Question ID c651cc56

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c651cc56

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

above. What is the value of ?

A. 6

B. 7

C. 8

D. 9

ID: c651cc56 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A linear function has a constant rate of change, and any two rows of the table shown can be used to
calculate this rate. From the first row to the second, the value of x is increased by 2 and the value of is increased by
. So the values of increase by 3 for every increase by 1 in the value of x. Since , it follows that

. Therefore, .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID adb0c96c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: adb0c96c

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

ID: adb0c96c Answer

Correct Answer: 80

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b4553284
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: b4553284

If , what is the value of ?

ID: b4553284 Answer

Correct Answer: 54

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c22b5f25
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c22b5f25

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

which of the following linear functions?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c22b5f25 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

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

. Only choice C shows an equation with this slope.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d7bf55e1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: d7bf55e1

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

ID: d7bf55e1 Answer

Rationale

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 11e1ab81
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 11e1ab81

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

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 11e1ab81 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 771bd0ca
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 771bd0ca

What value of is the solution to the given equation?

ID: 771bd0ca Answer

Correct Answer: -22

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4fe4fd7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 4fe4fd7c

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

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

ID: 4fe4fd7c Answer

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 789975b7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 789975b7

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 789975b7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a309803e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a309803e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a309803e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bf883fde
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bf883fde

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bf883fde Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 2554b413
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2554b413

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2554b413 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5bf5136d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 5bf5136d

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

A.

B.

C.

D. or

ID: 5bf5136d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 620abf36
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 620abf36

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 620abf36 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d62ad380
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

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

3 8.00

6 18.00

9 28.00

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d62ad380 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

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

therefore .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ed18c4f7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ed18c4f7

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ed18c4f7 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 52a8ef85
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 52a8ef85

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 52a8ef85 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3462d850
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

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

Which of the following does 45 represent in the equation?

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

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

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

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

ID: 3462d850 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0d685865
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 0d685865

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0d685865 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 12255364
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 12255364

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 12255364 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b82a943c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: b82a943c

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b82a943c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of .

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 092ad67d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 092ad67d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 092ad67d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 90095507
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 90095507

Townsend Realty Group Investments

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

Clearwater
128,000 950
Lane

Driftwood
176,000 1,310
Drive

Edgemont
70,000 515
Street

Glenview
140,000 1,040
Street

Hamilton
450,000 3,365
Circle

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

A. $350,000

B. $291,700

C. $233,300

D. $175,000

ID: 90095507 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID eac739b2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: eac739b2

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: eac739b2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

Therefore, the value of is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3122fc7b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3122fc7b

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

ID: 3122fc7b Answer

Correct Answer: 257

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ba79f10f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: ba79f10f

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ba79f10f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID d9d83c02
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: d9d83c02

For what value of w does

?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d9d83c02 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 59a49431
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 59a49431

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 59a49431 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 23dedddd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 23dedddd

In the linear function , and . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 23dedddd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c8fb6bcb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c8fb6bcb

The given function represents the perimeter, in , of a rectangle with a length of and a fixed
width. What is the width, in , of the rectangle?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c8fb6bcb Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that represents the perimeter, in , of a rectangle with
a length of and a fixed width. If represents a fixed width, in , then the perimeter, in , of a rectangle with a
length of and a fixed width of can be given by the function . Therefore,
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this
equation by yields . Therefore, the width, in , of the rectangle is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d909cd31
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: d909cd31

One of the two equations in a system of linear equations is given. The system has infinitely many solutions. Which of the
following could be the second equation in the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d909cd31 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that the system has infinitely many solutions. A system of two linear equations has
infinitely many solutions when the two linear equations are equivalent. Dividing both sides of the given equation by
yields . Dividing both sides of choice C by also yields , so choice C is equivalent to
the given equation. Thus, choice C could be the second equation in the system.

Choice A is incorrect. The system consisting of this equation and the given equation has one solution, not infinitely many
solutions.

Choice B is incorrect. The system consisting of this equation and the given equation has one solution, not infinitely many
solutions.

Choice D is incorrect. The system consisting of this equation and the given equation has no solution, not infinitely many
solutions.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 98d3393a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 98d3393a

Line in the xy-plane is perpendicular to the line with equation

. What is the slope of line ?

A. 0

B.

C.

D. The slope of line is undefined.

ID: 98d3393a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It is given that line is perpendicular to a line whose equation is x = 2. A line whose equation is a
constant value of x is vertical, so must therefore be horizontal. Horizontal lines have a slope of 0, so has a slope of 0.

Choice B is incorrect. A line with slope is perpendicular to a line with slope 2. However, the line with equation x = 2
is vertical and has undefined slope (not slope of 2). Choice C is incorrect. A line with slope –2 is perpendicular to a line

with slope . However, the line with equation x = 2 has undefined slope (not slope of ). Choice D is incorrect; this is
the slope of the line x = 2 itself, not the slope of a line perpendicular to it.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f88970cc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: f88970cc

Which of the following points is the solution to the given system of equations in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f88970cc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A solution to a system of equations in the xy-plane is a point that lies on the graph of each
equation in the system. The first equation given is . Substituting for in the second given equation yields
, or . It follows that in the xy-plane, the point lies on the graph of each equation in the system.
Therefore, the solution to the given system of equations in the xy-plane is .

Choice A is incorrect. The point doesn't lie on the graph of either equation in the given system.

Choice C is incorrect. The point doesn't lie on the graph of the second equation in the given system.

Choice D is incorrect. The point doesn't lie on the graph of the second equation in the given system.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 56dc8045
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 56dc8045

The function models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container seconds after it begins draining from a hole at
the bottom. According to the model, what is the predicted volume, in milliliters, draining from the container each second?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 56dc8045 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container seconds after
it begins draining from a hole at the bottom. The given function can be rewritten as
. Thus, for each increase of by , the value of decreases by , or . Therefore, the
predicted volume, in milliliters, draining from the container each second is milliliters.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the amount of liquid, in milliliters, in the container before the liquid begins draining.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4f669597
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 4f669597

What value of p is the solution of

the equation above?

ID: 4f669597 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 1.2. One way to solve the equation is to first distribute the terms outside
the parentheses to the terms inside the parentheses: . Next, combine like terms on the left side of
the equal sign: . Subtracting 10p from both sides yields . Finally, dividing both sides by

gives , which is equivalent to . Note that 1.2 and 6/5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3c4ce699
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 3c4ce699

If , what is the value of ?

