Question ID 88e13c8c

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 88e13c8c

The total cost , in dollars, to lease a car for months from a particular car dealership is given by ,
where is the monthly payment, in dollars. What is the total cost to lease a car when the monthly payment is ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 88e13c8c Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 is the total cost, in dollars, to lease a car from this dealership with a monthly
payment of 𝑥 dollars. Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, to lease the car when the monthly payment is $ 400 is
represented by the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 400. Substituting 400 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 36𝑥 + 1,000 yields
𝑓400 = 36400 + 1,000, or 𝑓400 = 15,400. Thus, when the monthly payment is $ 400, the total cost to lease a car is
$ 15,400.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8c5e6702
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8c5e6702

A window repair specialist charges for the first two hours of repair plus an hourly fee for each additional hour. The total
cost for hours of repair is . Which function gives the total cost, in dollars, for hours of repair, where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8c5e6702 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the window repair specialist charges $ 220 for the first two hours of repair plus an
hourly fee for each additional hour. Let 𝑛 represent the hourly fee for each additional hour after the first two hours.
Since it’s given that 𝑥 is the number of hours of repair, it follows that the charge generated by the hourly fee after the
first two hours can be represented by the expression 𝑛𝑥 - 2. Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair is
𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 𝑛𝑥 - 2. It’s given that the total cost for 5 hours of repair is $ 400. Substituting 5 for 𝑥 and 400 for 𝑓𝑥 into
the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 𝑛𝑥 - 2 yields 400 = 220 + 𝑛5 - 2, or 400 = 220 + 3𝑛. Subtracting 220 from both sides of this
equation yields 180 = 3𝑛. Dividing both sides of this equation by 3 yields 𝑛 = 60. Substituting 60 for 𝑛 in the equation
𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 𝑛𝑥 - 2 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 60𝑥 - 2, which is equivalent to 𝑓𝑥 = 220 + 60𝑥 - 120, or 𝑓𝑥 = 60𝑥 + 100.
Therefore, the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair is 𝑓𝑥 = 60𝑥 + 100.

Choice B is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair where the specialist
charges $ 340, rather than $ 220, for the first two hours of repair.

Choice C is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair where the specialist
charges $ 160, rather than $ 220, for the first two hours of repair, and an hourly fee of $ 80, rather than $ 60, after
the first two hours.

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents the total cost, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of repair where the specialist
charges $ 380, rather than $ 220, for the first two hours of repair, and an hourly fee of $ 80, rather than $ 60, after
the first two hours.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 548a4929
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 548a4929

The function is defined by . The graph of in the xy-plane has an x-intercept at and a y-
intercept at , where and are constants. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 548a4929 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where 𝑦 = 0. It's given that
function ℎ is defined by ℎ𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 28. Therefore, the equation representing the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28.
Substituting 0 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28 yields 0 = 4𝑥 + 28. Subtracting 28 from both sides of this equation
yields -28 = 4𝑥. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields -7 = 𝑥. Therefore, the x-intercept of the graph of
𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane is -7, 0. It's given that the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑎, 0. Therefore, 𝑎 = - 7. The y-
intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation
𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28 yields 𝑦 = 40 + 28, or 𝑦 = 28. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, 28. It's
given that the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 0, 𝑏. Therefore, 𝑏 = 28. If 𝑎 = - 7 and 𝑏 = 28, then the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏
is -7 + 28, or 21.

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

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of -𝑎 + 𝑏, not 𝑎 + 𝑏.

Question Difficulty: Medium

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 84664a7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 84664a7c

The front of a roller-coaster car is at the bottom of a hill and is 15 feet above the
ground. If the front of the roller-coaster car rises at a constant rate of 8 feet per
second, which of the following equations gives the height h, in feet, of the front of
the roller-coaster car s seconds after it starts up the hill?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 84664a7c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the front of the roller-coaster car starts rising when it’s 15 feet above the ground.
This initial height of 15 feet can be represented by a constant term, 15, in an equation. Each second, the front of the
roller-coaster car rises 8 feet, which can be represented by 8s. Thus, the equation gives the height, in

feet, of the front of the roller-coaster car s seconds after it starts up the hill.

