Question ID 002dba45

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 002dba45

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

ID: 002dba45 Answer

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

Rationale
3
The correct answer is 17
. It’s given that line 𝑗 is perpendicular to line 𝑘 in the xy-plane. This means that the slope of line 𝑗 is
17
the negative reciprocal of the slope of line 𝑘. The equation of line 𝑘, 𝑦 = - 3
𝑥 + 5, is written in slope-intercept form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope of the line and 𝑏 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. It follows that the slope of
17 17 -1
line 𝑘 is - . The negative reciprocal of a number is -1 divided by the number. Therefore, the negative reciprocal of - is 17 ,
3 3 -
3
3 3
or . Thus, the slope of line 𝑗 is . Note that 3/17, .1764, .1765, and 0.176 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.
17 17

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f224df07
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: f224df07

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

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

A. 2

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6

ID: f224df07 Answer

Correct Answer: C

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d1b66ae6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d1b66ae6

If satisfies the system of equations

above, what is the value of y ?

ID: d1b66ae6 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . One method for solving the system of equations for y is to add corresponding sides of the two
equations. Adding the left-hand sides gives , or 4y. Adding the right-hand sides yields . It

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cb8f449f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: cb8f449f

The system of equations above has solution (x,

y). What is the value of x ?

A. 3

B.

C. 4

D. 6

ID: cb8f449f Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2937ef4f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 2937ef4f

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

A. 3

B. 7

C. 8

D. 12

ID: 2937ef4f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. After using the auger for 5 hours, Hector had removed 24,000 – 19,350 = 4,650 bushels of corn from the

storage bin. During the 5-hour period, the auger removed corn from the bin at a constant rate of bushels per
hour. Assuming the auger continues to remove corn at this rate, after x hours it will have removed 930x bushels of corn.
Because the bin contained 24,000 bushels of corn when Hector started using the auger, the equation 24,000 – 930x = 12,840
can be used to find the number of hours, x, Hector will have been using the auger when 12,840 bushels of corn remain in the
bin. Subtracting 12,840 from both sides of this equation and adding 930x to both sides of the equation yields 11,160 = 930x.
Dividing both sides of this equation by 930 yields x = 12. Therefore, Hector will have been using the auger for 12 hours when
12,840 bushels of corn remain in the storage bin.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3cdbf026
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 3cdbf026

The graph of the equation is a line in the xy-plane, where a and k are
constants. If the line contains the points and , what is the value of
k?

A.

B.

C. 2

D. 3

ID: 3cdbf026 Answer

Correct Answer: A

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

the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. The equation can be rewritten in the form

. One of the given points, , is the y-intercept. Thus, the y-coordinate of the y-intercept must be equal to .
Multiplying both sides by k gives . Dividing both sides by gives .

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2b15d65f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 2b15d65f

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

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

A. 16,250

B. 16,500

C. 16,750

D. 17,500

ID: 2b15d65f Answer

Correct Answer: A

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

and . The slope m of the function can be found using the formula . Substituting

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID be9cb6a2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: be9cb6a2

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: be9cb6a2 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that the cost of renting a backhoe for up to 10 days is $ 270 for the first day and $ 135 for
each additional day. Therefore, the cost 𝑦, in dollars, for 𝑥 days, where 𝑥 ≤ 10, is the sum of the cost for the first day, $ 270,
and the cost for the additional 𝑥 - 1 days, $ 135𝑥 - 1. It follows that 𝑦 = 270 + 135𝑥 - 1, which is equivalent to
𝑦 = 270 + 135𝑥 - 135, or 𝑦 = 135𝑥 + 135.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the cost of renting a backhoe is $ 135 for the first day and
$ 270 for each additional day.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e62cfe5f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: e62cfe5f

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

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

ID: e62cfe5f Answer

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 45cfb9de
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 45cfb9de

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 45cfb9de Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7e3f8363
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 7e3f8363

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7e3f8363 Answer

Correct Answer: C

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b1228811
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b1228811

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b1228811 Answer

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 71189542
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 71189542

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

A. 30

B. 20

C. 19

D. 18

ID: 71189542 Answer

Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Choice C is correct. Let x represent the number of 2-person tents and let y represent the number of 4-person tents. It is given
that the total number of tents was 60 and the total number of people in the group was 202. This situation can be expressed
as a system of two equations, and . The first equation can be rewritten as .
Substituting for y in the equation yields . Distributing and combining like
terms gives . Subtracting 240 from both sides of and then dividing both sides by
gives . Therefore, the number of 2-person tents is 19.

