Question ID 43e69f94

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions Hard

ID: 43e69f94

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: 43e69f94 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 df8ae774
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in Hard

one variable

ID: df8ae774

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

ID: df8ae774 Answer

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

Rationale

16
The correct answer is
17
. It's given that the equation 3𝑘𝑥 + 13 = 48
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
𝑘𝑥 + 13 = 48
51
𝑥 + 363 , or 𝑘𝑥 + 13 = 16
17
𝑥 + 12. Since the coefficients of 𝑥 on each side of the equation must be equal, it follows
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 652119ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions Hard

ID: 652119ce

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: 652119ce Answer

Correct Answer: -12

Rationale

1
The correct answer is -12. It's given that the functions 𝑓 and 𝑔 are defined as 𝑓𝑥 =
4
= 34 𝑥 + 21. If the function
𝑥 - 9 and 𝑔𝑥
ℎ is defined as ℎ𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 𝑔𝑥, then substituting 14 𝑥 - 9 for 𝑓𝑥 and 34 𝑥 + 21 for 𝑔𝑥 in this function yields ℎ𝑥 = 14 𝑥 - 9 + 34 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 e96acc98
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in Hard

one variable

ID: e96acc98

What value of is the solution to the given equation?

ID: e96acc98 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 3eb27778
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two Hard

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 3eb27778

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: 3eb27778 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 6285cfe8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions Hard

ID: 6285cfe8

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: 6285cfe8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

9
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the function 𝐹𝑥 = 𝑥 - 273.15 + 32 gives the temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, that
5
corresponds to a temperature of 𝑥 kelvins. A temperature that increased by 9.10 kelvins means that the value of 𝑥
9
increased 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
5
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 11f714b1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two Hard

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 11f714b1

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

ID: 11f714b1 Answer

Correct Answer: 1.8, 9/5

Rationale

9
The correct answer is . Multiplying the first equation in the given system by 2 yields 10𝑥 + 28𝑦 = 90. Subtracting the
5
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
6
of this equation by 10 yields 𝑥 =
10
, or 𝑥 = 35 . Therefore, the value of 𝑥𝑦 is 35 3, or 95 . Note that 9/5 and 1.8 are examples of
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b7305783
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in Hard

one variable

ID: b7305783

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

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: b7305783 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

𝑥+6
Choice B is correct. Multiplying both sides of the given equation by 313, or 39, yields 39
3
= 39 𝑥 13+ 6 , 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 = 0. Therefore, if 𝑥 +3 6 = 𝑥 13+ 6 , 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 c729c1d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear inequalities Hard

in one or two
variables

ID: c729c1d7

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

ID: c729c1d7 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 005e9982
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 005e9982

The given function models the number of advertisements a company sent to its clients each year, where
represents the number of years since , and . If is graphed in the xy-plane,
which of the following is the best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph in this context?
A. The minimum estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients during the years
was .

B. The minimum estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients during the years
was .

C. The estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients in was .

D. The estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients in was .

ID: 005e9982 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The y-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point where 𝑥 = 0. For the given function 𝑓, the y-
intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane can be found by substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 9,0000.66𝑥 , which
gives 𝑦 = 9,0000.660 . This is equivalent to 𝑦 = 9,0001, or 𝑦 = 9,000. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 is
0, 9,000. It’s given that the function 𝑓 models the number of advertisements a company sent to its clients each year.
Therefore, 𝑓𝑥 represents the estimated number of advertisements the company sent to its clients each year. It's also
given that 𝑥 represents the number of years since 1997. Therefore, 𝑥 = 0 represents 0 years since 1997, or 1997. Thus, the
best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 is that the estimated number of advertisements the company
sent to its clients in 1997 was 9,000.

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 a1397504
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent Hard

expressions

ID: a1397504

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

ID: a1397504 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 536832c0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations Hard

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 536832c0

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

ID: 536832c0 Answer

Correct Answer: 6

Rationale

The correct answer is 6. It’s given that a line with equation 2𝑦 = 4 . 5 intersects a parabola with equation 𝑦 = - 4𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥,
where 𝑏 is a positive constant, at exactly one point in the xy-plane. It follows that the system of equations consisting of
2𝑦 = 4 . 5 and 𝑦 = - 4𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 has exactly one solution. Dividing both sides of the equation of the line by 2 yields 𝑦 = 2 . 25.
Substituting 2.25 for 𝑦 in the equation of the parabola yields 2 . 25 = - 4𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥. Adding 4𝑥2 and subtracting 𝑏𝑥 from both
sides of this equation yields 4𝑥2 - 𝑏𝑥 + 2 . 25 = 0. A quadratic equation in the form of 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are
2
constants, has exactly one solution when the discriminant, 𝑏 - 4𝑎𝑐, is equal to zero. Substituting 4 for 𝑎 and 2.25 for 𝑐 in
2 2 2
the expression 𝑏 - 4𝑎𝑐 and setting this expression equal to 0 yields 𝑏 - 4(4) (2 . 25) = 0, or 𝑏 - 36 = 0. Adding 36 to each
side of this equation yields 𝑏2 = 36. Taking the square root of each side of this equation yields 𝑏 = ± 6. It’s given that 𝑏 is
positive, so the value of 𝑏 is 6.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID eafd61d3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent Hard

expressions

ID: eafd61d3

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

constants. What is the value of ?

