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 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 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 5 9.10, or 16.38. Therefore, if a temperature
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 50f4cb9c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 50f4cb9c

For the linear function , the table shows three values of and their corresponding values of . Function is defined by
, where and are constants. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 50f4cb9c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The table gives that 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 0 when 𝑥 = 2. Substituting 0 for 𝑓𝑥 and 2 for 𝑥 into the equation
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 0 = 2𝑎 + 𝑏. Subtracting 2𝑎 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑏 = - 2𝑎. The table gives that
𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = - 64 when 𝑥 = 1. Substituting -2𝑎 for 𝑏, -64 for 𝑓𝑥, and 1 for 𝑥 into the equation 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields -64 = 𝑎1 + -2𝑎
. Combining like terms yields -64 = - 𝑎, or 𝑎 = 64. Since 𝑏 = - 2𝑎, substituting 64 for 𝑎 into this equation gives 𝑏 = -264,
which yields 𝑏 = - 128. Thus, the value of 𝑎 - 𝑏 can be written as 64 - ( - 128 ) , which is 192.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏, not 𝑎 - 𝑏. Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 - 2, not 𝑎 - 𝑏.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of 2𝑎, not 𝑎 - 𝑏.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID db422e7f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: db422e7f

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

ID: db422e7f Answer

Correct Answer: .5, 1/2

Rationale
1
The correct answer is 2 . For an equation in slope-intercept form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, 𝑚 represents the slope of the line in the xy-plane
defined by this equation. It's given that line 𝑝 is defined by 4𝑦 + 8𝑥 = 6. Subtracting 8𝑥 from both sides of this equation yields
8 6 3
4𝑦 = - 8𝑥 + 6. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields 𝑦 = - 𝑥 + , or 𝑦 = - 2𝑥 + . Thus, the slope of line 𝑝 is -2. If
4 4 2
line 𝑟 is perpendicular to line 𝑝, then the slope of line 𝑟 is the negative reciprocal of the slope of line 𝑝. The negative
1 1
reciprocal of -2 is - = . Note that 1/2 and .5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.
-2 2

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b9835972
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: b9835972

In the xy-plane, line 𝓁 passes through the point and is parallel to the line represented by the equation . If
line 𝓁 also passes through the point , what is the value of ?

ID: b9835972 Answer

Correct Answer: 24

Rationale
The correct answer is 24. A line in the xy-plane can be defined by the equation 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's given that line 𝑙 passes through the point 0, 0. Therefore, the y-
coordinate of the y-intercept of line 𝑙 is 0. It's given that line 𝑙 is parallel to the line represented by the equation 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 2.
Since parallel lines have the same slope, it follows that the slope of line 𝑙 is 8. Therefore, line 𝑙 can be defined by an equation
in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 = 8 and 𝑏 = 0. Substituting 8 for 𝑚 and 0 for 𝑏 in 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields the equation 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 0,
or 𝑦 = 8𝑥 . If line 𝑙 passes through the point 3, 𝑑, then when 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 𝑑 for the equation 𝑦 = 8𝑥. Substituting 3 for 𝑥 and 𝑑 for
𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 8𝑥 yields 𝑑 = 83, or 𝑑 = 24.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3f5a3602
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two linear