Alternate approach: If each of the 60 tents held 4 people, the total number of people that could be accommodated in tents
would be 240. However, the actual number of people who slept in tents was 202. The difference of 38 accounts for the 2-

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 64c85440
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 64c85440

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 64c85440 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Placing the parking spaces with the minimum width of 7.5 feet gives the maximum possible number of

parking spaces. Thus, the maximum number that can be placed perpendicular to a 135-foot-long curb is . Placing
the parking spaces with the maximum width of 9 feet gives the minimum number of parking spaces. Thus, the minimum

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7a5a74a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 7a5a74a6

If x is the solution to the equation above,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7a5a74a6 Answer

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

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

. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Adding 11 to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Therefore, the value of can’t be or .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b7e6394d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: b7e6394d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b7e6394d Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 95cad55f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 95cad55f

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 95cad55f Answer

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 968e9e51
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 968e9e51

Which of the following ordered pairs is a solution to

the system of inequalities above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 968e9e51 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The solutions to the given system of inequalities is the set of all ordered pairs that satisfy both
inequalities in the system. For an ordered pair to satisfy the inequality , the value of the ordered pair’s y-coordinate
must be less than or equal to the value of the ordered pair’s x-coordinate. This is true of the ordered pair , because
. To satisfy the inequality , the value of the ordered pair’s y-coordinate must be less than or equal to the value

of the additive inverse of the ordered pair’s x-coordinate. This is also true of the ordered pair . Because 0 is its own

additive inverse, is the same as . Therefore, the ordered pair is a solution to the given system of
inequalities.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID aa85b138
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: aa85b138

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

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

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

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

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

ID: aa85b138 Answer

Correct Answer: B

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 15daa8d6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 15daa8d6

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

ID: 15daa8d6 Answer

Correct Answer: 2

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 12ee1edc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 12ee1edc

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

solution, what is the value of b ?

A. 2

B. 4

C. 6

D. 10

ID: 12ee1edc Answer

Correct Answer: A

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ee2f611f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: ee2f611f

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

ID: ee2f611f Answer

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fdee0fbf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: fdee0fbf

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

ID: fdee0fbf Answer

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 620fe971
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

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

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

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

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

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

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

ID: 620fe971 Answer

Correct Answer: A

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b3abf40f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: b3abf40f

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b3abf40f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
9
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the function 𝐹𝑥 = 5 𝑥 - 273.15 + 32 gives the temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, that
corresponds to a temperature of 𝑥 kelvins. A temperature that increased by 9.10 kelvins means that the value of 𝑥 increased
9
by 9.10 kelvins. It follows that an increase in 𝑥 by 9.10 increases 𝐹 ( 𝑥 ) by 9.10, or 16.38. Therefore, if a temperature
5
increased by 9.10 kelvins, the temperature increased by 16.38 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 6e6a3241
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 6e6a3241

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

solve the system of equations above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6e6a3241 Answer

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5cf1bbc9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 5cf1bbc9

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

A. Each game costs .

B. The video game system costs .

C. The video game system costs .

D. Each game costs .

ID: 5cf1bbc9 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale
Choice A is correct. The given graph is a line, and the slope of a line is defined as the change in the value of 𝑦 for each
increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1. It’s given that 𝑦 represents the total cost, in dollars, and that 𝑥 represents the number of
games. Therefore, the change in the value of 𝑦 for each increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1 represents the change in total cost, in
dollars, for each increase in the number of games by 1. In other words, the slope represents the cost, in dollars, per game.
The graph shows that when the value of 𝑥 increases from 0 to 1, the value of 𝑦 increases from 100 to 125. It follows that the
slope is 25, or the cost per game is $ 25. Thus, the best interpretation of the slope of the graph is that each game costs
$ 25.

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

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

Choice D is incorrect. Each game costs $ 25, not $ 100.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e6cb2402
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: e6cb2402

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

ID: e6cb2402 Answer

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

Rationale
16 48
The correct answer is 17
. It's given that the equation 3𝑘𝑥 + 13 = 17
𝑥 + 36 has no solution. A linear equation in the form
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 = 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑, where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, and 𝑑 are constants, has no solution only when the coefficients of 𝑥 on each side of the
equation are equal and the constant terms aren't equal. Dividing both sides of the given equation by 3 yields
48 36 16
𝑘𝑥 + 13 = 𝑥 + , or 𝑘𝑥 + 13 = 𝑥 + 12. Since the coefficients of 𝑥 on each side of the equation must be equal, it follows
51 3 17
16
that the value of 𝑘 is . Note that 16/17, .9411, .9412, and 0.941 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.
17

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9c7741c6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 9c7741c6