ID: eafd61d3 Answer

Correct Answer: -419

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9298a52e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations Hard

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 9298a52e

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

ID: 9298a52e Answer

Correct Answer: -10

Rationale

The correct answer is -10. Adding 𝑦 to both sides of the second equation in the given system yields 20𝑥 + 100 = 𝑦.
Substituting 20𝑥 + 100 for 𝑦 in the first equation in the given system yields 𝑥2 + 20𝑥 + 100 + 7 = 7. Subtracting 7 from both
sides of this equation yields 𝑥2 + 20𝑥 + 100 = 0. Factoring the left-hand side of this equation yields 𝑥 + 10𝑥 + 10 = 0, or
𝑥 + 102 = 0. Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields 𝑥 + 10 = 0. Subtracting 10 from both sides of this
equation yields 𝑥 = - 10. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 is -10.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f5f840a0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: f5f840a0

For the function , , and for each increase in by , the value of decreases by .
What is the value of ?

ID: f5f840a0 Answer

Correct Answer: 3.44, 86/25

Rationale

The correct answer is 3.44. It’s given that 𝑓0 = 86 and that for each increase in 𝑥 by 1, the value of 𝑓𝑥 decreases by 80%.
Because the output of the function decreases by a constant percentage for each 1-unit increase in the value of 𝑥, this
𝑥
relationship can be represented by an exponential function of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 , where 𝑎 represents the initial value of
the function and 𝑏 represents the rate of decay,
expressed as a decimal. Because 𝑓0 = 86, the value of 𝑎 must be 86. Because the value of 𝑓𝑥 decreases by 80% for each
1-unit increase in 𝑥, the value of 𝑏 must be ( 1 − 0 . 80 ) , or 0 . 2. Therefore, the function 𝑓 can be defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 860 . 2𝑥 .
Substituting 2 for 𝑥 in this function yields 𝑓2 = 860 . 22 , which is equivalent to 𝑓2 = 860 . 04, or 𝑓2 = 3 . 44. Either 3.44 or
86 / 25 may be entered as the correct answer.

Alternate approach: It’s given that 𝑓0 = 86 and that for each increase in 𝑥 by 1, the value of 𝑓𝑥 decreases by 80%.
Therefore, when 𝑥 = 1, the value of 𝑓𝑥 is ( 100 − 80 ) %, or 20%, of 86, which can be expressed as 0 . 2086. Since
0 . 2086 = 17 . 2, the value of 𝑓1 is 17.2. Similarly, when 𝑥 = 2, the value of 𝑓𝑥 is 20% of 17.2, which can be expressed as
0 . 2017 . 2. Since 0 . 2017 . 2 = 3 . 44, the value of 𝑓2 is 3.44. Either 3.44 or 86 / 25 may be entered as the correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3138e379
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent Hard

expressions

ID: 3138e379

For what value of is the given expression equivalent to , where ?

ID: 3138e379 Answer

Correct Answer: .0177, .0178, 4/225

Rationale

4
The correct answer is
225
. An expression of the form √𝑎 , where 𝑘 is an integer greater than 1 and 𝑎 ≥ 0, is equivalent to
𝑘
1 1 12
𝑎 Therefore, the given expression, where 𝑛 > 1, is equivalent to 70𝑛 5 70𝑛 6 . Applying properties of exponents, this
𝑘.
1 1 1 1 1 1 8
·2 +
expression can be rewritten as 70𝑛 5 70𝑛 6 , or 70𝑛 5 70𝑛 3 , which can be rewritten as 70𝑛 5 3 , or 70𝑛 15 . It's given that the
2 8
expression 5√70𝑛 6√70𝑛 is equivalent to 70𝑛30𝑥 , where 𝑛 > 1. It follows that 70𝑛 15 is equivalent to 70𝑛30𝑥 . Therefore,
8 8 4
15
= 30𝑥. Dividing both sides of this equation by 30 yields 450 = 𝑥, or 225 = 𝑥. Thus, the value of 𝑥 for which the given
4
expression is equivalent to 70𝑛30𝑥 , where 𝑛 > 1, is . Note that 4/225, .0177, .0178, 0.017, and 0.018 are examples of
225
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3e4e3220
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 3e4e3220

The table shows three values of and their corresponding values of , where and is a
quadratic function. What is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane?

