same as the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 + 4. Substituting 𝑔𝑥 for 𝑦 in the
equation 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 + 4 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 4. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 6𝑥 - 2𝑥 + 6. Substituting 𝑥 - 6𝑥 - 2𝑥 + 6 for 𝑓𝑥 in the
equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 4 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 - 6𝑥 - 2𝑥 + 6 + 4. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑔0 = 0 - 60 - 20 + 6 + 4,
or 𝑔0 = 76. Thus, the value of 𝑔0 is 76.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 911383f2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 911383f2

What is the product of the solutions to

the given equation?

A. 8

B. 3

C.

D.

ID: 911383f2 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. By the zero-product property, if , then , , or .

Solving each of these equations for yields , , or . The product of these solutions is
.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from sign errors made when solving the given equation. Choice B is incorrect and
may result from finding the sum, not the product, of the solutions. Choice C is incorrect and may result from finding the
sum, not the product, of the solutions in addition to making sign errors when solving the given equation.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d8789a4c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: d8789a4c

In the expression above, b and c are positive integers. If the expression is

equivalent to and , which of the following could be the value of c ?

A. 4

B. 6

C. 8

D. 10

ID: d8789a4c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. If the given expression is equivalent to , then , where x isn’t equal to b.

Multiplying both sides of this equation by yields . Since the right-hand side of this equation
is in factored form for the difference of squares, the value of c must be a perfect square. Only choice A gives a perfect
square for the value of c.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. None of these values of c produces a difference of squares. For example, when 6 is

substituted for c in the given expression, the result is . The expression can’t be factored with integer

values, and therefore isn’t equivalent to .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b80d10d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: b80d10d7

What is the solution to the

equation above?

A. 0

B. 2

C. 3

D. 5

ID: b80d10d7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since is equivalent to 1, the right-hand side of the given equation can be rewritten as

, or . Since the left- and right-hand sides of the equation have the same
denominator, it follows that . Applying the distributive property of multiplication to the expression
yields , or . Therefore, . Subtracting x and 2 from both sides of this equation
yields .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. If , then . This can be rewritten as , which is a

false statement. Therefore, 0 isn’t a solution to the given equation. Substituting 3 and 5 into the given equation yields
similarly false statements.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID fde6f3bb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: fde6f3bb

The functions and are defined by the equations shown. Which expression is equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: fde6f3bb Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
3 7 3 7
Choice D is correct. It’s given that 𝑔𝑥 = 5 𝑥 + 6 and ℎ𝑥 = 6𝑥 - 5. Substituting 5 𝑥 + 6 for 𝑔𝑥 and 6𝑥 - 5 for ℎ𝑥 in the
3 7 3 7 18𝑥2 35
expression 𝑔𝑥 · ℎ𝑥 yields 𝑥 + 6𝑥 - 5. This expression can be rewritten as 𝑥6𝑥 - 5 + 6𝑥 - 5, or - 3𝑥 + 7𝑥 - , which is
5 6 5 6 5 6
18𝑥2 35
equivalent to + 4𝑥 - .
5 6

3 7 3 7
Choice A is incorrect. This expression is equivalent to 𝑥6𝑥 + -5, not 𝑥 + 6𝑥 - 5.
5 6 5 6

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

3 7 3 7
Choice C is incorrect. This expression is equivalent to 5 𝑥 - 6 6𝑥 + 5, not 5 𝑥 + 6 6𝑥 - 5.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d4950429
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: d4950429

A rectangle has a length of units and a width of units. If the rectangle has an area of square units, what is
the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d4950429 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The area of a rectangle is equal to its length multiplied by its width. Multiplying the given length, 𝑥
units, by the given width, 𝑥 - 15 units, yields 𝑥𝑥 - 15 square units. If the rectangle has an area of 76 square units, it follows
that 𝑥𝑥 - 15 = 76, or 𝑥2 - 15𝑥 = 76. Subtracting 76 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑥2 - 15𝑥 - 76 = 0. Factoring the
left-hand side of this equation yields 𝑥 - 19𝑥 + 4 = 0. Applying the zero product property to this equation yields two
solutions: 𝑥 = 19 and 𝑥 = - 4. Since 𝑥 is the rectangle’s length, in units, which must be positive, the value of 𝑥 is 19.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the width, in units, of the rectangle, not the value of 𝑥.