Choices B and C are incorrect and may result from conceptual errors in creating a linear equation. Choice D is
incorrect and may result from switching the rate at which the roller-coaster car rises with its initial height.

Question Difficulty: Easy

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 06fc1726
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 06fc1726

If f is the function defined by ,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C. 3

D. 9

ID: 06fc1726 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. If , then .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from not multiplying x by 2 in the numerator. Choice B is incorrect and may
result from dividing 2x by 3 and then subtracting 1. Choice D is incorrect and may result from evaluating only the
numerator 2x – 1.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6863c7ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6863c7ce

The given equation represents the distance , in inches, where represents the number of seconds since an object started
moving. Which of the following is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. The object moved a total of inches.

B. The object moved a total of inches.

C. The object is moving at a rate of inches per second.

D. The object is moving at a rate of inches per second.

ID: 6863c7ce Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that in the equation 𝑑 = 16𝑡, 𝑑 represents the distance, in inches, and 𝑡 represents the
number of seconds since an object started moving. In this equation, 𝑡 is being multiplied by 16. This means that the
object’s distance increases by 16 inches each second. Therefore, the best interpretation of 16 in this context is that
the object is moving at a rate of 16 inches per second.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the best interpretation of 16𝑡, rather than 16, in this context.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a5834ea4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a5834ea4

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a5834ea4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. For the given linear function 𝑓, 𝑓𝑥 must equal 39 for all values of 𝑥. Of the given choices, only
choice B gives three values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑓𝑥 for the given linear function 𝑓.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0b332f00
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0b332f00

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

ID: 0b332f00 Answer

Correct Answer: 9

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 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
𝑦2 - 𝑦1
graph of a line containing any two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 can be found using the slope formula, 𝑚 = 𝑥2 - 𝑥1
. Since it’s
given that the graph of the linear function 𝑓 contains the points 0, 3 and 7, 31, it follows that the slope of the graph of
31 - 3
the line containing these points is 𝑚 = , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 and 3 for 𝑏 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields
7-0
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 0eae6be1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0eae6be1

The number is less than the number . Which equation represents the relationship between and ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0eae6be1 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the number 𝑦 is 84 less than the number 𝑥. A number that's 84 less than the
number 𝑥 is equivalent to 84 subtracted from the number 𝑥, or 𝑥 - 84. Therefore, the equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 - 84 represents the
relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 447fa970
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 447fa970

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

ID: 447fa970 Answer

Correct Answer: 30

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c1bd5301
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c1bd5301

A model predicts that a certain animal weighed pounds when it was born and that the animal gained pounds per day
in its first year of life. This model is defined by an equation in the form , where is the predicted weight,
in pounds, of the animal days after it was born, and and are constants. What is the value of ?

ID: c1bd5301 Answer

Correct Answer: 241

Rationale

The correct answer is 241. For a certain animal, it's given that a model predicts the animal weighed 241 pounds
when it was born and gained 3 pounds per day in its first year of life. It's also given that this model is defined by an
equation in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥, where 𝑓𝑥 is the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal 𝑥 days after it was born,
and 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants. It follows that 𝑎 represents the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal when it was
born and 𝑏 represents the predicted rate of weight gain, in pounds per day, in its first year of life. Thus, the value of 𝑎
is 241.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bf36c815
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bf36c815

The function g is defined by .

What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bf36c815 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The value of is found by substituting 0 for x in the function g. This yields ,
which can be rewritten as .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from misinterpreting the equation as instead of .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of x, not . Choice C is incorrect and may result from calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0d391910
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0d391910

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

ID: 0d391910 Answer

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale

The correct answer is 2. Substituting 8 for 𝑓𝑥 in the given equation yields 8 = 4𝑥. Dividing the left- and right-hand
sides of this equation by 4 yields 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 is 2 when 𝑓𝑥 = 8.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3f5375d9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3f5375d9
The line graphed in the xy-plane below models the total cost, in dollars, for a cab ride, y, in a certain city during
nonpeak hours based on the number of miles traveled, x.

According to the graph, what is the cost for each additional mile traveled, in
dollars, of a cab ride?