ID: 3c4ce699 Answer

Correct Answer: 27

Rationale

The correct answer is . Multiplying both sides of the given equation by yields , or .
Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f2bbd43d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: f2bbd43d

The point is a solution to the system of inequalities in the xy-plane. Which of the following could be the value of
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f2bbd43d Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the point is a solution to the given system of inequalities in the xy-plane. This
means that the coordinates of the point, when substituted for the variables and , make both of the inequalities in the
system true. Substituting for in the inequality yields , which is true. Substituting for in the
inequality yields . Subtracting from both sides of this inequality yields .
Dividing both sides of this inequality by yields . Therefore, must be a value less than . Of the given
choices, only is less than .

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

, which is not true.

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

, which is not true.

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

, which is not true.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ffb371f5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: ffb371f5

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ffb371f5 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Adding the second equation in the given system to the first equation in the given system yields
, which is equivalent to .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6989c80a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6989c80a

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6989c80a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c4d49134
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c4d49134

The equation gives the speed , in miles per hour, of a certain car seconds after it began to accelerate. What is the
speed, in miles per hour, of the car seconds after it began to accelerate?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c4d49134 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. In the given equation, is the speed, in miles per hour, of a certain car seconds after it began to
accelerate. Therefore, the speed of the car, in miles per hour, seconds after it began to accelerate can be found by
substituting for in the given equation, which yields , or . Thus, the speed of the car seconds
after it began to accelerate is miles per hour.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0cb57740
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 0cb57740

Each side of a -sided polygon has one of three lengths. The number of sides with length is
times the number of sides with length . There are sides with length . Which equation must be true for the
value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0cb57740 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that each side of a -sided polygon has one of three lengths. It's also given that the
number of sides with length is times the number of sides with length . Therefore, there
are , or , sides with length . It’s also given that there are sides with length . Therefore, the number of
, , and sides are , , and , respectively. Since there are a total of sides, the equation
represents this situation. Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields
. Therefore, the equation that must be true for the value of is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ece00725
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: ece00725

Connor has dollars and Maria has dollars. Connor has times as many dollars as Maria, and together they have a
total of . Which system of equations represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ece00725 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that Connor has dollars, Maria has dollars, and Connor has times as many dollars as
Maria. This can be represented by the equation . It’s also given that together, Connor and Maria have a total of
, which can be represented by the equation . Therefore, the system consisting of the equations
and represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect. The equation represents a situation where Maria has times as many dollars as Connor,
rather than the situation where Connor has times as many dollars as Maria.

Choice C is incorrect. The equation represents a situation where Connor has times, rather than times, as
many dollars as Maria. The equation represents a situation where Connor and Maria together have a total of
, rather than .

Choice D is incorrect. The equation represents a situation where Maria has times as many dollars as
Connor, rather than the situation where Connor has times as many dollars as Maria. The equation
represents a situation where Connor and Maria together have a total of , rather than .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 255996a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 255996a6

In the equation above, T represents Brittany’s total take-home pay, in dollars, for
her first week of work, where h represents the number of hours she worked that
week and 1,000 represents a sign-on bonus. If Brittany’s total take-home pay
was $1,576, for how many hours was Brittany paid for her first week of work?

A. 16

B. 32

C. 55

D. 88

ID: 255996a6 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since Brittany’s total take-home pay was $1,576, the value 1,576 can be substituted for T in the given
equation to give . Subtracting 1,000 from both sides of this equation gives
. Dividing both sides of this equation by 18 gives . Therefore, Brittany was paid for 32 hours for her
first week of work.

Choice A is incorrect. This is half the number of hours Brittany was paid for. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
dividing 1,000 by 18. Choice D is incorrect and may result from dividing 1,576 by 18.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a1696f3e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a1696f3e

The function is defined as , where a is a constant. If

, what is the value of a ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a1696f3e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Substituting 4 for x in g(x) = 5x + a gives g(4) = 5(4) + a. Since g(4) = 31, the equation g(4) = 5(4) + a
simplifies to 31 = 20 + a. It follows that a = 11.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may result from arithmetic errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c01f4a95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c01f4a95

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

ID: c01f4a95 Answer

Correct Answer: 39

Rationale

The correct answer is . It’s given that for the linear function , is a constant and . Substituting for
and for in the given equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields
. Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the given
equation, , yields . Substituting for in this equation yields
, or . Therefore, the value of is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dfa45424
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: dfa45424

Tony spends $80 per month on public transportation. A 10-ride pass costs
$12.50, and a single-ride pass costs $1.50. If g represents the number of 10-ride
passes Tony buys in a month and t represents the number of single-ride passes
Tony buys in a month, which of the following equations best represents the
relationship between g and t ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dfa45424 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Since a 10-ride pass costs $12.50 and g is the number of 10-ride passes Tony buys in a month, the
expression represents the amount Tony spends on 10-ride passes in a month. Since a single-ride pass costs
$1.50 and t is the number of single-ride passes Tony buys in a month, the expression represents the amount Tony
spends on single-ride passes in a month. Therefore, the sum represents the amount he spends on the
two types of passes in a month. Since Tony spends a total of $80 on passes in a month, this expression can be set equal
to 80, producing .

Choices A and B are incorrect. The expression represents the total number of the two types of passes Tony buys in
a month, not the amount Tony spends, which is equal to 80, nor the cost of one of each pass, which is equal to
. Choice C is incorrect and may result from reversing the cost for each type of pass Tony buys in a month.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 431c3038
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 431c3038

In an article about exercise, it is estimated that a 160-pound adult uses 200

calories for every 30 minutes of hiking and 150 calories for every 30 minutes of
bicycling. An adult who weighs 160 pounds has completed 1 hour of bicycling.
Based on the article, how many hours should the adult hike to use a total of
1,900 calories from bicycling and hiking?