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the area, in square units, of the rectangle, not the value of 𝑥.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 752055d1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 752055d1

A scientist initially measures bacteria in a growth medium. hours later, the scientist measures bacteria.
Assuming exponential growth, the formula gives the number of bacteria in the growth medium, where and
are constants and is the number of bacteria hours after the initial measurement. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 752055d1 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that the formula 𝑃 = 𝐶2𝑟𝑡 gives the number of bacteria in a growth medium, where 𝑟 and 𝐶
are constants and 𝑃 is the number of bacteria 𝑡 hours after the initial measurement. It’s also given that a scientist initially
measures 12,000 bacteria in the growth medium. Since the initial measurement is 0 hours after the initial measurement,
it follows that when 𝑡 = 0, 𝑃 = 12,000. Substituting 0 for 𝑡 and 12,000 for 𝑃 in the given equation yields 12,000 = 𝐶2𝑟0 , or
0
12,000 = 𝐶2 , which is equivalent to 12,000 = 𝐶. It’s given that 4 hours later, the scientist measures 24,000 bacteria, or
when 𝑡 = 4, 𝑃 = 24,000. Substituting 4 for 𝑡, 24,000 for 𝑃, and 12,000 for 𝐶 in the given equation yields
24,000 = 12,00024𝑟 . Dividing each side of this equation by 12,000 yields 2 = 24𝑟 , or 21 = 24𝑟 , which is equivalent to 1 = 4𝑟
1 1
. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields 4
= 𝑟. Therefore, the value of 𝑟 is 4 .

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d0a53ef5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: d0a53ef5

What is the smallest solution to the given equation?

ID: d0a53ef5 Answer

Correct Answer: -3

Rationale

The correct answer is -3. Squaring both sides of the given equation yields 𝑥 - 22 = 3𝑥 + 34, which can be rewritten as
𝑥2 - 4𝑥 + 4 = 3𝑥 + 34. Subtracting 3𝑥 and 34 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑥2 - 7𝑥 - 30 = 0. This quadratic
equation can be rewritten as 𝑥 - 10𝑥 + 3 = 0. According to the zero product property, 𝑥 - 10𝑥 + 3 equals zero when either
𝑥 - 10 = 0 or 𝑥 + 3 = 0. Solving each of these equations for 𝑥 yields 𝑥 = 10 or 𝑥 = - 3. Therefore, the given equation has
two solutions, 10 and -3. Of these two solutions, -3 is the smallest solution to the given equation.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fcdf87b7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: fcdf87b7

If the ordered pair satisfies the system of equations above,

what is one possible value of x ?

ID: fcdf87b7 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is either 0 or 3. For an ordered pair to satisfy a system of equations, both the x- and y-values of the
ordered pair must satisfy each equation in the system. Both expressions on the right-hand side of the given equations
are equal to y, therefore it follows that both expressions on the right-hand side of the equations are equal to each other:
. This equation can be rewritten as , and then through factoring, the equation becomes
. Because the product of the two factors is equal to 0, it can be concluded that either or , or
rather, or . Note that 0 and 3 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3148fe3e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 3148fe3e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 3148fe3e Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Adding 𝑦 to each side of the second equation in the given system of equations yields 8𝑥 + 16 = 𝑦.
Substituting 8𝑥 + 16 for 𝑦 in the first equation yields 𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 16 + 10 = 10. Subtracting 10 from each side of this
equation yields 𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 16 = 0. This equation can be rewritten as 𝑥 + 42 = 0. Taking the square root of each side of this
equation yields 𝑥 + 4 = 0. Subtracting 4 from each side of this equation yields 𝑥 = -4. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 is -4.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑦, not 𝑥.

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 271ffad7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 271ffad7

A quadratic function models a projectile's height, in meters, above the ground in terms of the time, in seconds, after it
was launched. The model estimates that the projectile was launched from an initial height of meters above the ground
and reached a maximum height of meters above the ground seconds after the launch. How many seconds after
the launch does the model estimate that the projectile will return to a height of meters?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 271ffad7 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that a quadratic function models the projectile's height, in meters, above the ground in
terms of the time, in seconds, after it was launched. It follows that an equation representing the model can be written in
the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where 𝑓𝑥 is the projectile's estimated height above the ground, in meters, 𝑥 seconds after the
launch, 𝑎 is a constant, and 𝑘 is the maximum height above the ground, in meters, the model estimates the projectile
reached ℎ seconds after the launch. It's given that the model estimates the projectile reached a maximum height of 51.1
meters above the ground 3 seconds after the launch. Therefore, 𝑘 = 51.1 and ℎ = 3. Substituting 51.1 for 𝑘 and 3 for ℎ in
2 2
the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 3 + 51.1. It's also given that the model estimates that the projectile was
launched from an initial height of 7 meters above the ground. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓𝑥 = 7. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 7
2 2
for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 3 + 51.1 yields 7 = 𝑎0 - 3 + 51.1, or 7 = 9𝑎 + 51.1. Subtracting 51.1 from both sides of
this equation yields -44.1 = 9𝑎. Dividing both sides of this equation by 9 yields -4.9 = 𝑎. Substituting -4.9 for 𝑎 in the
equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 32 + 51.1 yields 𝑓𝑥 = - 4.9𝑥 - 32 + 51.1. Therefore, the equation 𝑓𝑥 = - 4.9𝑥 - 32 + 51.1 models the
projectile's height, in meters, above the ground 𝑥 seconds after it was launched. The number of seconds after the launch
that the model estimates that the projectile will return to a height of 7 meters is the value of 𝑥 when 𝑓𝑥 = 7. Substituting
7 for 𝑓𝑥 in 𝑓𝑥 = - 4.9𝑥 - 32 + 51.1 yields 7 = - 4.9𝑥 - 32 + 51.1. Subtracting 51.1 from both sides of this equation yields
2 2
-44.1 = - 4.9𝑥 - 3 . Dividing both sides of this equation by -4.9 yields 9 = 𝑥 - 3 . Taking the square root of both sides of
this equation yields two equations: 3 = 𝑥 - 3 and -3 = 𝑥 - 3. Adding 3 to both sides of the equation 3 = 𝑥 - 3 yields 6 = 𝑥.
Adding 3 to both sides of the equation -3 = 𝑥 - 3 yields 0 = 𝑥. Since 0 seconds after the launch represents the time at
which the projectile was launched, 6 must be the number of seconds the model estimates that the projectile will return to
a height of 7 meters.