equations in two
variables

ID: 3f5a3602

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 3f5a3602 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
𝑦2 - 𝑦1
Choice D is correct. A line in the xy-plane that passes through the points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 has slope 𝑚, where 𝑚 = , and
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
can be defined by an equation of the form 𝑦 - 𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑥 - 𝑥1 . One of the lines shown in the graph passes through the points 8, 0
𝑦2 - 𝑦1 4-0 4
and 3, 4. Substituting 8 for 𝑥1 , 0 for 𝑦1 , 3 for 𝑥2 , and 4 for 𝑦2 in the equation 𝑚 = 𝑥2 - 𝑥1
yields 𝑚 = 3-8
, or 𝑚 = - 5 . Substituting
4 4 4 32
- for 𝑚, 8 for 𝑥1 and 0 for 𝑦1 in the equation 𝑦 - 𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑥 - 𝑥1 yields 𝑦 - 0 = - 𝑥 - 8, which is equivalent to 𝑦 = - 𝑥 + .
5 5 5 5
4 4 32
Adding 5 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 5 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5
. Multiplying both sides of this equation by -10 yields
-8𝑥 - 10𝑦 = - 64. Therefore, an equation of this line is -8𝑥 - 10𝑦 = - 64. Similarly, the other line shown in the graph passes
𝑦 -𝑦 2-0
through the points 8, 0 and 3, 2. Substituting 8 for 𝑥1 , 0 for 𝑦1 , 3 for 𝑥2 , and 2 for 𝑦2 in the equation 𝑚 = 2 1 yields 𝑚 = ,
𝑥2 - 𝑥1 3-8
2 2 2
or 𝑚 = - .
5
Substituting - 5 for 𝑚, 8 for 𝑥1 , and 0 for 𝑦1 in the equation 𝑦 - 𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑥 - 𝑥1 yields 𝑦 - 0 = - 5
𝑥 - 8, which is
2 16 2 2 16
equivalent to 𝑦 = - 5 𝑥 + 5 . Adding 5 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 5
𝑥 +𝑦=
5
. Multiplying both sides of this
equation by 10 yields 4𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 32. Therefore, an equation of this line is 4𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 32. So, the system of linear equations
represented by the lines shown is 4𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 32 and -8𝑥 - 10𝑦 = - 64.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 541bef2f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities in

one or two variables

ID: 541bef2f

Which point is a solution to the given system of inequalities in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 541bef2f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A point 𝑥, 𝑦 is a solution to a system of inequalities in the xy-plane if substituting the x-coordinate and
the y-coordinate of the point for 𝑥 and 𝑦, respectively, in each inequality makes both of the inequalities true. Substituting the
x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of choice D, 14 and 0, for 𝑥 and 𝑦, respectively, in the first inequality in the given system,
𝑦 ≤ 𝑥 + 7, yields 0 ≤ 14 + 7, or 0 ≤ 21, which is true. Substituting 14 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑦 in the second inequality in the given
system, 𝑦 ≥ - 2𝑥 - 1, yields 0 ≥ - 214 - 1, or 0 ≥ - 29, which is true. Therefore, the point 14, 0 is a solution to the given system
of inequalities in the xy-plane.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 09d21d79
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 09d21d79

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

ID: 09d21d79 Answer

Correct Answer: -24
Rationale
The correct answer is -24. Since the graph passes through the point 0, - 6, it follows that when the value of 𝑥 is 0, the value of
2
𝑦 is -6. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and -6 for 𝑦 in the given equation yields -6 = 20 + 𝑏0 + 𝑐, or -6 = 𝑐. Therefore, the value of 𝑐 is -6.
Substituting -6 for 𝑐 in the given equation yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 - 6. Since the graph passes through the point -1, - 8, it follows
that when the value of 𝑥 is -1, the value of 𝑦 is -8. Substituting -1 for 𝑥 and -8 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 - 6 yields
2
-8 = 2-1 + 𝑏-1 - 6, or -8 = 2 - 𝑏 - 6, which is equivalent to -8 = - 4 - 𝑏. Adding 4 to each side of this equation yields -4 = - 𝑏.
Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields 4 = 𝑏. Since the value of 𝑏 is 4 and the value of 𝑐 is -6, it follows that the value
of 𝑏𝑐 is 4-6, or -24.

Alternate approach: The given equation represents a parabola in the xy-plane with a vertex at -1, - 8. Therefore, the given
equation, 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, which is written in standard form, can be written in vertex form, 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where ℎ, 𝑘 is the
vertex of the parabola and 𝑎 is the value of the coefficient on the 𝑥2 term when the equation is written in standard form. It
follows that 𝑎 = 2. Substituting 2 for 𝑎, -1 for ℎ, and -8 for 𝑘 in this equation yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥 - -12 + -8, or 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 12 - 8.
Squaring the binomial on the right-hand side of this equation yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 1 - 8. Multiplying each term inside the
parentheses on the right-hand side of this equation by 2 yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 4𝑥 + 2 - 8, which is equivalent to 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 4𝑥 - 6.
From the given equation 𝑦 = 2𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, it follows that the value of 𝑏 is 4 and the value of 𝑐 is -6. Therefore, the value of 𝑏𝑐
is 4-6, or -24.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ce579859
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: ce579859

A model estimates that at the end of each year from to , the number of squirrels in a population was more
than the number of squirrels in the population at the end of the previous year. The model estimates that at the end of ,
there were squirrels in the population. Which of the following equations represents this model, where is the estimated
number of squirrels in the population years after the end of and ?