ID: 3e4e3220 Answer

Correct Answer: -2112

Rationale

The correct answer is -2,112. It's given that 𝑓 is a quadratic function. It follows that 𝑓 can be defined by an equation of the
2
form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑎, ℎ, and 𝑘 are constants. It's also given that the table shows three values of 𝑥 and their
2 2
corresponding values of 𝑦, where 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 + 4. Substituting 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘 for 𝑓𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘 + 4. This
equation represents a quadratic relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦, where 𝑘 + 4 is either the maximum or the minimum value
of 𝑦, which occurs when 𝑥 = ℎ. For quadratic relationships between 𝑥 and 𝑦, the maximum or minimum value of 𝑦 occurs
at the value of 𝑥 halfway between any two values of 𝑥 that have the same corresponding value of 𝑦. The table shows that
x-values of 21 and 25 correspond to the same y-value, -8. Since 23 is halfway between 21 and 25, the maximum or
minimum value of 𝑦 occurs at an x-value of 23. The table shows that when 𝑥 = 23, 𝑦 = 8. It follows that ℎ = 23 and
𝑘 + 4 = 8. Subtracting 4 from both sides of the equation 𝑘 + 4 = 8 yields 𝑘 = 4. Substituting 23 for ℎ and 4 for 𝑘 in the
2
equation 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘 + 4 yields 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - 232 + 4 + 4, or 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 - 232 + 8. The value of 𝑎 can be found by substituting any
x-value and its corresponding y-value for 𝑥 and 𝑦, respectively, in this equation. Substituting 25 for 𝑥 and -8 for 𝑦 in this
equation yields -8 = 𝑎25 - 232 + 8, or -8 = 𝑎22 + 8. Subtracting 8 from both sides of this equation yields -16 = 𝑎22 , or
-16 = 4𝑎. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields -4 = 𝑎. Substituting -4 for 𝑎, 23 for ℎ, and 4 for 𝑘 in the equation
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘 yields 𝑓𝑥 = - 4𝑥 - 232 + 4. The y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is the point on the graph
where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = - 4𝑥 - 232 + 4 yields 𝑓0 = - 40 - 232 + 4, or 𝑓0 = - 4-232 + 4. This is
equivalent to 𝑓0 = - 2,112, so the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, - 2,112. Thus, the y-coordinate of
the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is -2,112.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 23923e5b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 23923e5b

A quadratic function models the height, in feet, of an object above the ground in terms of the time, in
seconds, after the object is launched off an elevated surface. The model indicates the object has an initial
height of feet above the ground and reaches its maximum height of feet above the ground
seconds after being launched. Based on the model, what is the height, in feet, of the object above the
ground seconds after being launched?
A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 23923e5b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that a quadratic function models the height, in feet, of an object above the ground in terms
of the time, in seconds, after the object is launched off an elevated surface. This quadratic function can be defined by an
2
equation of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑓𝑥 is the height of the object 𝑥 seconds after it was launched, and 𝑎, ℎ, and 𝑘
are constants such that the function reaches its maximum value, 𝑘, when 𝑥 = ℎ. Since the model indicates the object
reaches its maximum height of 1,034 feet above the ground 8 seconds after being launched, 𝑓𝑥 reaches its maximum
value, 1,034, when 𝑥 = 8. Therefore, 𝑘 = 1,034 and ℎ = 8. Substituting 8 for ℎ and 1,034 for 𝑘 in the function
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 82 + 1,034. Since the model indicates the object has an initial height of 10 feet above the
ground, the value of 𝑓𝑥 is 10 when 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 10 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - 82 + 1,034 yields
10 = 𝑎0 - 82 + 1,034, or 10 = 64𝑎 + 1,034. Subtracting 1,034 from both sides of this equation yields 64𝑎 = - 1,024. Dividing
both sides of this equation by 64 yields 𝑎 = - 16. Therefore, the model can be represented by the equation
𝑓𝑥 = - 16𝑥 - 82 + 1,034. Substituting 10 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑓10 = - 1610 - 82 + 1,034, or 𝑓10 = 970. Therefore,
based on the model, 10 seconds after being launched, the height of the object above the ground is 970 feet.

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 59cf1dd3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations Hard

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 59cf1dd3

How many distinct real solutions does the given equation have?
A. Exactly one

B. Exactly two

C. Infinitely many

D. Zero

ID: 59cf1dd3 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Any quantity that is positive or negative in value has a positive value when squared. Therefore, the
left-hand side of the given equation is either positive or zero for any value of 𝑥. Since the right-hand side of the given
equation is negative, there is no value of 𝑥 for which the given equation is true. Thus, the number of distinct real solutions
for the given equation is zero.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9f13fad1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations Hard

in one variable and
systems of
equations in two
variables

ID: 9f13fad1

In the given equation, is a constant. The equation has exactly one solution. What is the value of ?