Alternate approach: It's given that a quadratic function models the projectile's height, in meters, above the ground in
terms of the time, in seconds, after it was launched. It's also given that the model estimates that the projectile was
launched from an initial height of 7 meters above the ground and reached a maximum height of 51.1 meters above the
ground 3 seconds after the launch. Since the model is quadratic, and quadratic functions are symmetric, the model
estimates that for any given height less than the maximum height, the time the projectile takes to travel from the given
height to the maximum height is the same as the time the projectile takes to travel from the maximum height back to the
given height. Thus, since the model estimates the projectile took 3 seconds to travel from 7 meters above the ground to
its maximum height of 51.1 meters above the ground, the model also estimates the projectile will take 3 more seconds to
travel from its maximum height of 51.1 meters above the ground back to 7 meters above the ground. Thus, the model
estimates that the projectile will return to a height of 7 meters 3 seconds after it reaches its maximum height, which is 6
seconds after the launch.

Choice A is incorrect. The model estimates that 3 seconds after the launch, the projectile reached a height of 51.1
meters, not 7 meters.

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 ee857afb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: ee857afb

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

ID: ee857afb Answer

Correct Answer: 7

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a520ba07
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: a520ba07

Which of the following expressions is equivalent

to the expression above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a520ba07 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. One of the properties of radicals is . Thus, the given expression can be rewritten

as . Simplifying by taking the cube root of each part gives x1 ⋅ y2, or xy2.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may be the result of incorrect application of the properties of exponents and
radicals.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5b6af6b1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 5b6af6b1

Which expression is equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5b6af6b1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Applying the distributive property to the given expression yields 𝑑8𝑑2 - 3 - 68𝑑2 - 3. Applying the
distributive property once again to this expression yields 𝑑8𝑑2 + 𝑑-3 + -68𝑑2 + -6-3, or 8𝑑3 + -3𝑑 + -48𝑑2 + 18. This
expression can be rewritten as 8𝑑3 - 48𝑑2 - 3𝑑 + 18. Thus, 𝑑 - 68𝑑2 - 3 is equivalent to 8𝑑3 - 48𝑑2 - 3𝑑 + 18.

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 652054da
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 652054da

An oceanographer uses the equation to model the speed s, in knots, of

an ocean wave, where p represents the period of the wave, in seconds. Which of
the following represents the period of the wave in terms of the speed of the
wave?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 652054da Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that p represents the period of the ocean wave, so the equation can be solved for
p to represent the period of the wave in terms of the speed of the wave. Multiplying both sides of the equation by the

reciprocal of will isolate p. This yields , which simplifies to . Therefore, .

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from errors made when rearranging the equation to solve for p.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0380bbdc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 0380bbdc

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0380bbdc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Dividing each side of the given equation by 4 yields √2𝑥 = 4. Squaring both sides of this equation
yields 2𝑥 = 16. Multiplying each side of this equation by 3 yields 6𝑥 = 48. Therefore, the value of 6𝑥 is 48.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 3𝑥, not 6𝑥. Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of 9𝑥, not 6𝑥.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 12𝑥, not 6𝑥.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a255ae72
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: a255ae72

If and , which of the

following is equal to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a255ae72 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that and . Using the distributive property, the expression

can be rewritten as . Substituting and for and , respectively, in this expression

yields . Expanding this expression yields

. Combining like terms, this expression can be rewritten

as .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may result from an error in using the distributive property, substituting, or
combining like terms.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2c05d312
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 2c05d312