A. 9.5

B. 8.75

C. 6

D. 4

ID: 431c3038 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Since a 160-pound adult uses 200 calories for every 30 minutes of hiking, then the same adult uses
calories after hiking for h 30-minute periods. Similarly, the same adult uses calories after bicycling for b 30-
minute periods. Therefore, the equation represents the situation where a 160-pound adult uses a
total of 1,900 calories from hiking for h 30-minute periods and bicycling for b 30-minute periods. It’s given that the adult
completes 1 hour, or 2 30-minute periods, of bicycling. Substituting 2 for b in the equation yields
, or . Subtracting 300 from both sides of this equation yields
. Dividing both sides by 200 yields . Since h represents the number of 30-minute periods spent

hiking and there are 2 30-minute periods in every hour, it follows that the adult will need to hike for , or 4 hours to use a
total of 1,900 calories from bicycling and hiking.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from solving the equation . This represents 0 30-minute periods
bicycling instead of 2. Choice B is incorrect and may result from solving the equation . This
represents 1 30-minute period of bicycling instead of 2. Choice C is incorrect. This may result from determining that the
number of 30-minute periods the adult should hike is 8, but then subtracting 2 from 8, rather than dividing 8 by 2, to find
the number of hours the adult should hike.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 868fc236
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 868fc236

The table above gives the typical amounts of energy per gram, expressed in both
food calories and kilojoules, of the three macronutrients in food. If x food
calories is equivalent to k kilojoules, of the following, which best represents the
relationship between x and k ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 868fc236 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The relationship between x food calories and k kilojoules can be modeled as a proportional
relationship. Let and represent the values in the first two rows in the table: and .

The rate of change, or , is ; therefore, the equation that best represents the relationship between x
and k is .

Choice A is incorrect and may be the result of calculating the rate of change using . Choice C is incorrect
because the number of kilojoules is greater than the number of food calories. Choice D is incorrect and may be the result
of an error when setting up the equation.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e8f9e117
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: e8f9e117

The formula above is Ohm’s law for an electric circuit with current I, in amperes,
potential difference V, in volts, and resistance R, in ohms. A circuit has a
resistance of 500 ohms, and its potential difference will be generated by n six-
volt batteries that produce a total potential difference of volts. If the circuit is
to have a current of no more than 0.25 ampere, what is the greatest number, n, of
six-volt batteries that can be used?

ID: e8f9e117 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 20. For the given circuit, the resistance R is 500 ohms, and the total potential difference V
generated by n batteries is volts. It’s also given that the circuit is to have a current of no more than 0.25 ampere,

which can be expressed as . Since Ohm’s law says that , the given values for V and R can be substituted

for I in this inequality, which yields . Multiplying both sides of this inequality by 500 yields , and
dividing both sides of this inequality by 6 yields . Since the number of batteries must be a whole number less
than 20.833, the greatest number of batteries that can be used in this circuit is 20.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d8539e09
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: d8539e09

For which of the following tables are all the values of and their corresponding values of solutions to the given
inequality?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d8539e09 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. All the tables in the choices have the same three values of , so each of the three values of can be
substituted in the given inequality to compare the corresponding values of in each of the tables. Substituting for in
the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is less than
. Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding
value of is less than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when
 , the corresponding value of is less than . For the table in choice C, when , the corresponding value of
is , which is less than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is less than ; when , the
corresponding value of is , which is less than . Therefore, the table in choice C gives values of and their
corresponding values of that are all solutions to the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect. In the table for choice A, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than ;
when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than ; when , the corresponding value of is
, which is not less than .

Choice B is incorrect. In the table for choice B, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than .

Choice D is incorrect. In the table for choice D, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than ;
when , the corresponding value of is , which is not less than ; when , the corresponding value of is
, which is not less than .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ce314070
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ce314070

If , what is the
value of ?

A. 2

B.

C.

D.

ID: ce314070 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Multiplying the given equation by 2 on each side yields . Applying the

distributive property, this equation can be rewritten as , or .

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may result from calculation errors in solving the given equation for and then
substituting that value of x in the expression .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7e1bff94
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 7e1bff94

The table gives the number of hours, , of labor and a plumber’s total charge , in dollars, for two different jobs.

There is a linear relationship between and . Which equation represents this relationship?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7e1bff94 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that there is a linear relationship between a plumber's hours of labor, , and the plumber's
total charge , in dollars. It follows that the relationship can be represented by an equation of the form
, where is the rate of change of the function and is a constant. The rate of change of can be
calculated by dividing the difference in two values of by the difference in the corresponding values of . Based on
the values given in the table, the rate of change of is , or . Substituting for in the equation
yields . The value of can be found by substituting any value of and its
corresponding value of for and , respectively, in this equation. Substituting for and for yields
, or . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Substituting for
in the equation yields .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9f6f96ff
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 9f6f96ff

A wire with a length of inches is cut into two parts. One part has a length of inches, and the other part has a length
of inches. The value of is more than times the value of . What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9f6f96ff Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that a wire with a length of inches is cut into two parts. It's also given that one part has
a length of inches and the other part has a length of inches. This can be represented by the equation .
It's also given that the value of is more than times the value of . This can be represented by the equation
. Substituting for in the equation yields , or .
Subtracting from each side of this equation yields . Dividing each side of this equation by yields .
Substituting for in the equation yields , or .

Choice A is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of inches; however, represents the
length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of is more than times the value of .

Choice B is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of inches; however, represents the
length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of is more than times the value of .

Choice C is incorrect. This represents a part that is more than the length of the other part, rather than more than
times the length of the other part.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 48fb34c8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 48fb34c8

For which of the following tables are all the values of and their corresponding values of solutions to the given
inequality?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 48fb34c8 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. All the tables in the choices have the same three values of , so each of the three values of can be
substituted in the given inequality to compare the corresponding values of in each of the tables. Substituting for in
the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is greater
than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or . Therefore, when , the
corresponding value of is greater than . Substituting for in the given inequality yields , or
 . Therefore, when , the corresponding value of is greater than . For the table in choice D, when ,
the corresponding value of is , which is greater than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is
greater than ; when , the corresponding value of is , which is greater than . Therefore, the table in choice
D gives values of and their corresponding values of that are all solutions to the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect. In the table for choice A, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than
; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than ; when , the corresponding value
of is , which is not greater than .

Choice B is incorrect. In the table for choice B, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than
; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than .

Choice C is incorrect. In the table for choice C, when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than
; when , the corresponding value of is , which is not greater than ; when , the corresponding value
of is , which is not greater than .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f718c9cf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: f718c9cf

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

ID: f718c9cf Answer

Correct Answer: 1.8, 9/5

Rationale

The correct answer is . Multiplying the first equation in the given system by yields . Subtracting the
second equation in the given system, , from yields
, which is equivalent to , or . Dividing
both sides of this equation by yields . The value of can be found by substituting for in either of the two
given equations. Substituting for in the equation yields , or .
Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
, or . Therefore, the value of is , or . Note that 9/5 and 1.8 are examples of ways to enter a
correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 915463e0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 915463e0

Normal body temperature for an adult is between and , inclusive.