ID: 9f13fad1 Answer

Correct Answer: -1

Rationale

The correct answer is -1. A quadratic equation in the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, has exactly
2
one solution when its discriminant, 𝑏 - 4𝑎𝑐, is equal to 0. In the given equation, -16𝑥2 - 8𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, 𝑎 = - 16 and 𝑏 = - 8.
Substituting -16 for 𝑎 and -8 for 𝑏 in 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐 yields -82 - 4-16𝑐, or 64 + 64𝑐. Since the given equation has exactly one
solution, 64 + 64𝑐 = 0. Subtracting 64 from both sides of this equation yields 64𝑐 = - 64. Dividing both sides of this
equation by 64 yields 𝑐 = - 1. Therefore, the value of 𝑐 is -1.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 98f7ab7a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: 98f7ab7a

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

ID: 98f7ab7a Answer

Correct Answer: 20

Rationale

The correct answer is 20. It’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = - 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏. Substituting -𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 12 yields
𝑦 = - 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 - 12. It’s given that the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 12 is 0, - 75 . Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and - 75 for 𝑦 in the
7 7
equation 𝑦 = - 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 - 12 yields - 757 = - 𝑎0 + 𝑏 - 12, which is equivalent to - 757 = - 1 + 𝑏 - 12, or - 757 = 𝑏 - 13. Adding 13 to
16 320 320 16
both sides of this equation yields = 𝑏. It’s given that the product of 𝑎 and 𝑏 is , or 𝑎𝑏 = . Substituting for 𝑏 in this
7 7 7 7
16 320 16
equation yields 𝑎 = . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields 𝑎 = 20.
7 7 7

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID da9efa2f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: da9efa2f

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

B.

C.

D.

ID: da9efa2f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

Alternate approach: The value of 𝑥 for the vertex of a parabola is the x-value of the midpoint between the two x-intercepts
of the parabola. Since it’s given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 14𝑥 + 19, it follows that the two x-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-
plane occur when 𝑥 = 14 and 𝑥 = - 19, or at the points 14, 0 and -19, 0. The midpoint between two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ,
𝑥 1 + 𝑥 2 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 14 + -19 0 + 0 5
is
2
, 2 . Therefore, the midpoint between 14, 0 and -19, 0 is 2 , 2 , or - 2 , 0. It follows that 𝑓𝑥 reaches its
5
minimum when the value of 𝑥 is - .
2

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b7f055bc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions Hard

ID: b7f055bc

The function is defined by , where and are positive constants. The graph of
in the -plane passes through the points ( , ) and ( , ). What is the value of ?
A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b7f055bc Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the function ℎ is defined by ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 and that the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ ( 𝑥 ) in the xy-plane
325
passes through the points 0, 10 and -2,
36
. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 10 for ℎ𝑥 in the equation ℎ𝑥= 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields
10 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or 10 = 1 + 𝑏. Subtracting 1 from both sides of this equation yields 9 = 𝑏. Substituting -2 for 𝑥 and 325
36
for ℎ𝑥 in
325 1
the equation ℎ ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 + 9 yields = 𝑎-2 + 9. Subtracting 9 from both sides of this equation yields = 𝑎-2 , which can
36 36
be rewritten as 𝑎2 = 36. Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑎 = - 6, but because it’s
given that 𝑎 is a positive constant, 𝑎 must equal 6. Because the value of 𝑎 is 6 and the value of 𝑏 is 9, the value of 𝑎𝑏 is
( 6 ) ( 9 ) , or 54.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from finding the value of 𝑎-2 𝑏 rather than the value of 𝑎𝑏.

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

Choice D is incorrect and may result from correctly finding the value of 𝑎 as 6, but multiplying it by the y-value in the first
ordered pair rather than by the value of 𝑏.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c10968c1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and Hard

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: c10968c1

Triangle is similar to triangle , where angle corresponds to angle and angles and
are right angles. The length of is times the length of . If , what is the value of
?

ID: c10968c1 Answer

Correct Answer: .7241, 21/29

Rationale

21
The correct answer is . It's given that triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is similar to triangle 𝐷𝐸𝐹, where angle 𝐴 corresponds to angle 𝐷 and
29
angles 𝐶 and 𝐹 are right angles. In similar triangles, the tangents of corresponding angles are equal. Therefore, if
21 21
tan𝐴 = , then tan𝐷 = . In a right triangle, the tangent of an acute angle is the ratio of the length of the leg opposite the
20 20
21 ¯
angle to the length of the leg adjacent to the angle. Therefore, in triangle 𝐷𝐸𝐹, if tan𝐷 = , the ratio of the length of 𝐸𝐹 to
20
¯ 21 ¯ ¯ ¯
the length of 𝐷𝐹 is . If the lengths of 𝐸𝐹 and 𝐷𝐹 are 21 and 20, respectively, then the ratio of the length of 𝐸𝐹 to the
20
¯ is 21
length of 𝐷𝐹 . In a right triangle, the sine of an acute angle is the ratio of the length of the leg opposite the angle to
20
¯ ¯
the length of the hypotenuse. Therefore, the value of sin𝐷 is the ratio of the length of 𝐸𝐹 to the length of 𝐷𝐸. The length
¯
of 𝐷𝐸 can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that if the lengths of the legs of a right triangle are
𝑎 and 𝑏 and the length of the hypotenuse is 𝑐, then 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 = 𝑐2 . Therefore, if the lengths of 𝐸𝐹
¯ ¯
and 𝐷𝐹 are 21 and 20,
2 2 2 2
respectively, then 21 + 20 = 𝐷𝐸 , or 841 = 𝐷𝐸 . Taking the positive square root of both sides of this equation yields
¯ ¯ ¯
29 = 𝐷𝐸. Therefore, if the lengths of 𝐸𝐹 and 𝐷𝐹 are 21 and 20, respectively, then the length of 𝐷𝐸 is 29 and the ratio of the
¯ ¯ 21 21 21
length of 𝐸𝐹 to the length of 𝐷𝐸 is . Thus, if tan𝐴 = , the value of sin𝐷 is . Note that 21/29, .7241, and 0.724 are
29 20 29
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d32d4957
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and Hard