A. $2.00

B. $2.60

C. $3.00

D. $5.00

ID: 3f5375d9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The cost of each additional mile traveled is represented by the slope of the given line. The slope
of the line can be calculated by identifying two points on the line and then calculating the ratio of the change in y to

the change in x between the two points. Using the points and , the slope is equal to , or 2. Therefore,
the cost for each additional mile traveled of the cab ride is $2.00.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating the slope of the line that passes through the points and

. However, does not lie on the line shown. Choice C is incorrect. This is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept
of the graph and represents the flat fee for a cab ride before the charge for any miles traveled is added. Choice D is
incorrect. This value represents the total cost of a 1-mile cab ride.

Question Difficulty: Easy

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 = 𝑥 - 273.15 + 32 gives the temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit,
5
that corresponds to a temperature of 𝑥 kelvins. A temperature that increased by 9.10 kelvins means that the value of
9
𝑥 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 e470e19d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: e470e19d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e470e19d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The given function 𝑓 is a linear function. Therefore, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane has one
x-intercept at the point 𝑘, 0, where 𝑘 is a constant. Substituting 0 for 𝑓𝑥 and 𝑘 for 𝑥 in the given function yields
0 = 7𝑘 - 84. Adding 84 to both sides of this equation yields 84 = 7𝑘. Dividing both sides of this equation by 7 yields
12 = 𝑘. Therefore, the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 12, 0.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f7e39fe9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: f7e39fe9

The table shows four values of and their corresponding values of . There is a linear relationship between and
that is defined by the equation , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

ID: f7e39fe9 Answer

Correct Answer: 11

Rationale

The correct answer is 11. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 is defined by the equation 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑚𝑥 - 28, where 𝑚 is a constant. It's also
given in the table that when 𝑥 = 10, 𝑓𝑥 = 82. Substituting 10 for 𝑥 and 82 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 - 28 yields,
82 = 𝑚10 - 28. Adding 28 to both sides of this equation yields 110 = 10𝑚. Dividing both sides of this equation by 10
yields 11 = 𝑚. Therefore, the value of 𝑚 is 11.

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 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 = 𝑥 - 9 and 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 + 21. If the
4 4
1 3
function ℎ is defined as ℎ𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 𝑔𝑥, then substituting 4 𝑥 - 9 for 𝑓𝑥 and 4 𝑥 + 21 for 𝑔𝑥 in this function yields
1 3 4
ℎ𝑥 = 𝑥 - 9 + 𝑥 + 21. This can be rewritten as ℎ𝑥 = 𝑥 + 12, or ℎ𝑥 = 𝑥 + 12. The x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane
4 4 4
is the point on the graph 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 13294295
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 13294295

The graph shown models the number of candy bars a certain machine wraps with a label in seconds.

According to the graph, what is the estimated number of candy bars the machine wraps with a label per second?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 13294295 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. For the graph shown, the x-axis represents time, in seconds, and the y-axis represents the
number of candy bars wrapped. The slope of a line in the xy-plane is the change in 𝑦 for each 1-unit increase in 𝑥. It
follows that the slope of the graph shown represents the estimated number of candy bars the machine wraps with a
label per second. The slope, 𝑚, of a line in the xy-plane can be found using any two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , on the
𝑦2 - 𝑦1
line and the slope formula 𝑚 = 𝑥2 - 𝑥1
. The graph shown passes through the points 0, 0 and 2, 80. Substituting these
80 - 0 80
points for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the slope formula yields 𝑚 = , which is equivalent to 𝑚 = , or 𝑚 = 40.
2-0 2
Therefore, the estimated number of candy bars the machine wraps with a label per second is 40.
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3e9eaffc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3e9eaffc

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

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

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

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

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

ID: 3e9eaffc Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 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 a775af14
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a775af14

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a775af14 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b8cbe394
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: b8cbe394

Sean rents a tent at a cost of per day plus a onetime insurance fee of . Which equation represents the total cost , in
dollars, to rent the tent with insurance for days?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b8cbe394 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the cost of renting a tent is $ 11 per day for 𝑑 days. Multiplying the rental cost by
the number of days yields $ 11𝑑, which represents the cost of renting the tent for 𝑑 days before the insurance is
added. Adding the onetime insurance fee of $ 10 to the rental cost of $ 11𝑑 gives the total cost 𝑐, in dollars, which
can be represented by the equation 𝑐 = 11𝑑 + 10.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents the total cost to rent the tent if the insurance fee was charged every
day.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents the total cost to rent the tent if the daily fee was $ 𝑑 + 11 for 10 days.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents the total cost to rent the tent if the daily fee was $ 10 and the
onetime fee was $ 11.