If Kevin, an adult male, has a body temperature that is considered to be normal,
which of the following could be his body temperature?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 915463e0 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Normal body temperature must be greater than or equal to 97.8°F but less than or equal to 99°F. Of
the given choices, 97.9°F is the only temperature that fits these restrictions.

Choices A and B are incorrect. These temperatures are less than 97.8°F, so they don’t fit the given restrictions. Choice D
is incorrect. This temperature is greater than 99°F, so it doesn’t fit the given restrictions.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID cc3e9528
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: cc3e9528

The graph of is translated down units in the xy-plane. What is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the
resulting graph?

ID: cc3e9528 Answer

Correct Answer: 59/9, 6.555, 6.556

Rationale

The correct answer is . When the graph of an equation in the form , where , , and are constants,
is translated down units in the xy-plane, the resulting graph can be represented by the equation .
It’s given that the graph of is translated down units in the xy-plane. Therefore, the resulting graph can
be represented by the equation , or . Adding to both sides of this
equation yields . The x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of an equation in the xy-plane is the
value of in the equation when . Substituting for in the equation yields , or
. Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the
resulting graph is . Note that 59/9, 6.555, and 6.556 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 520e6f5b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 520e6f5b

Characteristics for Rock Types

Weight per volume Cost per
Rock type
(lb/ft3) pound

Basalt 180 $0.18

Granite 165 $0.09

Limestone 120 $0.03

Sandstone 135 $0.22

A city is planning to build a rock retaining wall, a monument, and a garden in a

park. The table above shows four rock types that will be considered for use in
the project. Also shown for each rock type is its weight per volume, in pounds
per cubic foot (lb/ft3), and the cost per pound, in dollars. The equation
gives the total cost, in
dollars, of the rocks used in the project in terms of the number of ft3 of
limestone, w, and the number of ft3 of basalt, z. All four rock types are used in
the project. Which of the following is the best interpretation of 3,385.80 in this
context?

A. The cost of the granite and sandstone needed for the project

B. The cost of the basalt and limestone needed for the project

C. The cost of the basalt needed for the project

D. The cost of the sandstone needed for the project

ID: 520e6f5b Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The table shows the cost of limestone is $0.03/lb, and the weight per volume for limestone is 120
lb/ft3. Therefore, the term represents the cost, in dollars, of w ft3 of limestone. Similarly, the term
represents the cost, in dollars, of z ft3 of basalt. The given equation shows that the total cost of all the rocks
used in the project is $7,576.20. Since it’s given that all four rock types are used in the project, the remaining term,
3,385.80, represents the cost, in dollars, of the granite and sandstone needed for the project.

Choice B is incorrect. The cost of basalt and limestone needed for the project can be represented by
. Choice C is incorrect. The cost of the basalt needed for the project can be represented by
the expression . Choice D is incorrect and may result from neglecting to include granite in the rock types
used for the project.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 153ee763
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 153ee763

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 153ee763 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A linear equation in one variable has no solution if and only if the equation is false; that is, when there
is no value of that produces a true statement. It's given that in the equation , is a constant and
the equation has no solution for . Therefore, the value of the constant is one that results in a false equation. Factoring
out the common factor of on the left-hand side of the given equation yields . Dividing both
sides of this equation by yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields
. This equation is false if and only if . Adding to both sides of yields .
Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . It follows that the equation is false if and only if
. Therefore, the given equation has no solution if and only if the value of is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 89541f9b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 89541f9b

Which of the following ordered pairs satisfies

the inequality ?

1.

2.

3.

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II only

D. I and III only

ID: 89541f9b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Substituting into the inequality gives , or , which is a true statement.
Substituting into the inequality gives , or , which is a true statement. Substituting into
the inequality gives , or , which is not a true statement. Therefore, and are the only
ordered pairs shown that satisfy the given inequality.

Choice A is incorrect because the ordered pair also satisfies the inequality. Choice B is incorrect because the
ordered pair also satisfies the inequality. Choice D is incorrect because the ordered pair does not satisfy the
inequality.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 2875ba81
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 2875ba81

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2875ba81 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the elimination method. Multiplying each side
of the second equation in the given system by yields , or . Subtracting this
equation from the first equation in the given system yields , which is equivalent
to , or .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 265f2a53
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 265f2a53

When line is graphed in the xy-plane, it has an x-intercept of and a y-intercept of . What is the slope of
line ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 265f2a53 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that when line is graphed in the xy-plane, it has an x-intercept of and a y-intercept
of . The slope, , of a line can be found using any two points on the line, and , and the slope
formula . Substituting the points and for and , respectively, in the slope

formula yields , or . Therefore, the slope of line is .

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the slope of a line that has an x-intercept of and a y-intercept of .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ee031767
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: ee031767

A dance teacher ordered outfits for students for a dance recital. Outfits for boys
cost $26, and outfits for girls cost $35. The dance teacher ordered a total of 28
outfits and spent $881. If b represents the number of outfits the dance teacher
ordered for boys and g represents the number of outfits the dance teacher
ordered for girls, which of the following systems of equations can be solved to
find b and g ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ee031767 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Outfits for boys cost $26 each and the teacher ordered b outfits for boys, so the teacher spent 26b
dollars on outfits for boys. Similarly, outfits for girls cost $35 each and the teacher ordered g outfits for girls, so the
teacher spent 35g dollars on outfits for girls. Since the teacher spent a total of $881 on outfits for boys and girls, the
equation 26b + 35g = 881 must be true. And since the teacher ordered a total of 28 outfits, the equation b + g = 28 must
also be true.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from switching the constraint on the total number of outfits with the constraint on
the cost of the outfits. Choice C is incorrect and may result from switching the constraint on the total number of outfits
with the constraint on the cost of the outfits, as well as switching the cost of the outfits for boys with the cost of the
outfits for girls. Choice D is incorrect and may result from switching the cost of the outfits for boys with the cost of the
outfits for girls.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0cadb20e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0cadb20e

The function is defined by , and , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0cadb20e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that and , where is a constant. Therefore, for the given function
, when , . Substituting for and for in the given function yields . Multiplying
both sides of this equation by yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields .
Therefore, the value of is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 466b87e3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 466b87e3

In the system of equations above, c is a constant. If the system has

no solution, what is the value of c ?

