Question ID 92921647

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: 92921647

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 92921647 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. An equation defining a linear function can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏 are
constants, 𝑚 is the slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane, and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept of the graph. It's given that for
the function 𝑓, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane has a slope of 3. Therefore, 𝑚 = 3. It's also given that this graph
passes through the point 0, - 8. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph is 0, - 8, and it follows that 𝑏 = - 8. Substituting 3
for 𝑚 and -8 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 3𝑥 - 8. Thus, the equation that defines 𝑓 is 𝑓𝑥 = 3𝑥 - 8.

Choice A is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the point 0, 0, not 0, - 8.

Choice C is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the point 0, 5, not 0, - 8.

Choice D is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the point 0, 11, not 0, - 8.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8bb5aaf8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Medium

PSAT 10 one variable

ID: 8bb5aaf8

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8bb5aaf8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Dividing each side of the given equation by 3 yields 𝑥 - 9 = 8. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 - 9 is 8.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of 3𝑥 - 27, not 𝑥 - 9.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ec0d8652
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Easy

PSAT 10 two variables

ID: ec0d8652

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ec0d8652 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. In the xy-plane, the graph of an equation in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏 are constants, has a
slope of 𝑚 and a y-intercept of ( 0, 𝑏 ) . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 34𝑥 + 81 is ( 0, 81 ) .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a229cabe
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Systems of two Medium

PSAT 10 linear equations in
two variables

ID: a229cabe

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a229cabe Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The second equation in the given system is 𝑦 = 9𝑥 + 1. Substituting 9𝑥 + 1 for 𝑦 in the first equation
in the given system yields 8𝑥 + 9𝑥 + 1 = 5, which is equivalent to 17𝑥 + 1 = 5. Subtracting 1 from both sides of this
4
equation yields 17𝑥 = 4. Dividing both sides of this equation by 17 yields 𝑥 = .
17

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8e21bc65
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: 8e21bc65

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8e21bc65 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 3eef8a08
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: 3eef8a08

Hydrogen is placed inside a container and kept at a constant pressure. The graph shows the estimated
volume , in liters, of the hydrogen when its temperature is kelvins.

What is the estimated volume, in liters, of the hydrogen when its temperature is kelvins?
A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 3eef8a08 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. For the graph shown, the x-axis represents temperature, in kelvins, and the y-axis represents
volume, in liters. Therefore, the estimated volume, in liters, of the hydrogen when its temperature is 500 kelvins is
represented by the y-coordinate of the point on the graph that has an x-coordinate of 500. The point on the graph with
an x-coordinate of 500 has a y-coordinate of 7. Therefore, the estimated volume, in liters, of the hydrogen when its
temperature is 500 kelvins is 7.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 9f5ff8c2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: 9f5ff8c2

The function defined by gives the estimated length, in inches, of a vine plant
months after Tavon purchased it. Which of the following is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. Tavon will keep the vine plant for months.

B. The vine plant is expected to grow inches each month.

C. The vine plant is expected to grow to a maximum length of inches.

D. The estimated length of the vine plant was inches when Tavon purchased it.

ID: 9f5ff8c2 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that the function 𝑓 defined by 𝑓𝑡 = 14𝑡 + 9 gives the estimated length, in inches, of a vine
plant 𝑡 months after Tavon purchased it. For a function defined by an equation of the form 𝑓𝑡 = 𝑚𝑡 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏
are constants, 𝑏 represents the value of 𝑓0, or the value of 𝑓𝑡 when the value of 𝑡 is 0. Therefore, for the function defined
by 𝑓𝑡 = 14𝑡 + 9, 9 represents the value of 𝑓𝑡 when the value of 𝑡 is 0. This means that 0 months after the vine plant was
purchased, the estimated length of the vine plant was 9 inches. Therefore, the best interpretation of 9 in this context is
the estimated length of the vine plant was 9 inches when Tavon purchased it.