In the given equation, and are positive constants. The product of the solutions to the given equation is , where is
a constant. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2c05d312 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The left-hand side of the given equation is the expression 57𝑥2 + 57𝑏 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑏. Applying the
distributive property to this expression yields 57𝑥2 + 57𝑏𝑥 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑏. Since the first two terms of this expression have a
common factor of 57𝑥 and the last two terms of this expression have a common factor of 𝑎, this expression can be
rewritten as 57𝑥𝑥 + 𝑏 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏. Since the two terms of this expression have a common factor of 𝑥 + 𝑏, it can be rewritten
as 𝑥 + 𝑏57𝑥 + 𝑎. Therefore, the given equation can be rewritten as 𝑥 + 𝑏57𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0. By the zero product property, it
follows that 𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0 or 57𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0. Subtracting 𝑏 from both sides of the equation 𝑥 + 𝑏 = 0 yields 𝑥 = - 𝑏. Subtracting
-𝑎
𝑎 from both sides of the equation 57𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0 yields 57𝑥 = - 𝑎. Dividing both sides of this equation by 57 yields 𝑥 = 57
.
-𝑎
Therefore, the solutions to the given equation are -𝑏 and . It follows that the product of the solutions of the given
57
-𝑎 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏
equation is -𝑏 , or . It’s given that the product of the solutions of the given equation is 𝑘𝑎𝑏. It follows that = 𝑘𝑎𝑏,
57 57 57
1
which can also be written as 𝑎𝑏
57
= 𝑎𝑏𝑘. It’s given that 𝑎 and 𝑏 are positive constants. Therefore, dividing both sides of
1 1 1
the equation 𝑎𝑏 57 = 𝑎𝑏𝑘 by 𝑎𝑏 yields 57
= 𝑘. Thus, the value of 𝑘 is 57
.

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 1fe32f7d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 1fe32f7d

In the given equation, is a positive integer. The equation has no real solution. What is the greatest possible value of ?

ID: 1fe32f7d Answer

Correct Answer: 51

Rationale

The correct answer is 51. A quadratic equation of the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, has no real
solution if and only if its discriminant, -4𝑎𝑐 + 𝑏2 , is negative. In the given equation, 𝑎 = - 1 and 𝑐 = - 676. Substituting -1
for 𝑎 and -676 for 𝑐 in this expression yields a discriminant of 𝑏2 - 4-1-676, or 𝑏2 - 2,704. Since this value must be
negative, 𝑏2 - 2,704 < 0, or 𝑏2 < 2,704. Taking the positive square root of each side of this inequality yields 𝑏 < 52. Since
𝑏 is a positive integer, and the greatest integer less than 52 is 51, the greatest possible value of 𝑏 is 51.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a45ffacb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: a45ffacb

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

ID: a45ffacb Answer

Correct Answer: 5

Rationale

The correct answer is 5. It’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = - 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏. Substituting -𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 15 yields
99 99
𝑦 = - 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 - 15. It’s given that the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 15 is 0, - 7
. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and -
7
for 𝑦 in the
99 99 99
equation 𝑦 = - + 𝑏 - 15 yields - = - 𝑎0 + 𝑏 - 15, which is equivalent to - = - 1 + 𝑏 - 15, or - = 𝑏 - 16. Adding 16
𝑎𝑥
7 7 7
to
13 65 65 13
both sides of this equation yields 7 = 𝑏. It’s given that the product of 𝑎 and 𝑏 is 7 , or 𝑎𝑏 = 7 . Substituting 7 for 𝑏 in
13 65 13
this equation yields 𝑎 7 = 7 . Dividing both sides of this equation by 7 yields 𝑎 = 5.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 95ed0b69
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 95ed0b69

The given equation relates the distinct positive numbers , , and . Which equation correctly expresses in terms
of and ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 95ed0b69 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. To express 4𝑗 + 9 in terms of 𝑝 and 𝑘, the given equation must be solved for 4𝑗 + 9. Since it's given
that 𝑗 is a positive number, 4𝑗 + 9 is not equal to zero. Therefore, multiplying both sides of the given equation by 4𝑗 + 9
yields the equivalent equation 𝑝4𝑗 + 9 = 𝑘. Since it's given that 𝑝 is a positive number, 𝑝 is not equal to zero. Therefore,
𝑘
dividing each side of the equation 𝑝4𝑗 + 9 = 𝑘 by 𝑝 yields the equivalent equation 4𝑗 + 9 = 𝑝 .