ID: 466b87e3 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . A system of two linear equations has no solution when the graphs of the equations have the
same slope and different y-intercepts. Each of the given linear equations is written in the slope-intercept form,
, where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of the equation. For these two
linear equations, the y-intercepts are and . Thus, if the system of equations has no solution, the slopes of

the graphs of the two linear equations must be the same. The slope of the graph of the first linear equation is .

Therefore, for the system of equations to have no solution, the value of c must be . Note that 1/2 and .5 are examples
of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ce6b52d8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ce6b52d8

If , what is the value of ?

ID: ce6b52d8 Answer

Correct Answer: 60

Rationale

The correct answer is . Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields . Applying
the distributive property to the left-hand side of this equation yields . Adding to both sides of this
equation yields . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Therefore, the value of
is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID aee9fd2d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: aee9fd2d

If , the value of is between which of the following pairs of values?

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: aee9fd2d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both
sides of this equation by yields . Therefore, if , then the value of is . It follows that of
the given choices, the value of is between and .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 84d0d07e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 84d0d07e

A clothing store is having a sale on shirts and pants. During the sale, the cost of
each shirt is $15 and the cost of each pair of pants is $25. Geoff can spend at
most $120 at the store. If Geoff buys s shirts and p pairs of pants, which of the
following must be true?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 84d0d07e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Since the cost of each shirt is $15 and Geoff buys s shirts, the expression represents the
amount Geoff spends on shirts. Since the cost of each pair of pants is $25 and Geoff buys p pairs of pants, the
expression represents the amount Geoff spends on pants. Therefore, the sum represents the total
amount Geoff spends at the store. Since Geoff can spend at most $120 at the store, the total amount he spends must be
less than or equal to 120. Thus, .

Choice B is incorrect. This represents the situation in which Geoff spends at least, rather than at most, $120 at the store.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from reversing the cost of a shirt and that of a pair of paints. Choice D is incorrect
and may result from both reversing the cost of a shirt and that of a pair of pants and from representing a situation in
which Geoff spends at least, rather than at most, $120 at the store.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 7a987ae4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 7a987ae4

If , what is the
value of ?

A. 24

B. 49

C. 50

D. 99

ID: 7a987ae4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by 5 yields . Substituting 50 for in the
expression yields .

Alternate approach: Dividing both sides of by 2 yields . Evaluating the expression for
yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from finding the value of instead of . Choice C is incorrect and may
result from finding the value of instead of . Choice D is incorrect and may result from finding the value of
instead of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f81a0503
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: f81a0503

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f81a0503 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. An equation defining a line in the xy-plane can be written in the form , where
represents the slope and represents the y-intercept of the line. It’s given that line passes through the point
; therefore, . The slope, , of a line can be found using any two points on the line, and ,
and the slope formula . Substituting the points and for and , respectively,
in the slope formula yields , or . Substituting for and for in the equation
yields .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0366d965
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 0366d965

x y

3 7

k 11

12 n

The table above shows the coordinates of three points on a line in the xy-plane,
where k and n are constants. If the slope of the line is 2, what is the value of
?

ID: 0366d965 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 30. The slope of a line can be found by using the slope formula, . It’s given that the slope

of the line is 2; therefore, . According to the table, the points and lie on the line. Substituting the

coordinates of these points into the equation gives . Multiplying both sides of this equation by gives

, or . Solving for k gives . According to the table, the points and also

lie on the line. Substituting the coordinates of these points into gives . Solving for n gives
. Therefore, , or 30.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 13909d78
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 13909d78

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 13909d78 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Substituting for in the given equation yields , or . Therefore, the
value of when is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 10c448d6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 10c448d6

A line in the xy-plane has a slope of and passes through the point . Which equation represents this line?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 10c448d6 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The equation of a line in the xy-plane can be written as , where represents the slope
of the line and represents the y-intercept of the line. It's given that the slope of the line is . It follows that .
It's also given that the line passes through the point . It follows that . Substituting for and for in
yields . Thus, the equation represents this line.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a line with a slope of and a y-intercept of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 7038b587
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 7038b587

Vivian bought party hats and cupcakes for . Each package of party hats cost , and each cupcake cost . If Vivian
bought packages of party hats, how many cupcakes did she buy?

ID: 7038b587 Answer

Correct Answer: 41

Rationale

The correct answer is . The number of cupcakes Vivian bought can be found by first finding the amount Vivian spent
on cupcakes. The amount Vivian spent on cupcakes can be found by subtracting the amount Vivian spent on party hats
from the total amount Vivian spent. The amount Vivian spent on party hats can be found by multiplying the cost per
package of party hats by the number of packages of party hats, which yields , or . Subtracting the amount
Vivian spent on party hats, , from the total amount Vivian spent, , yields , or . Since the amount
Vivian spent on cupcakes was and each cupcake cost , it follows that Vivian bought cupcakes.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 4acd05cd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 4acd05cd

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

A.

B.

C.
 D.

ID: 4acd05cd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

Choice A is incorrect. This table represents a relationship between and such that the graph passes through the points
, , and .

Choice B is incorrect. This table represents a relationship between and such that the graph passes through the points
, , and .

Choice C is incorrect. This table represents a linear relationship between and such that the graph passes through the
points , , and .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 963da34c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 963da34c

A shipping service restricts the dimensions of the boxes it will ship for a certain
type of service. The restriction states that for boxes shaped like rectangular
prisms, the sum of the perimeter of the base of the box and the height of the box
cannot exceed 130 inches. The perimeter of the base is determined using the
width and length of the box. If a box has a height of 60 inches and its length is
2.5 times the width, which inequality shows the allowable width x, in inches, of
the box?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 963da34c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. If x is the width, in inches, of the box, then the length of the box is 2.5x inches. It follows that the
perimeter of the base is , or 7x inches. The height of the box is given to be 60 inches. According to the
restriction, the sum of the perimeter of the base and the height of the box should not exceed 130 inches. Algebraically,
this can be represented by , or . Dividing both sides of the inequality by 7 gives . Since x
represents the width of the box, x must also be a positive number. Therefore, the inequality represents all the
allowable values of x that satisfy the given conditions.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from calculation errors or misreading the given information.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b2de69bd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b2de69bd

x y

1 5

2 7

3 9

4 11

The table above shows some pairs of x values and y values. Which of the
following equations could represent the relationship between x and y ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b2de69bd Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Each of the choices is a linear equation in the form y = mx + b, where m and b are constants. In this
equation, m represents the change in y for each increase in x by 1. From the table, it can be determined that the value of y
increases by 2 for each increase in x by 1. In other words, for the pairs of x and y in the given table, m = 2. The value of b
can be found by substituting the values of x and y from any row of the table and substituting the value of m into the
equation y = mx + b and then solving for b. For example, using x = 1, y = 5, and m = 2 yields 5 = 2(1) + b. Solving for b
yields b = 3. Therefore, the equation y = 2x + 3 could represent the relationship between x and y in the given table.