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

Choice B is incorrect. The vine plant is expected to grow 14 inches, not 9 inches, each month.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 710119ea
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Easy

PSAT 10 one variable

ID: 710119ea

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 710119ea Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that John made a $ 16 payment each month for 𝑝 months. The total amount of these
payments can be represented by the expression 16𝑝. The down payment can be added to that amount to find the total
amount John paid, yielding the expression 16𝑝 + 37. It’s given that John paid a total of $ 165. Therefore, the expression
for the total amount John paid can be set equal to that amount, yielding the equation 16𝑝 + 37 = 165.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a762cee2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: a762cee2

As part of a science project on evaporation, Amaya measured the height of a liquid in a container over a
period of time. The function gives the estimated height, in centimeters (cm), of the
liquid in the container days after the start of the project. Which of the following is the best
interpretation of in this context?
A. The estimated height, in cm, of the liquid at the start of the project

B. The estimated height, in cm, of the liquid at the end of the project

C. The estimated change in the height, in cm, of the liquid each day

D. The estimated number of days for all of the liquid to evaporate

ID: a762cee2 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the function 𝑓𝑥 = 33 - 0.18𝑥 gives the estimated height, in centimeters (cm), of the
liquid in the container 𝑥 days after the start of the project. For a linear function in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥, where 𝑎 and 𝑏
are constants, 𝑎 represents the value of 𝑓0 and 𝑏 represents the rate of change of the function. It follows that in the
given function, 33 represents the value of 𝑓0. Therefore, the best interpretation of 33 in this context is the estimated
height, in cm, of the liquid at the start of the project.

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

Choice C is incorrect. The estimated change in the height, in cm, of the liquid each day is 0.18, not 33.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1ff7bc88
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: 1ff7bc88

For the linear function , and . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1ff7bc88 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. An equation defining the linear function 𝑓 can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the
slope and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane. The slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 can be found
𝑦2 - 𝑦1
using the formula 𝑚 = , where 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 are any two points that the graph passes through. If 𝑓0 = 17, it
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
follows that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 passes through the point 0, 17. If 𝑓1 = 17, it follows that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 passes
𝑦 -𝑦
through the point 1, 17. Substituting 0, 17 and 1, 17 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the formula 𝑚 = 2 1 yields
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
𝑚 = 17 - 17 , which is equivalent to 𝑚 = 0 , or 𝑚 = 0. Since the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 passes through 0, 17, it follows that 𝑏 = 17.
1-0 1
Substituting 0 for 𝑚 and 17 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 0𝑥 + 17, or 𝑓𝑥 = 17. Thus, the equation that
defines 𝑓 is 𝑓𝑥 = 17.

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 e7743fef
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Easy

PSAT 10 one variable

ID: e7743fef

If , what is the value of ?

ID: e7743fef Answer

Correct Answer: 480

Rationale

The correct answer is 480. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by 8 yields 82 + 𝑥 = 860, or 16 + 8𝑥 = 480.
Therefore, if 2 + 𝑥 = 60, the value of 16 + 8𝑥 is 480.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5c60c35f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Easy

PSAT 10 one variable

ID: 5c60c35f

What is the solution to the given equation?

ID: 5c60c35f Answer

Correct Answer: 40

Rationale

The correct answer is 40. Subtracting 5 from both sides of the given equation yields 4𝑥 = 160. Dividing both sides of
this equation by 4 yields 𝑥 = 40. Therefore, the solution to the given equation is 40.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ac02dad2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Medium

PSAT 10 two variables

ID: ac02dad2

In triangle , sides and each have a length of centimeters and side has a length of
centimeters. The given equation represents this situation. Which of the following is the best
interpretation of in this context?