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: d32d4957

Triangle is similar to triangle , where corresponds to and corresponds to . Angles

and are right angles. If and , what is the length of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d32d4957 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Corresponding angles in similar triangles have equal measures. It's given that triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is similar
to triangle 𝐷𝐸𝐹, where 𝐴 corresponds to 𝐷, so the measure of angle 𝐴 is equal to the measure of angle 𝐷. Therefore, if
tan𝐴 = √3 , then tan𝐷 = √3 . It's given that angles 𝐶 and 𝐹 are right angles, so triangles 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and 𝐷𝐸𝐹 are right triangles.
The adjacent side of an acute angle in a right triangle is the side closest to the angle that is not the hypotenuse. It follows
that the adjacent side of angle 𝐷 is side 𝐷𝐹. The opposite side of an acute angle in a right triangle is the side across from
the acute angle. It follows that the opposite side of angle 𝐷 is side 𝐸𝐹. The tangent of an acute angle in a right triangle is
𝐸𝐹
the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side. Therefore, tan𝐷 = . If 𝐷𝐹 = 125, the length
𝐷𝐹
𝐸𝐹 𝐸𝐹
of side 𝐸𝐹 can be found by substituting √3 for tan𝐷 and 125 for 𝐷𝐹 in the equation tan𝐷 = , which yields √3 = 125 .
𝐷𝐹
Multiplying both sides of this equation by 125 yields 125√3 = 𝐸𝐹. Since the length of side 𝐸𝐹 is √3 times the length of
side 𝐷𝐹, it follows that triangle 𝐷𝐸𝐹 is a special right triangle with angle measures 30°, 60°, and 90°. Therefore, the length
of the hypotenuse, 𝐷𝐸 ¯ , is 2 times the length of side 𝐷𝐹, or 𝐷𝐸 = 2𝐷𝐹. Substituting 125 for 𝐷𝐹 in this equation yields

𝐷𝐸 = 2125, or 𝐷𝐸 = 250. Thus, if tan𝐴 = √3 and 𝐷𝐹 = 125, the length of 𝐷𝐸 ¯ is 250.

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

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

¯ , not 𝐷𝐸
Choice C is incorrect. This is the length of 𝐸𝐹 ¯ .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 55b41004
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Circles Hard

Trigonometry

ID: 55b41004

A circle in the xy-plane has its center at . Line is tangent to this circle at the point .
What is the slope of line ?
A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 55b41004 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A line that's tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius of the circle at the point of tangency. It's
given that the circle has its center at -4, - 6 and line 𝑘 is tangent to the circle at the point -7, - 7. The slope of a radius
𝑡-𝑟
defined by the points 𝑞, 𝑟 and 𝑠, 𝑡 can be calculated as . The points -7, - 7 and -4, - 6 define the radius of the circle at the
𝑠-𝑞
-6 - -7 1
point of tangency. Therefore, the slope of this radius can be calculated as , or . If a line and a radius are
-4 - -7 3
1
perpendicular, the slope of the line must be the negative reciprocal of the slope of the radius. The negative reciprocal of
3
is -3. Thus, the slope of line 𝑘 is -3.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the slope of the radius of the circle at the point of tangency, not the slope of line 𝑘.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8235af09
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume Hard

Trigonometry

ID: 8235af09

Triangles and are similar. Each side length of triangle is times the corresponding
side length of triangle . The area of triangle is square inches. What is the area, in square
inches, of triangle ?

ID: 8235af09 Answer

Correct Answer: 135/8, 16.87, 16.88

Rationale

135
The correct answer is . It's given that triangles ABC and DEF are similar and each side length of triangle ABC is 4
8
times the corresponding side length of triangle DEF. For two similar triangles, if each side length of the first triangle is 𝑘
2
times the corresponding side length of the second triangle, then the area of the first triangle is 𝑘 times the area of the
second triangle. Therefore, the area of triangle ABC is 42 , or 16, times the area of triangle DEF. It's given that the area of
triangle ABC is 270 square inches. Let 𝑎 represent the area, in square inches, of triangle DEF. It follows that 270 is 16
270
times 𝑎, or 270 = 16𝑎. Dividing both sides of this equation by 16 yields
16
= 𝑎, which is equivalent to 135
8
= 𝑎. Thus, the
135
area, in square inches, of triangle DEF is . Note that 135/8, 16.87, and 16.88 are examples of ways to enter a correct
8
answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 034aa7ae
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Lines, angles, and Hard

Trigonometry triangles

ID: 034aa7ae

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: 034aa7ae 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 2ab5f0fd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and Hard

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: 2ab5f0fd

The length of a rectangle’s diagonal is , and the length of the rectangle’s shorter side is . What is
the length of the rectangle’s longer side?