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

ID: 9c7741c6 Answer

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b988eeec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: b988eeec

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

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

ID: b988eeec Answer

Correct Answer: -12

Rationale
1 3
The correct answer is -12. It's given that the functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined as 𝑓𝑥 = 4 𝑥 - 9 and 𝑔𝑥 = 4 𝑥 + 21. If the function ℎ
1 3 1 3
is defined as ℎ𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 𝑔𝑥, then substituting 4 𝑥 - 9 for 𝑓𝑥 and 4 𝑥 + 21 for 𝑔𝑥 in this function yields ℎ𝑥 = 4 𝑥 - 9 + 4 𝑥 + 21.
4
This can be rewritten as ℎ𝑥 = 𝑥 + 12, or ℎ𝑥 = 𝑥 + 12. The x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph
4
where 𝑦 = 0. The equation representing the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 12. Substituting 0 for 𝑦 in this equation yields
0 = 𝑥 + 12. Subtracting 12 from both sides of this equation yields -12 = 𝑥, or 𝑥 = - 12. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the x-
intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane is -12.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 70feb725
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 70feb725

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

A. 80

B. 100

C. 120

D. 160

ID: 70feb725 Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ed92fb68
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ed92fb68

If the system of equations above has solution ,

what is the value of ?

A. 0

B. 9

C. 18

D. 38

ID: ed92fb68 Answer

Correct Answer: C

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1a621af4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 1a621af4

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

ID: 1a621af4 Answer

Correct Answer: -14

Rationale
The correct answer is -14. It's given that a number 𝑥 is at most 2 less than 3 times the value of 𝑦. Therefore, 𝑥 is less than or
equal to 2 less than 3 times the value of 𝑦. The expression 3𝑦 represents 3 times the value of 𝑦. The expression 3𝑦 - 2
represents 2 less than 3 times the value of 𝑦. Therefore, 𝑥 is less than or equal to 3𝑦 - 2. This can be shown by the inequality
𝑥 ≤ 3𝑦 - 2. Substituting -4 for 𝑦 in this inequality yields 𝑥 ≤ 3-4 - 2 or, 𝑥 ≤ - 14. Therefore, if the value of 𝑦 is -4, the greatest
possible value of 𝑥 is -14.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID af2ba762
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

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

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

A. The average monthly decrease in the price per gallon

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

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

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

ID: af2ba762 Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 19fdf387
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 19fdf387

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

the point . What is the value of a ?

A. 3

B. 6

C. 9

D. 12

ID: 19fdf387 Answer

Correct Answer: C

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e1248a5c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e1248a5c

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

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

A.

B. 0

C.

D.

ID: e1248a5c Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

, or .

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID dae126d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: dae126d7

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dae126d7 Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bf5f80c6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: bf5f80c6

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

A. ( , )

B. ( , )

C. ( , )

D. ( , )

ID: bf5f80c6 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice D is correct. For a point 𝑥, 𝑦 to be a solution to the given inequality in the xy-plane, the value of the point’s y-coordinate
must be less than the value of -4𝑥 + 4, where 𝑥 is the value of the x-coordinate of the point. This is true of the point -4, 0
because 0 < - 4-4 + 4, or 0 < 20. Therefore, the point -4, 0 is a solution to the given inequality.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. None of these points are a solution to the given inequality because each point’s y-
coordinate is greater than the value of -4𝑥 + 4 for the point’s x-coordinate.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ae2287e2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: ae2287e2

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

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ae2287e2 Answer

Correct Answer: A

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 52cb8ea4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 52cb8ea4

If is the solution to the system of equations above,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C. 5

D. 13

ID: 52cb8ea4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 80da233d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 80da233d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 80da233d Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 271f7e3f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 271f7e3f

For the function f defined above, what is the

value of ?

A. 1

B. 2

C.

D.

ID: 271f7e3f Answer

Correct Answer: B

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

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

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

rewritten as , or 2. Therefore, , which is equivalent to 2.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 70e29454
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 70e29454

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

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: 70e29454 Answer

Correct Answer: B

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0b46bad5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 0b46bad5

In the equation above, a and b are constants and . Which of the following
could represent the graph of the equation in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0b46bad5 Answer

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

, or . With the equation now in slope-intercept form, it shows that , which means the y-

coordinate of the y-intercept is 1. It’s given that a and b are both greater than 0 (positive) and that . Since ,
the slope of the line must be a value between and 0. Choice C is the only graph of a line that has a y-value of the y-
intercept that is 1 and a slope that is between and 0.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b31c3117
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: b31c3117

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b31c3117 Answer

Correct Answer: A

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f09097b1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: f09097b1

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

ID: f09097b1 Answer

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c362c210
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c362c210

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

ID: c362c210 Answer

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1035faea
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities

in one or two
variables

ID: 1035faea

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

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

A. , where

B. , where

C. , where

D. , where

ID: 1035faea Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

chose the first picture in the set. Hence, the proportion of the participants who chose the first picture in the set is .