A. msup

B. msup

C. msup

D. msup

ID: ce579859 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Since the model estimates that the number of squirrels in the population increased by a fixed
𝑝 𝑡
percentage, 150%, each year, the model can be represented by an exponential equation of the form 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 100 , where 𝑎 is
the estimated number of squirrels in the population at the end of 2015, and the model estimates that at the end of each year,
the number is 𝑝% more than the number at the end of the previous year. Since the model estimates that at the end of each
year, the number was 150% more than the number at the end of the previous year, 𝑝 = 150. Substituting 150 for 𝑝 in the
𝑝 𝑡 150 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
equation 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 100 yields 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 100 , which is equivalent to 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 1.5 , or 𝑛 = 𝑎2.5 . It’s given that the estimated
number of squirrels at the end of 2016 was 180. This means that when 𝑡 = 1, 𝑛 = 180. Substituting 1 for 𝑡 and 180 for 𝑛 in
𝑡 1
the equation 𝑛 = 𝑎2.5 yields 180 = 𝑎2.5 , or 180 = 2.5𝑎. Dividing each side of this equation by 2.5 yields 72 = 𝑎. Substituting
𝑡 𝑡
72 for 𝑎 in the equation 𝑛 = 𝑎2.5 yields 𝑛 = 722.5 .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a model where at the end of each year, the estimated number of squirrels
was 150% of, not 150% more than, the estimated number at the end of the previous year.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a model where at the end of each year, the estimated number of squirrels
was 150% of, not 150% more than, the estimated number at the end of the previous year, and the estimated number of
squirrels at the end of 2015, not the end of 2016, was 180.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a model where the estimated number of squirrels at the end of 2015, not the
end of 2016, was 180.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6ce95fc8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 6ce95fc8

Which of the following is a solution to

the equation above?

A. 2

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6ce95fc8 Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale

Choice D is correct. A quadratic equation in the form , where a, b, and c are constants, can be solved

using the quadratic formula: . Subtracting from both sides of the given equation yields

. Applying the quadratic formula, where , , and , yields

. This can be rewritten as . Since , or , the

equation can be rewritten as . Dividing 2 from both the numerator and denominator yields or

. Of these two solutions, only is present among the choices. Thus, the correct choice is D.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from a computational or conceptual error. Choice B is incorrect and may result from

using instead of as the quadratic formula. Choice C is incorrect and may

result from rewriting as instead of .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fbb96bb1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: fbb96bb1

Which of the following are solutions to the given equation, where is a constant and ?

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II, and III

ID: fbb96bb1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Subtracting the expression 𝑥 - 29 from both sides of the given equation yields 0 = 𝑥 - 𝑎𝑥 - 29 - 𝑥 - 29,
which can be rewritten as 0 = 𝑥 - 𝑎𝑥 - 29 + -1𝑥 - 29. Since the two terms on the right-hand side of this equation have a
common factor of 𝑥 - 29, it can be rewritten as 0 = 𝑥 - 29𝑥 - 𝑎 + -1, or 0 = 𝑥 - 29𝑥 - 𝑎 - 1. Since 𝑥 - 𝑎 - 1 is equivalent to 𝑥 - 𝑎 + 1
, the equation 0 = 𝑥 - 29𝑥 - 𝑎 - 1 can be rewritten as 0 = 𝑥 - 29𝑥 - 𝑎 + 1. By the zero product property, it follows that 𝑥 - 29 = 0
or 𝑥 - 𝑎 + 1 = 0. Adding 29 to both sides of the equation 𝑥 - 29 = 0 yields 𝑥 = 29. Adding 𝑎 + 1 to both sides of the equation
𝑥 - 𝑎 + 1 = 0 yields 𝑥 = 𝑎 + 1. Therefore, the two solutions to the given equation are 29 and 𝑎 + 1. Thus, only 𝑎 + 1 and 29,
not 𝑎, are solutions to the given equation.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 40c09d66
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 40c09d66

If for all positive values of x,

what is the value of ?