ID: 2ab5f0fd Answer

Correct Answer: 12

Rationale

The correct answer is 12. The diagonal of a rectangle forms a right triangle, where the shorter side and the longer side of
the rectangle are the legs of the triangle and the diagonal of the rectangle is the hypotenuse of the triangle. It's given that
the length of the rectangle's diagonal is 3√17 and the length of the rectangle's shorter side is 3. Thus, the length of the
hypotenuse of the right triangle formed by the diagonal is 3√17 and the length of one of the legs is 3. By the
2
Pythagorean theorem, if a right triangle has a hypotenuse with length 𝑐 and legs with lengths 𝑎 and 𝑏, then 𝑎2 + 𝑏 = 𝑐2 .
2
Substituting 3√17 for 𝑐 and 3 for 𝑏 in this equation yields 𝑎2 + 32 = 3√17 , or 𝑎2 + 9 = 153. Subtracting 9 from both sides
of this equation yields 𝑎2 = 144. Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields 𝑎 = ± √144 , or 𝑎 = ± 12.
Since 𝑎 represents a length, which must be positive, the value of 𝑎 is 12. Thus, the length of the rectangle's longer side is
12.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 559068d5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume Hard

Trigonometry

ID: 559068d5

A rectangular poster has an area of square inches. A copy of the poster is made in which the length
and width of the original poster are each increased by . What is the area of the copy, in square
inches?

ID: 559068d5 Answer

Correct Answer: 2592/5, 518.4

Rationale

The correct answer is 518.4. It's given that the area of the original poster is 360 square inches. Let 𝑙 represent the length,
in inches, of the original poster, and let 𝑤 represent the width, in inches, of the original poster. Since the area of a
rectangle is equal to its length times its width, it follows that 360 = 𝑙𝑤. It's also given that a copy of the poster is made in
which the length and width of the original poster are each increased by 20%. It follows that the length of the copy is the
20
length of the original poster plus 20% of the length of the original poster, which is equivalent to 𝑙 + 𝑙 inches. This length
100
can be rewritten as 𝑙 + 0.2𝑙 inches, or 1.2𝑙 inches. Similarly, the width of the copy is the width of the original poster plus
20
20% of the width of the original poster, which is equivalent to 𝑤 + 100 𝑤 inches. This width can be rewritten as 𝑤 + 0.2𝑤
inches, or 1.2𝑤 inches. Since the area of a rectangle is equal to its length times its width, it follows that the area, in
square inches, of the copy is equal to 1.2𝑙1.2𝑤, which can be rewritten as 1.21.2𝑙𝑤. Since 360 = 𝑙𝑤, the area, in square
inches, of the copy can be found by substituting 360 for 𝑙𝑤 in the expression 1.21.2𝑙𝑤, which yields 1.21.2360, or 518.4.
Therefore, the area of the copy, in square inches, is 518.4.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c3f47bd8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Lines, angles, and Hard

Trigonometry triangles

ID: c3f47bd8

In triangle , angle is a right angle, point lies on , point lies on , and is parallel to
. If the length of is units, the length of is units, and the area of triangle is
square units, what is the length of , in units?

ID: c3f47bd8 Answer

Correct Answer: 14.66, 14.67, 44/3

Rationale

44
The correct answer is . It's given that in triangle 𝑅𝑆𝑇, angle 𝑇 is a right angle. The area of a right triangle can be found
3
1
using the formula 𝐴 = 2 𝑙1 𝑙2 , where 𝐴 represents the area of the right triangle, 𝑙1 represents the length of one leg of the
¯ ¯
triangle, and 𝑙2 represents the length of the other leg of the triangle. In triangle 𝑅𝑆𝑇, the two legs are 𝑅𝑇 and 𝑆𝑇. Therefore,
¯ is 72 and the area of triangle 𝑅𝑆𝑇 is 792, then 792 = 1 72𝑆𝑇, or 792 = 36𝑆𝑇. Dividing both sides of this
if the length of 𝑅𝑇
2
¯ ¯ ¯
equation by 36 yields 22 = 𝑆𝑇. Therefore, the length of 𝑆𝑇 is 22. It's also given that point 𝐿 lies on 𝑅𝑆 , point 𝐾 lies on 𝑆𝑇 ,
¯ ¯
and 𝐿𝐾 is parallel to 𝑅𝑇. It follows that angle 𝐿𝐾𝑆 is a right angle. Since triangles 𝑅𝑆𝑇 and 𝐿𝑆𝐾 share angle 𝑆 and have
¯
right angles 𝑇 and 𝐾, respectively, triangles 𝑅𝑆𝑇 and 𝐿𝑆𝐾 are similar triangles. Therefore, the ratio of the length of 𝑅𝑇 to
¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯
the length of 𝐿𝐾 is equal to the ratio of the length of 𝑆𝑇 to the length of 𝑆𝐾. If the length of 𝑅𝑇 is 72 and the length of 𝐿𝐾 is
¯ ¯ 72 ¯
24, it follows that the ratio of the length of 𝑅𝑇 to the length of 𝐿𝐾 is , or 3, so the ratio of the length of 𝑆𝑇 to the length of
24
¯ 22
𝑆𝐾 is 3. Therefore, = 3. Multiplying both sides of this equation by 𝑆𝐾 yields 22 = 3𝑆𝐾. Dividing both sides of this
𝑆𝐾
22 ¯ ¯ 22 ¯
equation by 3 yields = 𝑆𝐾. Since the length of 𝑆𝑇 , 22, is the sum of the length of 𝑆𝐾 , , and the length of 𝐾𝑇 , it follows
3 3
22 44
¯ is 22 - , or . Note that 44/3, 14.66, and 14.67 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.
that the length of 𝐾𝑇
3 3