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c5082ce3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: c5082ce3

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

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

ID: c5082ce3 Answer

Rationale
The correct answer is 30. Let x represent the number of correct answers from the player and y represent the number of
incorrect answers from the player. Since the player answered 40 questions in total, the equation represents this
situation. Also, since the score is found by subtracting the number of incorrect answers from twice the number of correct
answers and the player received a score of 50, the equation represents this situation. Adding the equations in

the system of two equations together yields . This can be rewritten as . Finally, solving
for x by dividing both sides of the equation by 3 yields .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 16889ef3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 16889ef3

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 16889ef3 Answer

Correct Answer: C

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c651cc56
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c651cc56

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

above. What is the value of ?

A. 6

B. 7

C. 8

D. 9

ID: c651cc56 Answer

Correct Answer: B

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

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

. Therefore, .

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 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 -22. The given equation can be rewritten as -2𝑡 + 3 = 38. Dividing both sides of this equation by -2
yields 𝑡 + 3 = - 19. Subtracting 3 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑡 = - 22. Therefore, -22 is the value of 𝑡 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
9
The correct answer is 5 . Multiplying the first equation in the given system by 2 yields 10𝑥 + 28𝑦 = 90. Subtracting the second
equation in the given system, 10𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 27, from 10𝑥 + 28𝑦 = 90 yields 10𝑥 + 28𝑦 - 10𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 90 - 27, which is equivalent
to 10𝑥 + 28𝑦 - 10𝑥 - 7𝑦 = 63, or 21𝑦 = 63. Dividing both sides of this equation by 21 yields 𝑦 = 3. The value of 𝑥 can be found
by substituting 3 for 𝑦 in either of the two given equations. Substituting 3 for 𝑦 in the equation 10𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 27 yields
10𝑥 + 73 = 27, or 10𝑥 + 21 = 27. Subtracting 21 from both sides of this equation yields 10𝑥 = 6. Dividing both sides of this
6 3 3 9
equation by 10 yields 𝑥 = 10
, or 𝑥 = 5 . Therefore, the value of 𝑥𝑦 is 5 3, or 5 . Note that 9/5 and 1.8 are examples of ways to
enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

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 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
𝑥+6 𝑥+6
Choice B is correct. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by 313, or 39, yields 39 3
= 39
13
, or 13𝑥 + 6 = 3𝑥 + 6.
Subtracting 3𝑥 + 6 from both sides of this equation yields 10𝑥 + 6 = 0. Dividing both sides of this equation by 10 yields
𝑥+6 𝑥+6
𝑥 + 6 = 0. Therefore, if 3
= 13
, then the value of 𝑥 + 6 is 0. It follows that of the given choices, the value of 𝑥 + 6 is
between -2 and 2.

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 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 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 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 𝑓 ( 2 ) can be found by substituting 2 for 𝑥 in the given equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 + 7, which yields
𝑓2 = 2 + 7, or 𝑓2 = 9. The value of 𝑔2 can be found by substituting 2 for 𝑥 in the given equation 𝑔𝑥 = 7𝑥, which yields
𝑔2 = 72, or 𝑔2 = 14. The value of the expression 4𝑓2 - 𝑔2 can be found by substituting the corresponding values into the
expression, which gives 4 ( 9 ) − 14. This expression is equivalent to 36 - 14, or 22.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓2 - 𝑔2, not 4𝑓2 - 𝑔2.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating 4𝑓2 as 4 ( 2 ) + 7, rather than
4(2 + 7).