Alternatively, if an equation represents the relationship between x and y, then when each pair of x and y from the table is
substituted into the equation, the result will be a true statement. Of the equations given, the equation y = 2x + 3 in choice
A is the only equation that results in a true statement when each of the pairs of x and y are substituted into the equation.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because when at least one pair of x and y from the table is substituted into the
equations given in these choices, the result is a false statement. For example, when the pair x = 4 and y = 11 is
substituted into the equation in choice B, the result is 11 = 3(4) – 2, or 11 = 10, which is false.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 28c2253f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 28c2253f

Characteristics for Rock Types

Weight per volume Cost per
Rock type
(lb/ft3) pound

Basalt 180 $0.18

Granite 165 $0.09

Limestone 120 $0.03

Sandstone 135 $0.22

A city is planning to build a rock retaining wall, a monument, and a garden in a

park. The table above shows four rock types that will be considered for use in
the project. Also shown for each rock type is its weight per volume, in pounds
per cubic foot (lb/ft3), and the cost per pound, in dollars. Only basalt, granite, and
limestone will be used in the garden. The rocks in the garden will have a total
weight of 1,000 pounds. If 330 pounds of granite is used, which of the following
equations could show the relationship between the amounts, x and y, in ft3, for
each of the other rock types used?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 28c2253f Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the weight of the granite used in the garden is 330 pounds. The weight of the limestone
used in the garden is a product of its weight per volume, in lb/ft3, and its volume, in ft3. Therefore, the weight of the
limestone used in the garden can be represented by , where x is the volume, in ft3, of the limestone used. Similarly,
the weight of the basalt used in the garden can be represented by , where y is the volume, in ft3, of the basalt used.
It’s given that the total weight of the rocks used in the garden will be 1,000 pounds. Thus, the sum of the weights of the
three rock types used is 1,000 pounds, which can be represented by the equation .
Subtracting 330 from both sides of this equation yields .
Choice A is incorrect. This equation uses the weight per volume of granite instead of limestone. Choice B is incorrect.
This equation uses the weight per volume of granite instead of basalt, and doesn’t take into account the 330 pounds of
granite that will be used in the garden. Choice D is incorrect. This equation doesn’t take into account the 330 pounds of
granite that will be used in the garden.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 042aa429
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 042aa429

If and , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 042aa429 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The value of can be found by substituting for in the given equation , which
yields , or . The value of can be found by substituting for in the given equation
, which yields , or . The value of the expression can be found by
substituting the corresponding values into the expression, which gives . This expression is equivalent to
, or .

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

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating as , rather than

.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID cd33b015
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: cd33b015

If is the solution to the given system of

equations, what is the value of y ?

A. 10

B. 15

C. 60

D. 65

ID: cd33b015 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Substituting 20 for in the second equation in the system yields , or
. Subtracting 40 from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 3
yields .

Choice A is incorrect. If , then since . However, substituting 10 for both x and y in the second
equation yields , which is a false statement. Choice C is incorrect. If , then since .
However, substituting these values for x and y in the second equation yields , which is a false statement.
Choice D is incorrect. If , then since . However, substituting these values for x and y in the
second equation yields , which is a false statement.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e2e3942f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: e2e3942f

In the system of equations above, a is a constant. If the system of equations

has no solution, what is the value of a ?

A.

B. 0

C. 1

D. 2

ID: e2e3942f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations has no solution when the graphs of the equations have the same
slope and different y-coordinates of the y-intercepts. Each of the given equations is written in the slope-intercept form of
a linear equation, , where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of the
equation. For these two linear equations, the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different: and . Thus, if the
system of equations has no solution, the slopes of the two linear equations must be the same. The slope of the first
linear equation is 2. Therefore, for the system of equations to have no solution, the value of a must be 2.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f03465dc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: f03465dc

For each real number , which of the following points lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given
system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f03465dc Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Dividing both sides of the second equation in the given system by yields , which is the
first equation in the given system. Therefore, the first and second equations represent the same line in the xy-plane. If the
x- and y-coordinates of a point satisfy an equation, the point lies on the graph of the equation in the xy-plane. Choice A is
a point with x-coordinate and y-coordinate . Substituting for and for in the equation
yields . Applying the distributive property to the left-hand side of this equation
yields . Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields , so the coordinates of
the point satisfy both equations in the given system. Therefore, for each real number , the point
lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given system.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a35c7164
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: a35c7164

In the given pair of equations, and are constants. The graph of this pair of equations in the xy-plane is a pair of
perpendicular lines. Which of the following pairs of equations also represents a pair of perpendicular lines?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a35c7164 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Two lines are perpendicular if their slopes are negative reciprocals, meaning that the slope of the first
line is equal to divided by the slope of the second line. Each equation in the given pair of equations can be written in
slope-intercept form, , where is the slope of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane and is the y-
intercept. For the first equation, , subtracting from both sides gives , and dividing both
sides of this equation by gives . Therefore, the slope of the graph of this equation is . For the
second equation, , subtracting from both sides gives , and dividing both sides of this
equation by gives . Therefore, the slope of the graph of this equation is . Since the graph of the
given pair of equations is a pair of perpendicular lines, the slope of the graph of the second equation, , must be the
negative reciprocal of the slope of the graph of the first equation, . The negative reciprocal of is , or .
Therefore, , or . Similarly, rewriting the equations in choice B in slope-intercept form yields
and . It follows that the slope of the graph of the first equation in choice B is
and the slope of the graph of the second equation in choice B is . Since , is equal to , or
. Since is the negative reciprocal of , the pair of equations in choice B represents a pair of perpendicular lines.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID de6fe450
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: de6fe450