Question Difficulty: Easy

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 12983c1e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 12983c1e

Some values of the linear function f are shown in the table above.
Which of the following defines f ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 12983c1e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Because f is a linear function of x, the equation , where m and b are constants, can
be used to define the relationship between x and f (x). In this equation, m represents the increase in the value of f (x)
for every increase in the value of x by 1. From the table, it can be determined that the value of f (x) increases by 8 for

every increase in the value of x by 2. In other words, for the function f the value of m is , or 4. The value of b can be

found by substituting the values of x and f (x) from any row of the table and the value of m into the equation
and solving for b. For example, using , , and yields . Solving for b

yields . Therefore, the equation defining the function f can be written in the form .

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Any equation defining the linear function f must give values of f (x) for
corresponding values of x, as shown in each row of the table. According to the table, if , . However,

substituting into the equation given in choice A gives , or , not 13. Similarly,

substituting into the equation given in choice B gives , or , not 13.

Lastly, substituting into the equation given in choice D gives , or , not 13. Therefore, the

equations in choices A, B, and D cannot define f.

Question Difficulty: Easy
Question ID 70d9516e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 70d9516e

A bus is traveling at a constant speed along a straight portion of road. The equation gives the distance , in feet
from a road marker, that the bus will be seconds after passing the marker. How many feet from the marker will the bus be
seconds after passing the marker?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 70d9516e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that 𝑡 represents the number of seconds after the bus passes the marker. Substituting 2
for 𝑡 in the given equation 𝑑 = 30𝑡 yields 𝑑 = 302, or 𝑑 = 60. Therefore, the bus will be 60 feet from the marker 2
seconds after passing it.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the distance, in feet, the bus will be from the marker 1 second, not 2 seconds, after
passing it.

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the distance, in feet, the bus will be from the marker 3 seconds, not 2 seconds, after
passing it.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 720e51ac
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 720e51ac

The cost , in dollars, for a manufacturer to make rings is represented by the line shown.

What is the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make rings?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 720e51ac Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The line shown represents the cost 𝑦, in dollars, for a manufacturer to make 𝑥 rings. For the line
shown, the x-axis represents the number of rings made by the manufacturer and the y-axis represents the cost, in
dollars. Therefore, the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make 60 rings is represented by the y-coordinate of
the point on the line that has an x-coordinate of 60. The point on the line with an x-coordinate of 60 has a y-
coordinate of 175. Therefore, the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make 60 rings is 175.

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make 20 rings.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the cost, in dollars, for the manufacturer to make 100 rings.

Question Difficulty: Easy

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.

B.

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 f79fffba
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: f79fffba

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f79fffba Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The value of ℎ-2 can be found by substituting -2 for 𝑥 in the equation defining ℎ. Substituting -2
for 𝑥 in ℎ𝑥 = 3𝑥 - 7 yields ℎ-2 = 3-2 - 7, or ℎ-2 = - 13. Therefore, the value of ℎ-2 is -13.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of ℎ-1, not ℎ-2.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a9039591
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a9039591

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a9039591 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a396ed75
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a396ed75

For a training program, Juan rides his bike at an average rate of minutes per mile. Which function models the number
of minutes it will take Juan to ride miles at this rate?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a396ed75 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It′s given that Juan rides his bike at an average rate of 5.7 minutes per mile. The number of
minutes it will take Juan to ride 𝑥 miles can be determined by multiplying his average rate by the number of miles, 𝑥
, which yields 5.7𝑥. Therefore, the function 𝑚𝑥 = 5.7𝑥 models the number of minutes it will take Juan to ride 𝑥 miles.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 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 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 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 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 a309803e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a309803e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a309803e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that 𝑤 represents the total wall area, in square feet. Since the walls of the room will be
painted twice, the amount of paint, in gallons, needs to cover 2𝑤 square feet. It’s also given that one gallon of paint
will cover 220 square feet. Dividing the total area, in square feet, of the surface to be painted by the number of square
feet covered by one gallon of paint gives the number of gallons of paint that will be needed. Dividing 2𝑤 by 220
2𝑤 𝑤
yields , or . Therefore, the equation that represents the total amount of paint 𝑃, in gallons, needed to paint the
220 110
𝑤
walls of the room twice is 𝑃 = 110
.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bf883fde
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bf883fde