ID: 40c09d66 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . The value of can be found by first rewriting the left-hand side of the given equation as .

Using the properties of exponents, this expression can be rewritten as . This expression can be rewritten by

subtracting the fractions in the exponent, which yields . Thus, is . Note that 7/6, 1.166, and 1.167 are examples of
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5355c0ef
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 5355c0ef

The given expression can be rewritten as , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

ID: 5355c0ef Answer

Correct Answer: .09, 9/100

Rationale
The correct answer is .09 . It's given that the expression 0.36𝑥2 + 0.63𝑥 + 1.17 can be rewritten as 𝑎4𝑥2 + 7𝑥 + 13. Applying
the distributive property to the expression 𝑎4𝑥2 + 7𝑥 + 13 yields 4𝑎𝑥2 + 7𝑎𝑥 + 13𝑎. Therefore, 0.36𝑥2 + 0.63𝑥 + 1.17 can be
rewritten as 4𝑎𝑥2 + 7𝑎𝑥 + 13𝑎. It follows that in the expressions 0.36𝑥2 + 0.63𝑥 + 1.17 and 4𝑎𝑥2 + 7𝑎𝑥 + 13𝑎, the coefficients
of 𝑥2 are equivalent, the coefficients of 𝑥 are equivalent, and the constant terms are equivalent. Therefore, 0.36 = 4𝑎,
0.63 = 7𝑎, and 1.17 = 13𝑎. Solving any of these equations for 𝑎 yields the value of 𝑎. Dividing both sides of the equation
0.36 = 4𝑎 by 4 yields 0.09 = 𝑎. Therefore, the value of 𝑎 is 0.09. Note that .09 and 9/100 are examples of ways to enter a
correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 911c415b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 911c415b

The expression above can be written in the form , where a and b are
constants. What is the value of ?

ID: 911c415b Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 6632. Applying the distributive property to the expression yields .

Then adding together and and collecting like terms results in . This is written

in the form , where and . Therefore .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7902bed0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 7902bed0

A machine launches a softball from ground level. The softball reaches a maximum height of meters above the ground
at seconds and hits the ground at seconds. Which equation represents the height above ground , in meters, of the
softball seconds after it is launched?

A.

B.

C. msup

D. msup

ID: 7902bed0 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. An equation representing the height above ground ℎ, in meters, of a softball 𝑡 seconds after it is
2
launched by a machine from ground level can be written in the form ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 𝑏 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are positive constants.
In this equation, 𝑏 represents the time, in seconds, at which the softball reaches its maximum height of 𝑐 meters above the
ground. It's given that this softball reaches a maximum height of 51.84 meters above the ground at 1.8 seconds; therefore,
2 2
𝑏 = 1.8 and 𝑐 = 51.84. Substituting 1.8 for 𝑏 and 51.84 for 𝑐 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 𝑏 + 𝑐 yields ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84. It's
also given that this softball hits the ground at 3.6 seconds; therefore, ℎ = 0 when 𝑡 = 3.6. Substituting 0 for ℎ and 3.6 for 𝑡 in
2 2 2
the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84 yields 0 = - 𝑎3.6 - 1.8 + 51.84, which is equivalent to 0 = - 𝑎1.8 + 51.84, or
0 = - 3.24𝑎 + 51.84. Adding 3.24𝑎 to both sides of this equation yields 3.24𝑎 = 51.84. Dividing both sides of this equation by
2 2
3.24 yields 𝑎 = 16. Substituting 16 for 𝑎 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84 yields ℎ = - 16𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84. Therefore,
2
ℎ = - 16𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84 represents the height above ground ℎ, in meters, of this softball 𝑡 seconds after it is launched.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the maximum height is 3.6 meters above the ground at 0
seconds, not 51.84 meters above the ground at 1.8 seconds.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the maximum height is 51.84 meters above the ground at 0
seconds, not 1.8 seconds.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3f775bbf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving and Ratios, rates,