A. The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides and

B. The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides and

C. The sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of the three sides of the triangle

D. The length, in centimeters, of one of the two sides of equal length

ID: ac02dad2 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that in triangle 𝑄𝑅𝑆, sides 𝑄𝑅 and 𝑅𝑆 each have a length of 𝑥 centimeters. Therefore, the
expression 2𝑥 represents the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of sides 𝑄𝑅 and 𝑅𝑆. It's also given that side 𝑆𝑄 has a
length of 𝑦 centimeters. Therefore, the expression 2𝑥 + 𝑦 represents the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of sides 𝑄𝑅,
𝑅𝑆, and 𝑆𝑄. Since 2𝑥 + 𝑦 is the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of the three sides of the triangle and 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 37, it
follows that 37 is the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of the three sides of the triangle.

Choice A is incorrect. The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides 𝑄𝑅 and 𝑆𝑄 is 𝑥 - 𝑦, not 37.

Choice B is incorrect. The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides 𝑄𝑅 and 𝑅𝑆 is 𝑥 - 𝑥, or 0, not 37.

Choice D is incorrect. The length, in centimeters, of one of the two sides of equal length is 𝑥, not 37.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 19014c22
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Easy

PSAT 10 two variables

ID: 19014c22

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

B.

C.

D.

ID: 19014c22 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that line 𝑗 is perpendicular to line 𝑘 in the xy-plane. It follows that the slope of line 𝑗 is the
opposite reciprocal of the slope of line 𝑘. The equation for line 𝑘 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 3. The
1
opposite reciprocal of a number is -1 divided by the number. Thus, the opposite reciprocal of 3 is - . Therefore, the slope
3
1
of line 𝑗 is - .
3

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 45f00d75
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Systems of two Medium

PSAT 10 linear equations in
two variables

ID: 45f00d75

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 45f00d75 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Adding 9𝑥 to both sides of the first equation in the given system yields 𝑦 = 9𝑥 + 13. Substituting the
expression 9𝑥 + 13 for 𝑦 in the second equation in the given system yields 5𝑥 = 29𝑥 + 13. Distributing the 2 on the right-
hand side of this equation yields 5𝑥 = 18𝑥 + 26. Subtracting 18𝑥 from both sides of this equation yields -13𝑥 = 26.
Dividing both sides of this equation by -13 yields 𝑥 = - 2. Substituting -2 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 9𝑥 + 13 yields
𝑦 = 9-2 + 13, or 𝑦 = - 5. Therefore, the solution 𝑥, 𝑦 to the given system of equations is -2, - 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 D is incorrect. This is the solution 𝑦, 𝑥, not 𝑥, 𝑦, to the given system of equations.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 55614835
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Easy

PSAT 10 two variables

ID: 55614835

The graph shows the linear relationship between and . Which table gives three values of and their
corresponding values of for this relationship?

A.

B.

C.
 D.

ID: 55614835 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the graph shows the linear relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦. The given graph passes
through the points 0,- 5, 1, - 3, and 2, - 1. It follows that when 𝑥 = 0, the corresponding value of 𝑦 is -5, when 𝑥 = 1, the
corresponding value of 𝑦 is -3, and when 𝑥 = 2, the corresponding value of 𝑦 is -1. Of the given choices, only the table in
choice D gives these three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑦 for the relationship shown in the graph.

Choice A is incorrect. This table represents a relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 such that the graph passes through the
points 0, 0, 1, - 7, and 2, - 9.

Choice B is incorrect. This table represents a relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 such that the graph passes through the
points 0, 0, 1, - 3, and 2, - 1.

Choice C is incorrect. This table represents a linear relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 such that the graph passes through
the points 0, - 5, 1, - 7, and 2, - 9.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ac181113
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: ac181113

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

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

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

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

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

ID: ac181113 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. An equation that defines a linear function 𝑓 can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚
represents the slope and 𝑏 represents the y-intercept, 0, 𝑏, of the line of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane. The function
𝑓𝑥 = - 5𝑥 + 30 is linear. Therefore, the graph of the given function 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane has a y-intercept of 0, 30. It’s
given that 𝑓𝑥 gives the approximate volume, in fluid ounces, of juice Caleb had remaining after making 𝑥 popsicles. It
follows that the y-intercept of 0, 30 means that Caleb had approximately 30 fluid ounces of juice remaining after making
0 popsicles. In other words, Caleb had approximately 30 fluid ounces of juice when he began to make the popsicles.