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bf883fde Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3462d850
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

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

Which of the following does 45 represent in the equation?

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

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

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

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

ID: 3462d850 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3122fc7b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3122fc7b

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

ID: 3122fc7b Answer

Correct Answer: 257

Rationale

The correct answer is 257. It’s given that a linear model estimates the population of a city from 1991 to 2015. Since
the population can be estimated using a linear model, it follows that there is a constant rate of change for the model.
It’s also given that the model estimates the population was 57 thousand in 1991, 224 thousand in 2011, and 𝑥
thousand in 2015. The change in the population between 2011 and 1991 is 224 - 57, or 167, thousand. The change in
the number of years between 2011 and 1991 is 2011 - 1991, or 20, years. Dividing 167 by 20 gives 167 / 20, or 8.35,
thousand per year. Thus, the change in population per year from 1991 to 2015 estimated by the model is 8.35
thousand. The change in the number of years between 2015 and 2011 is 2015 - 2011, or 4, years. Multiplying the
change in population per year by the change in number of years yields the increase in population from 2011 to 2015
estimated by the model: 8.354, or 33.4, thousand. Adding the change in population from 2011 to 2015 estimated by
the model to the estimated population in 2011 yields the estimated population in 2015. Thus, the estimated
population in 2015 is 33.4 + 224, or 257.4, thousand. Therefore to the nearest whole number, the value of 𝑥 is 257.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 23dedddd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 23dedddd

In the linear function , and . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 23dedddd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Since 𝑓 is a linear function, it can be defined by an equation of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and
𝑏 are constants. It's given that 𝑓0 = 8. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 8 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 8 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or
8 = 𝑏. Substituting 8 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8. It's given that 𝑓1 = 12. Substituting 1 for 𝑥
and 12 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8 yields 12 = 𝑎1 + 8, or 12 = 𝑎 + 8. Subtracting 8 from both sides of this
equation yields 𝑎 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑎 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 8. Therefore, an equation that
defines 𝑓 is 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 8.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c8fb6bcb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c8fb6bcb

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c8fb6bcb Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 244 represents the perimeter, in centimeters ( cm ) , of a rectangle with a
length of 𝑥 cm and a fixed width. If 𝑤 represents a fixed width, in cm, then the perimeter, in cm, of a rectangle with a
length of 𝑥 cm and a fixed width of 𝑤 cm can be given by the function 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑤. Therefore, 2𝑥 + 2𝑤 = 2𝑥 + 244.
Subtracting 2𝑥 from both sides of this equation yields 2𝑤 = 244. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields
𝑤 = 122. Therefore, the width, in cm, of the rectangle is 122.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 56dc8045
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 56dc8045

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 56dc8045 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑤 models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container 𝑡 seconds
after it begins draining from a hole at the bottom. The given function 𝑤𝑡 = 300 - 4𝑡 can be rewritten as
𝑤𝑡 = - 4𝑡 + 300. Thus, for each increase of 𝑡 by 1, the value of 𝑤𝑡 decreases by 4 ( 1 ) , or 4. Therefore, the predicted
volume, in milliliters, draining from the container each second is 4 milliliters.