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

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 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 $ 5 . 50 per pint and blackberries for $ 3 . 00 per pint, and a
certain purchase of raspberries and blackberries at store A would cost $ 37 . 00. It’s also given that store B sells raspberries
for $ 6 . 50 per pint and blackberries for $ 8 . 00 per pint, and this purchase of raspberries and blackberries at store B would
cost $ 66 . 00. Let 𝑟 represent the number of pints of raspberries and 𝑏 represent the number of pints of blackberries in this
purchase. The equation 5 . 50𝑟 + 3 . 00𝑏 = 37 . 00 represents this purchase of raspberries and blackberries from store A and
the equation 6 . 50𝑟 + 8 . 00𝑏 = 66 . 00 represents this purchase of raspberries and blackberries from store B. Solving the
system of equations by elimination gives the value of 𝑟 and the value of 𝑏 that make the system of equations true.
Multiplying both sides of the equation for store A by 6.5 yields 5 . 50𝑟6 . 5 + 3 . 00𝑏6 . 5 = 37 . 006 . 5, or
35 . 75𝑟 + 19 . 5𝑏 = 240 . 5. Multiplying both sides of the equation for store B by 5.5 yields 6 . 50𝑟5 . 5 + 8 . 00𝑏5 . 5 = 66 . 005 . 5,
or 35 . 75𝑟 + 44𝑏 = 363. Subtracting both sides of the equation for store A, 35 . 75𝑟 + 19 . 5𝑏 = 240 . 5, from the corresponding
sides of the equation for store B, 35 . 75𝑟 + 44𝑏 = 363, yields 35 . 75𝑟 - 35 . 75𝑟 + 44𝑏 - 19 . 5𝑏 = 363 - 240 . 5, or
24 . 5𝑏 = 122 . 5. Dividing both sides of this equationby 24.5 yields 𝑏 = 5. Thus, 5 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 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, 𝑥 and 𝑦, 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, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏 are constants, are parallel if their slopes, 𝑚, are the same and
are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, 𝑏, are different. In the equations 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 3 and 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 9, the values of
𝑚 are each 6, and the values of 𝑏 are 3 and 9, 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 10 that
have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, 0, 10, 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, 0, 14, 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, 3, 10, rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

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 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 c4ea43ef
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: c4ea43ef

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

A. 128

B. 160

C. 200

D. 320

ID: c4ea43ef Answer

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 113b938e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 113b938e

The equation above represents the speed y, in feet per second, of Sheila’s bicycle x
seconds after she applied the brakes at the end of a ride. If the equation is graphed
in the xy-plane, which of the following is the best interpretation of the x-coordinate
of the line’s x-intercept in the context of the problem?

A. The speed of Sheila’s bicycle, in feet per second, before Sheila applied the brakes

B. The number of feet per second the speed of Sheila’s bicycle decreased each second after Sheila applied the brakes

C. The number of seconds it took from the time Sheila began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a complete stop

The number of feet Sheila’s bicycle traveled from the time she began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a
D. complete stop

ID: 113b938e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that for each point on the graph of the given equation, the x-coordinate represents the
number of seconds after Sheila applied the brakes, and the y-coordinate represents the speed of Sheila’s bicycle at that
moment in time. For the graph of the equation, the y-coordinate of the x-intercept is 0. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the x-
intercept of the graph of the given equation represents the number of seconds it took from the time Sheila began applying
the brakes until the bicycle came to a complete stop.

Choice A is incorrect. The speed of Sheila’s bicycle before she applied the brakes is represented by the y-coordinate of the y-
intercept of the graph of the given equation, not the x-coordinate of the x-intercept. Choice B is incorrect. The number of feet
per second the speed of Sheila’s bicycle decreased each second after Sheila applied the brakes is represented by the slope
of the graph of the given equation, not the x-coordinate of the x-intercept. Choice D is incorrect and may result from
misinterpreting x as the distance, in feet, traveled after applying the brakes, rather than the time, in seconds, after applying
the brakes.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2e1a7f66
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 2e1a7f66

Figure A and figure B are both regular polygons. The sum of the perimeter of figure A and the perimeter of figure B is
inches. The equation represents this situation, where is the number of sides of figure A and is the
number of sides of figure B. Which statement is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. Each side of figure B has a length of inches.

B. The number of sides of figure B is .

C. Each side of figure A has a length of inches.

D. The number of sides of figure A is .

ID: 2e1a7f66 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that figure A and figure B (not shown) are both regular polygons and the sum of the perimeters
of the two figures is 63 inches. It’s also given that 𝑥 is the number of sides of figure A and 𝑦 is the number of sides of figure
B, and that the equation 3𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 63 represents this situation. Thus, 3𝑥 and 6𝑦 represent the perimeters, in inches, of figure
A and figure B, respectively. Since 6𝑦 represents the perimeter, in inches, of figure B and 𝑦 is the number of sides of figure B,
it follows that each side of figure B has a length of 6 inches.

Choice B is incorrect. The number of sides of figure B is 𝑦, not 6.

Choice C is incorrect. Since the perimeter, in inches, of figure A is represented by 3𝑥, each side of figure A has a length of
3 inches, not 6 inches.

Choice D is incorrect. The number of sides of figure A is 𝑥, not 6.

Question Difficulty: Medium