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1dbbea6b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and Hard

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: 1dbbea6b

In the triangle shown, what is the value of ?

ID: 1dbbea6b Answer

Correct Answer: .6956, .6957, 16/23

Rationale

16
The correct answer is . In a right triangle, the sine of an acute angle is defined as the ratio of the length of the side
23
opposite the angle to the length of the hypotenuse. In the triangle shown, the length of the side opposite the angle with
16
measure 𝑥° is 16 units and the length of the hypotenuse is 23 units. Therefore, the value of sin𝑥° is . Note that 16/23,
23
.6956, .6957, 0.695, and 0.696 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9a3b790e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Lines, angles, and Hard

Trigonometry triangles

ID: 9a3b790e

In the figure, parallel lines and are intersected by lines and . If and , what is the
value of ?

ID: 9a3b790e Answer

Correct Answer: 101/2, 50.5

Rationale

101
The correct answer is . In the figure, lines 𝑞, 𝑟, and 𝑠 form a triangle. One interior angle of this triangle is vertical to the
2
angle marked 𝑎°; therefore, the interior angle also has measure 𝑎°. It's given that 𝑎 = 43. Therefore, the interior angle of
the triangle has measure 43°. A second interior angle of the triangle forms a straight line, 𝑞, with the angle marked 𝑏°.
Therefore, the sum of the measures of these two angles is 180°. It's given that 𝑏 = 122. Therefore, the angle marked 𝑏°
has measure 122° and the second interior angle of the triangle has measure 180 - 122°, or 58°. The sum of the interior
angles of a triangle is 180°. Therefore, the measure of the third interior angle of the triangle is 180 - 43 - 58°, or 79°. It's
given that parallel lines 𝑞 and 𝑡 are intersected by line 𝑟. It follows that the triangle's interior angle with measure 79° is
congruent to the same side interior angle between lines 𝑞 and 𝑡 formed by lines 𝑡 and 𝑟. Since this angle is supplementary
to the two angles marked 𝑤°, the sum of 79°, 𝑤°, and 𝑤° is 180°. It follows that 79 + 𝑤 + 𝑤 = 180, or 79 + 2𝑤 = 180.
101
Subtracting 79 from both sides of this equation yields 2𝑤 = 101. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields 𝑤 = .
2
Note that 101/2 and 50.5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 530b2e84
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume Hard

Trigonometry

ID: 530b2e84

What is the area, in square units, of the triangle formed by connecting the three points shown?

ID: 530b2e84 Answer

Correct Answer: 24.5, 49/2

Rationale

The correct answer is 24.5. It's given that a triangle is formed by connecting the three points shown, which are -3, 4, 5, 3,
and 4, - 3. Let this triangle be triangle A. The area of triangle A can be found by calculating the area of the rectangle that
circumscribes it and subtracting the areas of the three triangles that are inside the rectangle but outside triangle A. The
rectangle formed by the points -3, 4, 5, 4, 5, - 3, and -3, - 3 circumscribes triangle A. The width, in units, of this rectangle
can be found by calculating the distance between the points 5, 4 and 5, - 3. This distance is 4 - -3, or 7. The length, in units,
of this rectangle can be found by calculating the distance between the points 5, 4 and -3, 4. This distance is 5 - -3, or 8. It
follows that the area, in square units, of the rectangle is 78, or 56. One of the triangles that lies inside the rectangle but
outside triangle A is formed by the points -3, 4, 5, 4, and 5, 3. The length, in units, of a base of this triangle can be found by
calculating the distance between the points 5, 4 and 5, 3. This distance is 4 - 3, or 1. The corresponding height, in units, of
this triangle can be found by calculating the distance between the points 5, 4 and -3, 4. This distance is 5 - -3, or 8. It
1
follows that the area, in square units, of this triangle is
2
81, or 4. A second triangle that lies inside the rectangle but
outside triangle A is formed by the points 4, - 3, 5, 3, and 5, - 3. The length, in units, of a base of this triangle can be found
by calculating the distance between the points 5, 3 and 5, - 3. This distance is 3 - -3 , or 6. The corresponding height, in
units, of this triangle can be found by calculating the distance between the points 5, - 3 and 4, - 3. This distance is 5 - 4, or
1. It follows that the area, in square units, of this triangle is 1 16, or 3. The third triangle that lies inside the rectangle but
2
outside triangle A is formed by the points -3, 4, -3, - 3, and 4, - 3. The length, in units, of a base of this triangle can be
found by calculating the distance between the points 4, - 3 and -3, - 3. This distance is 4 - -3, or 7. The corresponding
height, in units, of this triangle can be found by calculating the distance between the points -3, 4 and -3, - 3. This distance
1
is 4 - -3, or 7. It follows that the area, in square units, of this triangle is 77, or 24.5. Thus, the area, in square units, of the
2
triangle formed by connecting the three points shown is 56 - 4 - 3 - 24.5, or 24.5. Note that 24.5 and 49/2 are examples of
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b2aa5d73
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Circles Hard