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

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 6989c80a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6989c80a

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6989c80a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

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 2.10 kelvins means that the value of
9
𝑥 increased by 2.10 kelvins. It follows that an increase in 𝑥 by 2.10 increases 𝐹 ( 𝑥 ) by 2.10, or 3.78. Therefore, if a
5
temperature increased by 2.10 kelvins, the temperature increased by 3.78 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c4d49134
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c4d49134

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: c4d49134 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. In the given equation, 𝑠 is the speed, in miles per hour, of a certain car 𝑡 seconds after it began to
accelerate. Therefore, the speed of the car, in miles per hour, 5 seconds after it began to accelerate can be found by
substituting 5 for 𝑡 in the given equation, which yields 𝑠 = 40 + 35, or 𝑠 = 55. Thus, the speed of the car 5 seconds
after it began to accelerate is 55 miles per hour.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 255996a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 255996a6

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

A. 16

B. 32

C. 55

D. 88

ID: 255996a6 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since Brittany’s total take-home pay was $1,576, the value 1,576 can be substituted for T in the
given equation to give . Subtracting 1,000 from both sides of this equation

gives . Dividing both sides of this equation by 18 gives . Therefore, Brittany was paid for 32 hours

for her first week of work.

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a1696f3e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a1696f3e

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

, what is the value of a ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a1696f3e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c01f4a95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c01f4a95

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

ID: c01f4a95 Answer

Correct Answer: 39

Rationale

The correct answer is 39. It’s given that for the linear function 𝑗, 𝑚 is a constant and 𝑗12 = 18. Substituting 12 for 𝑥
and 18 for 𝑗𝑥 in the given equation yields 18 = 𝑚12 + 144. Subtracting 144 from both sides of this equation yields
-126 = 𝑚12. Dividing both sides of this equation by 12 yields -10.5 = 𝑚. Substituting -10.5 for 𝑚 in the given
equation, 𝑗𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 144, yields 𝑗𝑥 = - 10.5𝑥 + 144. Substituting 10 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑗10 = -10.510 + 144, or
𝑗10 = 39. Therefore, the value of 𝑗10 is 39.

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 7e1bff94
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 7e1bff94

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

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7e1bff94 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that there is a linear relationship between a plumber's hours of labor, ℎ, and the
plumber's total charge 𝑓ℎ, in dollars. It follows that the relationship can be represented by an equation of the form
𝑓ℎ = 𝑚ℎ + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the rate of change of the function 𝑓 and 𝑏 is a constant. The rate of change of 𝑓 can be
calculated by dividing the difference in two values of 𝑓ℎ by the difference in the corresponding values of ℎ. Based on
285 - 155
the values given in the table, the rate of change of 𝑓 is 3-1
, or 65. Substituting 65 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑓ℎ = 𝑚ℎ + 𝑏
yields 𝑓ℎ = 65ℎ + 𝑏. The value of 𝑏 can be found by substituting any value of ℎ and its corresponding value of 𝑓ℎ for ℎ
and 𝑓ℎ, respectively, in this equation. Substituting 1 for ℎ and 155 for 𝑓ℎ yields 155 = 651 + 𝑏, or 155 = 65 + 𝑏.
Subtracting 65 from both sides of this equation yields 90 = 𝑏. Substituting 90 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓ℎ = 65ℎ + 𝑏
yields 𝑓 ( ℎ ) = 65ℎ + 90.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0cadb20e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0cadb20e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0cadb20e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

𝑥 + 15
Choice C is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 5
and 𝑓𝑎 = 10, where 𝑎 is a constant. Therefore, for the given function 𝑓,
𝑎 + 15
when 𝑥 = 𝑎, 𝑓𝑥 = 10. Substituting 𝑎 for 𝑥 and 10 for 𝑓𝑥 in the given function 𝑓 yields 10 = 5
. Multiplying both
sides of this equation by 5 yields 50 = 𝑎 + 15. Subtracting 15 from both sides of this equation yields 35 = 𝑎.
Therefore, the value of 𝑎 is 35.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓𝑎 = 4.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓𝑎 = 5.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓𝑎 = 16.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 13909d78
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 13909d78

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 13909d78 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Substituting 9 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 𝑓9 = 1009 + 2, or 𝑓9 = 902. Therefore, the value
of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 9 is 902.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 1.09.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 1.16.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓𝑥 when 𝑥 = 8.98.

Question Difficulty: Easy

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 de6fe450
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: de6fe450

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: de6fe450 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

follows that the minimum hourly wage, in dollars, x years after January 1, 2015, is represented by .

Therefore, the function best models this situation.