On January 1, 2015, a city’s minimum hourly wage was $9.25. It will increase by
$0.50 on the first day of the year for the next 5 years. Which of the following
functions best models the minimum hourly wage, in dollars, x years after
January 1, 2015, where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: de6fe450 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the city’s minimum hourly wage will increase by $0.50 on the first day of the year for
the 5 years after January 1, 2015. Therefore, the total increase, in dollars, in the minimum hourly wage x years after
January 1, 2015, is represented by . Since the minimum hourly wage on January 1, 2015, was $9.25, it follows that
the minimum hourly wage, in dollars, x years after January 1, 2015, is represented by . Therefore, the
function best models this situation.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. In choice A, the function models a situation where the minimum hourly wage is $9.25
on January 1, 2015, but decreases by $0.50 on the first day of the year for the next 5 years. The functions in choices B
and D both model a situation where the minimum hourly wage is increasing by $9.25 on the first day of the year for the 5
years after January 1, 2015.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 03503d49
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 03503d49

A business owner plans to purchase the same model of chair for each of the employees. The total budget to spend on
these chairs is , which includes a sales tax. Which of the following is closest to the maximum possible price
per chair, before sales tax, the business owner could pay based on this budget?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 03503d49 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that a business owner plans to purchase chairs. If is the price per chair, the total price
of purchasing chairs is . It’s also given that sales tax is included, which is equivalent to multiplied by
, or . Since the total budget is , the inequality representing the situation is given by
. Dividing both sides of this inequality by and rounding the result to two decimal places
gives . To not exceed the budget, the maximum possible price per chair is .

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the maximum possible price per chair including sales tax, not the maximum possible price
per chair before sales tax.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the maximum possible price if the sales tax is added to the total budget, not the maximum
possible price per chair before sales tax.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4ec95eab
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 4ec95eab

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4ec95eab Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the substitution method. Substituting for
from the first equation in the given system into the second equation yields , or .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 2d54c272
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2d54c272

At a school fair, students can win colored tokens that are worth a different number of points depending on the color. One
student won green tokens and red tokens worth a total of points. The given equation represents this situation.
How many more points is a red token worth than a green token?

ID: 2d54c272 Answer

Correct Answer: 40

Rationale

The correct answer is . It's given that , where is the number of green tokens and is the number
of red tokens won by one student and these tokens are worth a total of points. Since the equation represents the
situation where the student won points with green tokens and red tokens for a total of points, each term on the left-
hand side of the equation represents the number of points won for one of the colors. Since the coefficient of in the
given equation is , a green token must be worth points. Similarly, since the coefficient of in the given equation is ,
a red token must be worth points. Therefore, a red token is worth points, or points, more than a green
token.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cee5b352
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: cee5b352

The length, , of a white whale was when it was born and increased an average of per
month for the first months after it was born. Which equation best represents this situation, where is the number of
months after the whale was born and is the length, in , of the whale?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: cee5b352 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that the length of the whale was when it was born and that its length increased an
average of per month for the first months after it was born. Since represents the number of months after
the whale was born, the total increase in the whale's length, in , is times , or . The length of the whale , in
, can be found by adding the whale's length at birth, , to the total increase in length, . Therefore, the
equation that best represents this situation is .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 1e11190a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 1e11190a

Store A sells raspberries for per pint and blackberries for per pint. Store B sells raspberries for per
pint and blackberries for per pint. A certain purchase of raspberries and blackberries would cost at Store A
or at Store B. How many pints of blackberries are in this purchase?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1e11190a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that store A sells raspberries for per pint and blackberries for per pint, and a
certain purchase of raspberries and blackberries at store A would cost . It’s also given that store B sells
raspberries for per pint and blackberries for per pint, and this purchase of raspberries and blackberries at
store B would cost . Let represent the number of pints of raspberries and represent the number of pints of
blackberries in this purchase. The equation represents this purchase of raspberries and
blackberries from store A and the equation represents this purchase of raspberries and
blackberries from store B. Solving the system of equations by elimination gives the value of and the value of that
make the system of equations true. Multiplying both sides of the equation for store A by yields
, or . Multiplying both sides of the equation
for store B by yields , or . Subtracting both
sides of the equation for store A, , from the corresponding sides of the equation for store B,
, yields , or . Dividing
both sides of this equationby yields . Thus, pints of blackberries are in
this purchase.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. Choice D is incorrect. This is the
number of pints of raspberries, not blackberries, in the purchase.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 78391fcc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 78391fcc

f(x) 21 18 15 12

The table above shows some values of x and their corresponding values
for the linear function f. What is the x-intercept of the graph of in the xy-
plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 78391fcc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The equation of a linear function can be written in the form , where , m is the
slope of the graph of , and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph. The value of m can be found

using the slope formula, . According to the table, the points and lie on the graph of

. Using these two points in the slope formula yields , or . Substituting for m in the slope-
intercept form of the equation yields . The value of b can be found by substituting values from the table and

solving; for example, substituting the coordinates of the point into the equation gives
, which yields . This means the function given by the table can be represented by the
equation . The value of the x-intercept of the graph of can be determined by finding the value of x
when . Substituting into yields , or . This corresponds to the point
.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from substituting the value of the slope for the x-coordinate of the x-intercept.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error. Choice D is incorrect and may result from substituting the y-
coordinate of the y-intercept for the x-coordinate of the x-intercept.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 9ff10b3b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 9ff10b3b

If , what is
the value of x ?

A.

B.

C. 3

D. 6

ID: 9ff10b3b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. To make it easier to add like terms on the left-hand side of the given equation, both sides of the

equation can be multiplied by 6, which is the lowest common denominator of and . This yields , which
can be rewritten as . Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from subtracting the denominators instead of numerators with common

denominators to get , rather than , on the left-hand side of the equation. Choice B is incorrect and may result

from rewriting the given equation as instead of . Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual
or computational errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e77a76ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: e77a76ce

Which of the following systems of linear equations has no solution?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e77a76ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the graphs of the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane represented
by equations in slope-intercept form, , where and are constants, are parallel if their slopes, , are the
same and are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, , are different. In the equations and
, the values of are each , and the values of are and , respectively. Since the slopes of these lines are
the same and the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different, it follows that the system of linear equations in choice A
has no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a horizontal line and a line with a slope of that
have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice C is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations have different slopes and the same y-coordinate of
the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a vertical line and a horizontal line. Therefore, this
system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID aad7e1b9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: aad7e1b9

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: aad7e1b9 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The y-intercept of the graph of a function in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where . It′s
given that . Substituting for in this equation yields , or . Since it′s
given that , it follows that when . Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-
plane is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 1bc11c4e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 1bc11c4e

The given function models the number of gallons of gasoline that remains from a full gas tank in a car after driving
miles. According to the model, about how many gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1bc11c4e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the function models the number of gallons that remain from a full gas tank in a car
after driving miles. In the given function , the coefficient of is . This means that for
every increase in the value of by , the value of decreases by . It follows that for each mile driven, there is a
decrease of gallons of gasoline. Therefore, gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile.