Trigonometry

ID: b2aa5d73

A circle in the xy-plane has its center at and has a radius of . An equation of this circle is
, where , , and are constants. What is the value of ?

ID: b2aa5d73 Answer

Correct Answer: -52

Rationale

The correct answer is -52. The equation of a circle in the xy-plane with its center at ℎ, 𝑘 and a radius of 𝑟 can be written in
the form 𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑦 - 𝑘2 = 𝑟2 . It's given that a circle in the xy-plane has its center at -5, 2 and has a radius of 9. Substituting
-5 for ℎ, 2 for 𝑘, and 9 for 𝑟 in the equation 𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑦 - 𝑘2 = 𝑟2 yields 𝑥 - -52 + 𝑦 - 22 = 92 , or 𝑥 + 52 + 𝑦 - 22 = 81. It's also given
that an equation of this circle is 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants. Therefore, 𝑥 + 52 + 𝑦 - 22 = 81
can be rewritten in the form 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0. The equation 𝑥 + 52 + 𝑦 - 22 = 81, or 𝑥 + 5𝑥 + 5 + 𝑦 - 2𝑦 - 2 = 81, can
be rewritten as 𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 5𝑥 + 25 + 𝑦2 - 2𝑦 - 2𝑦 + 4 = 81. Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 10𝑥 - 4𝑦 + 29 = 81. Subtracting 81 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 10𝑥 - 4𝑦 - 52 = 0, which is
equivalent to 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 10𝑥 + -4𝑦 + -52 = 0. This equation is in the form 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0. Therefore, the value of 𝑐
is -52.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 307d7ae0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and Hard

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: 307d7ae0

Triangle is similar to triangle , where angle corresponds to angle and angle

corresponds to angle . Angles and are right angles. If , what is the value of
?

ID: 307d7ae0 Answer

Correct Answer: .14, 7/50

Rationale

7
The correct answer is . It's given that triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is similar to triangle 𝐷𝐸𝐹, where angle 𝐴 corresponds to angle 𝐷 and
50
angle 𝐶 corresponds to angle 𝐹. In similar triangles, the tangents of corresponding angles are equal. Since angle 𝐴 and
50
angle 𝐷 are corresponding angles, if tan𝐴 =
7
, then tan𝐷 = 507 . It's also given that angles 𝐶 and 𝐹 are right angles. It
follows that triangle 𝐷𝐸𝐹 is a right triangle with acute angles 𝐷 and 𝐸. The tangent of one acute angle in a right triangle is
1 50
the inverse of the tangent of the other acute angle in the triangle. Therefore, tan𝐸 = . Substituting for tan𝐷 in this
tan𝐷 7
1 7 50 7
equation yields tan𝐸 = 50 , or tan𝐸 = . Thus, if tan𝐴 = , the value of tan𝐸 is . Note that 7/50 and .14 are examples of
50 7 50
7
ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9ca6e7b4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Circles Hard

Trigonometry

ID: 9ca6e7b4

A circle has center , and points and lie on the circle. The measure of arc is and the length
of arc is inches. What is the circumference, in inches, of the circle?
A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9ca6e7b4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the measure of arc 𝐴𝐵 is 45° and the length of arc 𝐴𝐵 is 3 inches. The arc measure of
45°
the full circle is 360°. If 𝑥 represents the circumference, in inches, of the circle, it follows that
360°
= 𝑥3 inches
inches
. This equation
45 3 1 3
is equivalent to
360
= 𝑥 , or 8 = 𝑥 . Multiplying both sides of this equation by 8𝑥 yields 1 ( 𝑥 ) = 3 ( 8 ) , or 𝑥 = 24. Therefore,
the circumference of the circle is 24 inches.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the length of arc 𝐴𝐵.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from multiplying the length of arc 𝐴𝐵 by 2.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from squaring the length of arc 𝐴𝐵.

Question Difficulty: Hard