Data Analysis proportional
relationships, and
units

ID: 3f775bbf

Power capacity
State
Low Medium High Total

Texas 4 2 3 9

California 1 0 1 2

Oregon 1 0 1 2

Indiana 0 2 0 2

Colorado 1 1 0 2

Iowa 2 0 0 2

Oklahoma 1 0 0 1

Total 10 5 5 20

The table shows the distribution, by location and power capacity (maximum rate of
power generation) of the twenty largest wind projects in the United States in 2013.
The total power capacity of the nine wind projects located in Texas was 4,952
megawatts (MW), and the total power capacity of the twenty wind projects was
11,037 MW in 2013. The amount of energy produced in one hour at a rate of one
megawatt is one megawatt-hour. If each of the nine Texas wind projects in 2013
had operated continuously for 24 hours at the maximum rate of power generation,
approximately how many megawatt-hours of energy would the nine projects have
produced?

A. 200

B. 5,000

C. 11,000

D. 120,000

ID: 3f775bbf Answer

Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the total power capacity of the nine wind projects in Texas was 4,952 megawatts.
Therefore, if all nine Texas projects operated continuously for 1 hour, the amount of energy produced would be 4,952
megawatt-hours. It follows that, if all nine Texas projects operated continuously for 24 hours, the amount of energy
produced, in megawatt-hours, would be , which is closest to 120,000.

Choice A is incorrect. This is approximately the amount of energy produced for the nine projects divided by 24 hours. Choice
B is incorrect. This is approximately the amount of energy produced for the nine projects. Choice C is incorrect. This is
approximately the given amount of energy produced for all twenty projects in the table.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 457d2f2c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving and One-variable data:

Data Analysis Distributions and
measures of center
and spread

ID: 457d2f2c

A data set of 27 different numbers has a mean of 33 and a median of 33. A new
data set is created by adding 7 to each number in the original data set that is
greater than the median and subtracting 7 from each number in the original data
set that is less than the median. Which of the following measures does NOT have
the same value in both the original and new data sets?

A. Median

B. Mean

C. Sum of the numbers

D. Standard deviation

ID: 457d2f2c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. When a data set has an odd number of elements, the median can be found by ordering the values from
least to greatest and determining the middle value. Out of the 27 different numbers in this data set, 13 numbers are below
the median, one number is exactly 33, and 13 numbers are above the median. When 7 is subtracted from each number below
the median and added to each number above the median, the data spread out from the median. Since the median of this
data set, 33, is equivalent to the mean of the data set, the data also spread out from the mean. Since standard deviation is a
measure of how spread out the data are from the mean, a greater spread from the mean indicates an increased standard
deviation.

Choice A is incorrect. All the numbers less than the median decrease and all the numbers greater than the median increase,
but the median itself doesn’t change. Choices B and C are incorrect. The mean of a data set is found by dividing the sum of
the values by the number of values. The net change from subtracting 7 from 13 numbers and adding 7 to 13 numbers is
zero. Therefore, neither the mean nor the sum of the numbers changes.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d4413871
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving and Probability and

Data Analysis conditional
probability

ID: d4413871

Blood type

Rhesus factor A B AB O

33 9 3 37

7 2 1 x

Human blood can be classified into four common blood types—A, B, AB, and O. It is
also characterized by the presence or absence of the rhesus factor. The
table above shows the distribution of blood type and rhesus factor for a group of
people. If one of these people who is rhesus negative is chosen at random, the

probability that the person has blood type B is . What is the value of x ?