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

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bc1e9b9b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: bc1e9b9b

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bc1e9b9b Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. An equation that defines a linear function 𝑓 can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏
are constants. It's given in the table that when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓𝑥 = 29. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 29 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 29 = 𝑚0 + 𝑏, or 29 = 𝑏. Substituting 29 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 29. It's
also given in the table that when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓𝑥 = 32. Substituting 1 for 𝑥 and 32 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 29 yields
32 = 𝑚1 + 29, or 32 = 𝑚 + 29. Subtracting 29 from both sides of this equation yields 3 = 𝑚. Substituting 3 for 𝑚 in the
equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 29 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 3𝑥 + 29.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID bd329fe0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Systems of two Easy

PSAT 10 linear equations in
two variables

ID: bd329fe0

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bd329fe0 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The second equation in the given system defines the value of 𝑥 as 5𝑦. Substituting 5𝑦 for 𝑥 into the
first equation yields 5𝑦 + 𝑦 = 18 or 6𝑦 = 18. Dividing each side of this equation by 6 yields 𝑦 = 3. Substituting 3 for 𝑦 in
the second equation yields 53 = 𝑥 or 𝑥 = 15. Therefore, the solution 𝑥, 𝑦 to the given system of equations is 15, 3.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting 16 for 𝑥 and 2 for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 52 = 16, which is not true.
Therefore, 16, 2 is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting 17 for 𝑥 and 1 for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 51 = 17, which is not true.
Therefore, 17, 1 is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting 18 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 50 = 18, which is not true.
Therefore, 18, 0 is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID abe39d7f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Systems of two Easy

PSAT 10 linear equations in
two variables

ID: abe39d7f

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

B.

C.

D.

ID: abe39d7f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A solution to a system of equations must be the solution to each equation in the system. It follows
that if 𝑥, 𝑦 is a solution to the system, the point 𝑥, 𝑦 lies on the graph in the xy-plane of each equation in the system. The
point that lies on each graph of the system of linear equations shown is their intersection point 2, 4. Therefore, the
solution to the system is 2, 4.
Choice A is incorrect. The point 0, 5 lies on one, but not both, of the graphs of the linear equations shown.

Choice C is incorrect. The point 5, 10 lies on one, but not both, of the graphs of the linear equations shown.

Choice D is incorrect. The point 10, 0 lies on one, but not both, of the graphs of the linear equations shown.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 304668b4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Medium

PSAT 10 two variables

ID: 304668b4

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

ID: 304668b4 Answer

Correct Answer: .3846, 5/13

Rationale

5
The correct answer is . The graph of a line in the xy-plane can be represented by the equation 𝑦= 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is
13
5
the slope of the line and 𝑏 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. The given equation can be written as 𝑦 = 𝑥 - 23.
13
5
Therefore, the slope of the graph of this equation in the xy-plane is . Note that 5/13, .3846, 0.385, and 0.384 are
13
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 389861fc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: 389861fc

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 389861fc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Substituting 50 for 𝑥 in the given function yields ℎ50 = 50 + 200, or ℎ50 = 250. Therefore, the value
of ℎ50 is 250.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of ℎ0.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of ℎ9,800.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of ℎ50,000.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e1f981b8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: e1f981b8

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

ID: e1f981b8 Answer

Correct Answer: 9

Rationale

The correct answer is 9. It’s given that 𝑔𝑥 = 6𝑥. Substituting 54 for 𝑔𝑥 in the given function yields 54 = 6𝑥. Dividing both
sides of this equation by 6 yields 𝑥 = 9. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 when 𝑔𝑥 = 54 is 9.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a0903fed
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Systems of two Easy