4𝑗 + 9
Choice B is incorrect. This equation is equivalent to 𝑝 = 𝑘
.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation is equivalent to 𝑝 = 𝑘 - 4𝑗 - 9.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation is equivalent to 𝑝 = 𝑘4𝑗 + 9.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 463eec13
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 463eec13

If , which of the following expressions is

equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 463eec13 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Taking the square root of an exponential expression halves the exponent, so ,

which further reduces to . This can be rewritten as .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from neglecting the denominator of the given expression and from incorrectly

calculating the square root of 16. Choice B is incorrect and may result from rewriting as rather than . Choice C
is incorrect and may result from taking the square root of the variables in the numerator twice instead of once.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 821e724e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 821e724e

The function is defined by , where is a constant. In the xy-plane, the graph of

passes through the point . What is the value of ?

ID: 821e724e Answer

Correct Answer: 336

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 341ba5db
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 341ba5db

What is the minimum value of the given function?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 341ba5db Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. For a quadratic function defined by an equation of the form 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where 𝑎, ℎ, and 𝑘 are
constants and 𝑎 > 0, the minimum value of the function is 𝑘. In the given function, 𝑎 = 1, ℎ = 0, and 𝑘 = 55. Therefore,
the minimum value of the given function is 55.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which the given function reaches its minimum value, not the minimum
value of the function.

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 18e35375
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 18e35375

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 18e35375 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 14𝑥 + 19, which can be rewritten as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 - 266. Since the coefficient of
the 𝑥2 -term is positive, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane opens upward and reaches its minimum value at its vertex. The
x-coordinate of the vertex is the value of 𝑥 such that 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum. For an equation in the form
𝑏
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, the x-coordinate of the vertex is - 2𝑎 . For the equation
5 5
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 - 266, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 5, and 𝑐 = - 266. It follows that the x-coordinate of the vertex is - 21 , or - 2 . Therefore, 𝑓𝑥
5
reaches its minimum when the value of 𝑥 is - 2 .

Alternate approach: The value of 𝑥 for the vertex of a parabola is the x-value of the midpoint between the two x-intercepts
of the parabola. Since it’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 14𝑥 + 19, it follows that the two x-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-
plane occur when 𝑥 = 14 and 𝑥 = - 19, or at the points 14, 0 and -19, 0. The midpoint between two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 14 + -19 0 + 0 5
, is , . Therefore, the midpoint between 14, 0 and -19, 0 is , , or - , 0. It follows that 𝑓𝑥 reaches its
2 2 2 2 2
5
minimum when the value of 𝑥 is - 2 .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c303ad23
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: c303ad23

If , what is the value of ?

ID: c303ad23 Answer

Correct Answer: 5

Rationale

The correct answer is 5. Dividing each side of the given equation by 3 yields 𝑥2 - 6𝑥 - 5 = 0. Adding 5 to each side of this
equation yields 𝑥2 - 6𝑥 = 5. Therefore, if 3𝑥2 - 18𝑥 - 15 = 0, the value of 𝑥2 - 6𝑥 is 5.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6e02cd78
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 6e02cd78

In the xy-plane, what is the y-coordinate of the point of intersection of the

graphs of and ?

ID: 6e02cd78 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 1. The point of intersection of the graphs of the given equations is the solution to the system of the
two equations. Since and , it follows that , or . Applying

the distributive property to the left-hand side of this equation yields . Subtracting from and

adding 3 to both sides of this equation yields . Factoring the left-hand side of this equation yields

. By the zero product property, if , it follows that . Adding 2 to both sides of

yields . Substituting 2 for x in either of the given equations yields . For example, substituting 2 for x
in the second given equation yields , or . Therefore, the point of intersection of the graphs of the given
equations is . The y-coordinate of this point is 1.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 15c364bf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 15c364bf

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

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

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

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

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

ID: 15c364bf Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ce508fb0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: ce508fb0

The functions and are defined by the given equations.

If , where is a constant, what is the value of ?

ID: ce508fb0 Answer

Correct Answer: -4.9, -49/10

Rationale

The correct answer is -4.9. The value of 𝑓-4 is the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = - 4. Substituting -4 for 𝑥 in the equation
𝑓𝑥 = 3 + -2𝑥 - 𝑥2 yields 𝑓-4 = 3 + -2-4 - -42 , or 𝑓-4 = 3 + -8, which is equivalent to 𝑓-4 = 3 + 8, or 𝑓-4 = 11. Since it's given
that 𝑓-4 = 𝑐, it follows that 𝑐 = 11 and the value of 𝑔𝑐 is the value of 𝑔11. Substituting 11 for 𝑤 in the equation
-𝑤 -11
𝑔𝑤 = 𝑤-1
- 𝑤 + 5 yields 𝑔11 = 11 - 1
- 11 + 5, or 𝑔11 = -1.1 - 6, which is equivalent to 𝑔11 = 1.1 - 6, or 𝑔11 = - 4.9. Note
that -4.9 and -49/10 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 74473be4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 74473be4