ID: d4413871 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 8. In this group, of the people who are rhesus negative have blood type B. The total number of
people who are rhesus negative in the group is , and there are 2 people who are rhesus negative with blood type

B. Therefore, . Combining like terms on the left-hand side of the equation yields .

Multiplying both sides of this equation by 9 yields , and multiplying both sides of this equation by
yields . Subtracting 10 from both sides of this equation yields .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e10d8313
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Lines, angles, and

Trigonometry triangles

ID: e10d8313

In the figure shown, points , , , and lie on line segment , and line segment intersects line segment at
point . The measure of is , the measure of is , the measure of is , and the measure
of is . What is the measure, in degrees, of ?

ID: e10d8313 Answer

Correct Answer: 123

Rationale
The correct answer is 123. The triangle angle sum theorem states that the sum of the measures of the interior angles of a
triangle is 180 degrees. It's given that the measure of ∠𝑆𝑄𝑋 is 48° and the measure of ∠𝑆𝑋𝑄 is 86°. Since points 𝑆, 𝑄, and 𝑋
form a triangle, it follows from the triangle angle sum theorem that the measure, in degrees, of ∠𝑄𝑆𝑋 is 180 - 48 - 86, or 46.
It's also given that the measure of ∠𝑆𝑊𝑈 is 85°. Since ∠𝑆𝑊𝑈 and ∠𝑆𝑊𝑅 are supplementary angles, the sum of their
measures is 180 degrees. It follows that the measure, in degrees, of ∠𝑆𝑊𝑅 is 180 - 85, or 95. Since points 𝑅, 𝑆, and 𝑊 form a
triangle, and ∠𝑅𝑆𝑊 is the same angle as ∠𝑄𝑆𝑋, it follows from the triangle angle sum theorem that the measure, in degrees,
of ∠𝑊𝑅𝑆 is 180 - 46 - 95, or 39. It's given that the measure of ∠𝑉𝑇𝑈 is 162°. Since ∠𝑉𝑇𝑈 and ∠𝑆𝑇𝑈 are supplementary angles,
the sum of their measures is 180 degrees. It follows that the measure, in degrees, of ∠𝑆𝑇𝑈 is 180 - 162, or 18. Since points 𝑅,
𝑇, and 𝑈 form a triangle, and ∠𝑈𝑅𝑇 is the same angle as ∠𝑊𝑅𝑆, it follows from the triangle angle sum theorem that the
measure, in degrees, of ∠𝑇𝑈𝑅 is 180 - 39 - 18, or 123.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a4bd60a3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: a4bd60a3

The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is centimeters. The height of this triangle is centimeters, where is a
constant. What is the value of ?

ID: a4bd60a3 Answer

Correct Answer: 104

Rationale
The correct answer is 104. An equilateral triangle is a triangle in which all three sides have the same length and all three
angles have a measure of 60°. The height of the triangle, 𝑘√3 , is the length of the altitude from one vertex. The altitude
divides the equilateral triangle into two congruent 30-60-90 right triangles, where the altitude is the side across from the 60°
angle in each 30-60-90 right triangle. Since the altitude has a length of 𝑘√3 , it follows from the properties of 30-60-90 right
triangles that the side across from each 30° angle has a length of 𝑘 and each hypotenuse has a length of 2𝑘. In this case, the
hypotenuse of each 30-60-90 right triangle is a side of the equilateral triangle; therefore, each side length of the equilateral
triangle is 2𝑘. The perimeter of a triangle is the sum of the lengths of each side. It's given that the perimeter of the equilateral
triangle is 624; therefore, 2𝑘 + 2𝑘 + 2𝑘 = 624, or 6𝑘 = 624. Dividing both sides of this equation by 6 yields 𝑘 = 104.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID acd30391
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Circles

Trigonometry

ID: acd30391

A circle in the xy-plane has equation . Which of the

following points does NOT lie in the interior of the circle?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: acd30391 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The circle with equation has center and radius 5. For a point to be inside
of the circle, the distance from that point to the center must be less than the radius, 5. The distance between and

is , which is greater than 5. Therefore, does NOT lie in the

interior of the circle.

Choice A is incorrect. The distance between and is , which

is less than 5, and therefore lies in the interior of the circle. Choice B is incorrect because it is the center of the circle.

Choice C is incorrect because the distance between and is , which

is less than 5, and therefore in the interior of the circle.

Question Difficulty: Hard