PSAT 10 linear equations in
two variables

ID: a0903fed

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a0903fed Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The second equation in the given system is 𝑦 = 28. Substituting 28 for 𝑦 in the first equation in the
given system yields 28 = 12𝑥 - 20. Adding 20 to both sides of this equation yields 48 = 12𝑥. Dividing both sides of this
equation by 12 yields 4 = 𝑥. Therefore, the solution 𝑥, 𝑦 to the given system of equations is 4, 28.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the solution 𝑦, 𝑥, not 𝑥, 𝑦, to the given system of equations.

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID d0d3c29c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Systems of two Medium

PSAT 10 linear equations in
two variables

ID: d0d3c29c

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d0d3c29c Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the substitution method. Substituting -3𝑥 for
𝑦 from the first equation in the given system into the second equation yields 4𝑥 + -3𝑥 = 15, or 𝑥 = 15.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f762f4c4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: f762f4c4

For the linear function , is a constant. When , . What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f762f4c4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓𝑥 = 30. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 30 for 𝑓𝑥 in the given function yields
30 = 0 + 𝑏, or 30 = 𝑏. Therefore, the value of 𝑏 is 30.

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 b6c5bfb3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Medium

PSAT 10

ID: b6c5bfb3

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

B.

C.

D.

ID: b6c5bfb3 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. In the xy-plane, the graph of a linear function can be written in the form 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, 2. Thus, 𝑏 = 2. The slope of the graph of a line containing
𝑦 -𝑦
any two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 can be found using the slope formula, 𝑚 = 2 1 . Since it’s given that the graph of the
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
linear function 𝑓 contains the points 0, 2 and 8, 34, it follows that the slope of the graph of the line containing these
34 - 2
points is 𝑚 = , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 and 2 for 𝑏 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 2.
8-0

Choice A is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of 0, 42.

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 32 and a y-intercept of 0, 36.

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 8 and a y-intercept of 0, 2.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 76f44a77
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: 76f44a77

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 76f44a77 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Substituting 72 for 𝑓𝑥 in the given function yields 72 = 8𝑥. Dividing each side of this equation by 8
yields 9 = 𝑥. Therefore, 𝑓𝑥 = 72 when the value of 𝑥 is 9.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑥 = 64, not 𝑓𝑥 = 72.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑥 = 512, not 𝑓𝑥 = 72.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑓𝑥 = 640, not 𝑓𝑥 = 72.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 143330a1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear equations in Medium

PSAT 10 two variables

ID: 143330a1

Line is shown in the xy-plane. Line (not shown) is parallel to line . What is the slope of line ?

ID: 143330a1 Answer

Correct Answer: 4

Rationale

The correct answer is 4. It's given that line 𝑘 is parallel to line 𝑗. It follows that the slope of line 𝑘 is equal to the slope of
𝑦 -𝑦
line 𝑗. Given two points on a line in the xy-plane, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , the slope of the line can be calculated as 2 1 . In the
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
9-5
xy-plane shown, the points 0, 5 and 1, 9 are on line 𝑗. It follows that the slope of line 𝑗 is , or 4. Since the slope of line 𝑗
1-0
is equal to the slope of line 𝑘, the slope of line 𝑘 is also 4.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4c580285
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

PSAT/NMSQT & Math Algebra Linear functions Easy

PSAT 10

ID: 4c580285

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

ID: 4c580285 Answer

Correct Answer: 30

Rationale

The correct answer is 30. The value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 4 can be found by substituting 4 for 𝑥 in the given equation
𝑓𝑥 = 7𝑥 + 2. This yields 𝑓4 = 74 + 2, or 𝑓4 = 30. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 4, the value of 𝑓𝑥 is 30.

Question Difficulty: Easy