Which quadratic equation has no real solutions?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 74473be4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The number of solutions to a quadratic equation in the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are
constants, can be determined by the value of the discriminant, 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐. If the value of the discriminant is greater than
zero, then the quadratic equation has two distinct real solutions. If the value of the discriminant is equal to zero, then the
quadratic equation has exactly one real solution. If the value of the discriminant is less than zero, then the quadratic
equation has no real solutions. For the quadratic equation in choice D, 5𝑥2 - 14𝑥 + 49 = 0, 𝑎 = 5, 𝑏 = - 14, and 𝑐 = 49.
Substituting 5 for 𝑎, -14 for 𝑏, and 49 for 𝑐 in 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐 yields -142 - 4549, or -784. Since -784 is less than zero, it follows
that the quadratic equation 5𝑥2 - 14𝑥 + 49 = 0 has no real solutions.

Choice A is incorrect. The value of the discriminant for this quadratic equation is 392. Since 392 is greater than zero, it
follows that this quadratic equation has two real solutions.

Choice B is incorrect. The value of the discriminant for this quadratic equation is 0. Since zero is equal to zero, it follows
that this quadratic equation has exactly one real solution.

Choice C is incorrect. The value of the discriminant for this quadratic equation is 1,176. Since 1,176 is greater than zero, it
follows that this quadratic equation has two real solutions.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7bd10ef3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 7bd10ef3

In the equation above, t is a constant. If the equation has no real solutions, which
of the following could be the value of t ?

A.

B.

C. 1

D. 3

ID: 7bd10ef3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The number of solutions to any quadratic equation in the form , where a, b, and c

are constants, can be found by evaluating the expression , which is called the discriminant. If the value of

is a positive number, then there will be exactly two real solutions to the equation. If the value of is

zero, then there will be exactly one real solution to the equation. Finally, if the value of is negative, then there
will be no real solutions to the equation.

The given equation is a quadratic equation in one variable, where t is a constant. Subtracting t from both

sides of the equation gives . In this form, , , and . The values of t for which the
equation has no real solutions are the same values of t for which the discriminant of this equation is a negative value.
The discriminant is equal to ; therefore, . Simplifying the left side of the inequality
gives . Subtracting 16 from both sides of the inequality and then dividing both sides by 8 gives . Of the
values given in the options, is the only value that is less than . Therefore, choice A must be the correct answer.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from a misconception about how to use the discriminant to determine
the number of solutions of a quadratic equation in one variable.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f28944ff
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: f28944ff

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f28944ff Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
1
Choice D is correct. Substituting -1 for 𝑥 in the given function yields 𝑞-1 = 322-1 , which is equivalent to 𝑞-1 = 32 , or
2
𝑞-1 = 16. Therefore, when 𝑥 = - 1, the corresponding value of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞 is 16. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the given
0
function yields 𝑞0 = 322 , which is equivalent to 𝑞0 = 321, or 𝑞0 = 32. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 0, the corresponding value of
𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞 is 32. Substituting 1 for 𝑥 in the given function yields 𝑞1 = 3221 , which is equivalent to 𝑞1 = 322, or
𝑞1 = 64. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 1, the corresponding value of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞 is 64. Of the choices given, only the table in
choice D gives these three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑞𝑥 for function 𝑞.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 11ccf3e1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 11ccf3e1

The given equation relates the numbers , , and . Which equation correctly expresses in terms of and ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 11ccf3e1 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Subtracting 14𝑗 from each side of the given equation results in 5𝑘 = 𝑚 - 14𝑗. Dividing each side of
𝑚 - 14𝑗
this equation by 5 results in 𝑘 = 5
.

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 50e40f08
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 50e40f08

If the given function is graphed in the xy-plane, where , what is the x-coordinate of an x-intercept of the
graph?

ID: 50e40f08 Answer

Correct Answer: -6, 4

Rationale

The correct answer is either -6 or 4. The x-intercepts of a graph in the xy-plane are the points where 𝑦 = 0. Thus, for an x-
intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, 0 = 𝑓𝑥. Substituting 0 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 + 6𝑥 - 4 yields 0 = 𝑥 + 6𝑥 - 4. By the
zero product property, 𝑥 + 6 = 0 and 𝑥 - 4 = 0. Subtracting 6 from both sides of the equation 𝑥 + 6 = 0 yields 𝑥 = - 6.
Adding 4 to both sides of the equation 𝑥 - 4 = 0 yields 𝑥 = 4. Therefore, the x-coordinates of the x-intercepts of the graph
of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 are -6 and 4. Note that -6 and 4 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e11294f9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: e11294f9

The solutions to are and , where . The solutions to are and , where
. The solutions to , where is a constant, are and . What is the value of ?