Choice B is incorrect and represents the number of gallons of gasoline in a full gas tank.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b3c7ca1d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: b3c7ca1d

Which of the following systems of linear equations has no solution?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b3c7ca1d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, and , has no solution if the graphs of the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane represented
by equations in slope-intercept form, , where and are constants, are parallel if their slopes, , are the
same and are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, , are different. In the equations and
, the values of are each , and the values of are and , respectively. Since the slopes of these
lines are the same, and the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different, it follows that the system of linear equations in
choice C has no solution.

Choice A is incorrect. The lines represented by the equations in this system are a vertical line and a horizontal line.
Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations have different slopes and the same y-coordinate of
the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a horizontal line and a line with a slope of that
have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, , rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2d0e13a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2d0e13a6

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

ID: 2d0e13a6 Answer

Correct Answer: .25, 1/4

Rationale

The correct answer is . It's given that line is defined by . It's also given that line is parallel to line in
the xy-plane. A line in the xy-plane represented by an equation in slope-intercept form has a slope of and
a y-intercept of . Therefore, the slope of line is . Since parallel lines have equal slopes, the slope of line is .
Note that 1/4 and .25 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b8e73b5b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: b8e73b5b

Ken is working this summer as part of a crew on a farm. He earned $8 per hour
for the first 10 hours he worked this week. Because of his performance, his crew
leader raised his salary to $10 per hour for the rest of the week. Ken saves 90%
of his earnings from each week. What is the least number of hours he must work
the rest of the week to save at least $270 for the week?

A. 38

B. 33

C. 22

D. 16

ID: b8e73b5b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Ken earned $8 per hour for the first 10 hours he worked, so he earned a total of $80 for the first 10
hours he worked. For the rest of the week, Ken was paid at the rate of $10 per hour. Let x be the number of hours he will
work for the rest of the week. The total of Ken’s earnings, in dollars, for the week will be . He saves 90% of his

earnings each week, so this week he will save dollars. The inequality represents the
condition that he will save at least $270 for the week. Factoring 10 out of the expression gives . The

product of 10 and 0.9 is 9, so the inequality can be rewritten as . Dividing both sides of this inequality by 9
yields , so . Therefore, the least number of hours Ken must work the rest of the week to save at least
$270 for the week is 22.

Choices A and B are incorrect because Ken can save $270 by working fewer hours than 38 or 33 for the rest of the week.
Choice D is incorrect. If Ken worked 16 hours for the rest of the week, his total earnings for the week will be
, which is less than $270. Since he saves only 90% of his earnings each week, he would save even
less than $240 for the week.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 830120b0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 830120b0

Which of the following consists of the y-coordinates of all the points that
satisfy the system of inequalities above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 830120b0 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Subtracting the same number from each side of an inequality gives an equivalent inequality. Hence,
subtracting 1 from each side of the inequality gives . So the given system of inequalities is equivalent
to the system of inequalities and , which can be rewritten as . Using the transitive
property of inequalities, it follows that .

Choice A is incorrect because there are points with a y-coordinate less than 6 that satisfy the given system of
inequalities. For example, satisfies both inequalities. Choice C is incorrect. This may result from solving the
inequality for x, then replacing x with y. Choice D is incorrect because this inequality allows y-values that are not

the y-coordinate of any point that satisfies both inequalities. For example, is contained in the set ; however,

if 2 is substituted into the first inequality for y, the result is . This cannot be true because the second inequality

gives .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c8e0f511
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c8e0f511

For a camping trip a group bought one-liter bottles of water and three-liter bottles of water, for a total of liters of
water. Which equation represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c8e0f511 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that for a camping trip a group bought one-liter bottles of water and three-liter bottles of
water. Since the group bought one-liter bottles of water, the total number of liters bought from one-liter bottles of
water is represented as , or . Since the group bought three-liter bottles of water, the total number of liters bought
from three-liter bottles of water is represented as . It's given that the group bought a total of liters; thus, the
equation represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the group bought three-liter bottles of water and
one-liter bottles of water, for a total of liters of water.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c4ea43ef
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c4ea43ef

To earn money for college, Avery works two part-time jobs: A and B. She earns
$10 per hour working at job A and $20 per hour working at job B. In one week,
Avery earned a total of s dollars for working at the two part-time jobs. The graph
above represents all possible combinations of numbers of hours Avery could
have worked at the two jobs to earn s dollars. What is the value of s ?

A. 128

B. 160

C. 200

D. 320

ID: c4ea43ef Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Avery earns $10 per hour working at job A. Therefore, if she works a hours at job A, she will earn
dollars. Avery earns $20 per hour working at job B. Therefore, if she works b hours at job B, she will earn dollars. The
graph shown represents all possible combinations of the number of hours Avery could have worked at the two jobs to
earn s dollars. Therefore, if she worked a hours at job A, worked b hours at job B, and earned s dollars from both jobs, the
following equation represents the graph: , where s is a constant. Identifying any point from the
graph and substituting the values of the coordinates for a and b, respectively, in this equation yield the value of s. For
example, the point , where and , lies on the graph. Substituting 16 for a and 0 for b in the equation
yields , or . Similarly, the point , where and , lies on the
graph. Substituting 0 for a and 8 for b in the equation yields , or .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. If the value of s is 128, 200, or 320, then no points on the graph will satisfy this
equation. For example, if the value of s is 128 (choice A), then the equation becomes .
The point , where and , lies on the graph. However, substituting 16 for a and 0 for b in
yields , or , which is false. Therefore, doesn’t satisfy the equation, and so the
value of s can’t be 128. Similarly, if (choice C) or (choice D), then substituting 16 for a and 0 for b yields
and , respectively, which are both false.
Question Difficulty: Hard