ID: e11294f9 Answer

Correct Answer: 31

Rationale

The correct answer is 31. Subtracting 7 from both sides of the equation 𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 7 = 0 yields 𝑥2 + 6𝑥 = -7. To complete
62
the square, adding 2
, or 32 , to both sides of this equation yields 𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 32 = - 7 + 32 , or 𝑥 + 32 = 2. Taking the square
root of both sides of this equation yields 𝑥 + 3 = ± √2 . Subtracting 3 from both sides of this equation yields
𝑥 = - 3 ± √2 . Therefore, the solutions 𝑟 and 𝑠 to the equation 𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 7 = 0 are -3 - √2 and -3 + √2 . Since 𝑟 < 𝑠, it
follows that 𝑟 = - 3 - √2 and 𝑠 = - 3 + √2 . Subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation 𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 8 = 0 yields
82
𝑥2 + 8𝑥 = -8. To complete the square, adding , or 42 , to both sides of this equation yields 𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 42 = - 8 + 42 , or
2
𝑥 + 42 = 8. Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields 𝑥 + 4 = ± √8 , or 𝑥 + 4 = ± 2√2 . Subtracting 4
from both sides of this equation yields 𝑥 = - 4 ± 2√2 . Therefore, the solutions 𝑡 and 𝑢 to the equation 𝑥2 + 8𝑥 + 8 = 0 are
-4 - 2√2 and -4 + 2√2 . Since 𝑡 < 𝑢, it follows that 𝑡 = - 4 - 2√2 and 𝑢 = - 4 + 2√2 . It's given that the solutions to
𝑥2 + 14𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑐 is a constant, are 𝑟 + 𝑡 and 𝑠 + 𝑢. It follows that this equation can be written as
𝑥 - 𝑟 + 𝑡𝑥 - 𝑠 + 𝑢 = 0, which is equivalent to 𝑥2 - 𝑟 + 𝑡 + 𝑠 + 𝑢𝑥 + 𝑟 + 𝑡𝑠 + 𝑢 = 0. Therefore, the value of 𝑐 is 𝑟 + 𝑡𝑠 + 𝑢.
Substituting -3 - √2 for 𝑟, -4 - 2√2 for 𝑡, -3 + √2 for 𝑠, and -4 + 2√2 for 𝑢 in this equation yields
-3 - √2 + -4 - 2√2 -3 + √2 + -4 + 2√2 , which is equivalent to -7 - 3√2 -7 + 3√2 , or -7-7 - 3√2 3√2 , which is equivalent to
49 - 18, or 31. Therefore, the value of 𝑐 is 31.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 03ff48d2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 03ff48d2

In the given equation, is an integer constant. If the equation has no real solution, what is the least possible value of ?

ID: 03ff48d2 Answer

Correct Answer: 50

Rationale

The correct answer is 50. An equation of the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, has no real solutions
if and only if its discriminant, 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐, is negative. Applying the distributive property to the left-hand side of the equation
𝑥𝑘𝑥 - 56 = - 16 yields 𝑘𝑥2 - 56𝑥 = - 16. Adding 16 to each side of this equation yields 𝑘𝑥2 - 56𝑥 + 16 = 0. Substituting 𝑘
for 𝑎, -56 for 𝑏, and 16 for 𝑐 in 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐 yields a discriminant of -562 - 4𝑘16, or 3,136 - 64𝑘. If the given equation has no real
solution, it follows that the value of 3,136 - 64𝑘 must be negative. Therefore, 3,136 - 64𝑘 < 0. Adding 64𝑘 to both sides of
this inequality yields 3,136 < 64𝑘. Dividing both sides of this inequality by 64 yields 49 < 𝑘, or 𝑘 > 49. Since it's given that
𝑘 is an integer, the least possible value of 𝑘 is 50.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7028c74f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 7028c74f

What is the sum of the solutions to the given equation?

ID: 7028c74f Answer

Correct Answer: 10.33, 31/3

Rationale
31
The correct answer is . Subtracting 5𝑥 + 7 from each side of the given equation yields 0 = 15𝑥 - 17𝑥 + 7 - 5𝑥 + 7. Since
3
5𝑥 + 7 is a common factor of each of the terms on the right-hand side of this equation, it can be rewritten as
0 = 5𝑥 + 73𝑥 - 17 - 1. This is equivalent to 0 = 5𝑥 + 73𝑥 - 51 - 1, or 0 = 5𝑥 + 73𝑥 - 52. Dividing both sides of this equation
by 5 yields 0 = 𝑥 + 73𝑥 - 52. Since a product of two factors is equal to 0 if and only if at least one of the factors is 0,
either 𝑥 + 7 = 0 or 3𝑥 - 52 = 0. Subtracting 7 from both sides of the equation 𝑥 + 7 = 0 yields 𝑥 = -7. Adding 52 to both
52
sides of the equation 3𝑥 - 52 = 0 yields 3𝑥 = 52. Dividing both sides of this equation by 3 yields 𝑥 = . Therefore, the 3
52 52
solutions to the given equation are -7 and 3
. It follows that the sum of the solutions to the given equation is -7 + 3
,
21 52 31
which is equivalent to - 3 + 3
, or 3
. Note that 31/3 and 10.33 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c4259674
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: c4259674

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c4259674 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that function 𝑓 is defined by the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥-1 . The value of 𝑓21 is the value of 𝑓𝑥
1 4
when 𝑥 = 21. Substituting 21 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 𝑓21 = 421-1 , which is equivalent to 𝑓21 = 4 , or 𝑓21 = .
21 21

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓21 when 𝑓𝑥 = - 4𝑥, rather than 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥-1 .

-1
Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓21 when 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 , rather than 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥-1 .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓21 when 𝑓𝑥 = 4-1 𝑥, rather than 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥-1 .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 13e57f0a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 13e57f0a

What is the positive solution to the given equation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 13e57f0a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Multiplying each side of the given equation by -16 yields 64𝑥2 + 112𝑥 = 576. To complete the square,
adding 49 to each side of this equation yields 64𝑥2 + 112𝑥 + 49 = 576 + 49, or 8𝑥 + 72 = 625. Taking the square root of
each side of this equation yields two equations: 8𝑥 + 7 = 25 and 8𝑥 + 7 = - 25. Subtracting 7 from each side of the
18 9 9
equation 8𝑥 + 7 = 25 yields 8𝑥 = 18. Dividing each side of this equation by 8 yields 𝑥 = , or 𝑥 = . Therefore, is a
8 4 4
solution to the given equation. Subtracting 7 from each side of the equation 8𝑥 + 7 = - 25 yields 8𝑥 = - 32. Dividing each
9 9
side of this equation by 8 yields 𝑥 = - 4. Therefore, the given equation has two solutions, 4
and -4. Since 4
is positive, it
9
follows that 4
is the positive solution to the given equation.

Alternate approach: Adding 4𝑥2 and 7𝑥 to each side of the given equation yields 0 = 4𝑥2 + 7𝑥 - 36. The right-hand side of
this equation can be rewritten as 4𝑥2 + 16𝑥 - 9𝑥 - 36. Factoring out the common factor of 4𝑥 from the first two terms of
this expression and the common factor of -9 from the second two terms yields 4𝑥𝑥 + 4 - 9𝑥 + 4. Factoring out the
common factor of 𝑥 + 4 from these two terms yields the expression 4𝑥 - 9𝑥 + 4. Since this expression is equal to 0, it
follows that either 4𝑥 - 9 = 0 or 𝑥 + 4 = 0. Adding 9 to each side of the equation 4𝑥 - 9 = 0 yields 4𝑥 = 9. Dividing each
9 9
side of this equation by 4 yields 𝑥 = 4 . Therefore, 4
is a positive solution to the given equation. Subtracting 4 from each
9 9
side of the equation 𝑥 + 4 = 0 yields 𝑥 = - 4. Therefore, the given equation has two solutions, and -4. Since is
4 4
9
positive, it follows that 4
is the positive solution to the given equation.

7 49
Choice A is incorrect. Substituting 4
for 𝑥 in the given equation yields - 2 = - 36, which is false.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting 4 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields -92 = - 36, which is false.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting 7 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields -245 = - 36, which is false.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID be0c419e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: be0c419e

Immanuel purchased a certain rare coin on January 1. The function , where , gives the
predicted value, in dollars, of the rare coin years after Immanuel purchased it. What is the best interpretation of the
statement “ is approximately equal to ” in this context?

When the rare coin's predicted value is approximately dollars, it is greater than the predicted value, in dollars,
A. on January 1 of the previous year.

When the rare coin’s predicted value is approximately dollars, it is times the predicted value, in dollars, on
B. January 1 of the previous year.

From the day Immanuel purchased the rare coin to years after Immanuel purchased the coin, its predicted value
C. increased by a total of approximately dollars.

D. years after Immanuel purchased the rare coin, its predicted value is approximately dollars.

ID: be0c419e Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑓𝑥 = 651.03𝑥 gives the predicted value, in dollars, of a certain rare coin 𝑥
years after Immanuel purchased it. It follows that 𝑓𝑥 represents the predicted value, in dollars, of the coin 𝑥 years after
Immanuel purchased it. Since the value of 𝑓8 is the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 8, it follows that “𝑓8 is approximately equal to
82” means that 𝑓𝑥 is approximately equal to 82 when 𝑥 = 8. Therefore, the best interpretation of the statement “𝑓8 is
approximately equal to 82” in this context is 8 years after Immanuel purchased the rare coin, its predicted value is
approximately 82 dollars.

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: Medium