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID cee5b352
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: cee5b352

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: cee5b352 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that the length of the whale was 162 cm when it was born and that its length
increased an average of 4.8 cm per month for the first 12 months after it was born. Since 𝑥 represents the number of
months after the whale was born, the total increase in the whale's length, in cm, is 4.8 times 𝑥, or 4.8𝑥. The length of
the whale 𝑦, in cm, can be found by adding the whale's length at birth, 162 cm, to the total increase in length,
4.8𝑥 cm. Therefore, the equation that best represents this situation is 𝑦 = 4.8𝑥 + 162.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 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 aad7e1b9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: aad7e1b9

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: aad7e1b9 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The y-intercept of the graph of a function in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where 𝑥 = 0.
1 1
It′s given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 2. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑓0 = 0 - 2, or 𝑓0 = - 2. Since it′s given that
10 10
𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, it follows that 𝑦 = - 2 when 𝑥 = 0. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, - 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: Easy

Question ID 1bc11c4e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 1bc11c4e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1bc11c4e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the function 𝑔 models the number of gallons that remain from a full gas tank in a
car after driving 𝑚 miles. In the given function 𝑔𝑚 = - 0.05𝑚 + 12.1, the coefficient of 𝑚 is -0.05. This means that for
every increase in the value of 𝑚 by 1, the value of 𝑔𝑚 decreases by 0.05. It follows that for each mile driven, there is a
decrease of 0.05 gallons of gasoline. Therefore, 0.05 gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile.

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

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 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

D. The number of feet Sheila’s bicycle traveled from the time she began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a
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 6efcc0a3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6efcc0a3

In the linear function , and . Which equation defines ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6efcc0a3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. An equation defining a linear function can be written in the form ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are
constants. It’s given that ℎ0 = 41. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 41 for ℎ𝑥 in the equation ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 41 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or
𝑏 = 41. Substituting 41 for 𝑏 in the equation ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 41. It’s also given that ℎ1 = 40. Substituting 1
for 𝑥 and 40 for ℎ𝑥 in the equation ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 41 yields 40 = 𝑎1 + 41, or 40 = 𝑎 + 41. Subtracting 41 from the left- and
right-hand sides of this equation yields -1 = 𝑎. Substituting -1 for 𝑎 in the equation ℎ𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 41 yields ℎ𝑥 = - 1𝑥 + 41,
or ℎ𝑥 = - 𝑥 + 41.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 41 for ℎ𝑥 in this equation yields 41 = - 0, which isn't a true statement.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 41 for ℎ𝑥 in this equation yields 41 = - 410, or 41 = 0, which isn't a true
statement.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting 41 for ℎ𝑥 in this equation yields 41 = - 41, which isn't a true statement.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 776cfa7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 776cfa7c

Hana deposited a fixed amount into her bank account each month. The function gives the amount, in
dollars, in Hana's bank account after monthly deposits. What is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. With each monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account increased by .

B. Before Hana made any monthly deposits, the amount in her bank account was .

C. After monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account was .

D. Hana made a total of monthly deposits.

ID: 776cfa7c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that 𝑡 represents the number of monthly deposits. In the given function 𝑓𝑡 = 100 + 25𝑡,
the coefficient of 𝑡 is 25. This means that for every increase in the value of 𝑡 by 1, the value of 𝑓𝑡 increases by 25. It
follows that with each monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account increased by $ 25.

Choice B is incorrect. Before Hana made any monthly deposits, the amount in her bank account was $ 100.

Choice C is incorrect. After 1 monthly deposit, the amount in Hana's bank account was $ 125.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 73b5f330
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 73b5f330

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 73b5f330 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 5𝑥 + 8. Substituting 58 for 𝑓𝑥 in this equation
yields 58 = 5𝑥 + 8. Subtracting 8 from both sides of this equation yields 50 = 5𝑥. Dividing both sides of this equation
by 5 yields 10 = 𝑥. Therefore, the value of 𝑥 when 𝑓𝑥 = 58 is 10.

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. This is the value of 𝑓58, not the value of 𝑥 when 𝑓𝑥 = 58.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 81390d6c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 81390d6c

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 81390d6c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a04050d8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a04050d8

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 the 180 food
calories in a granola bar come entirely from p grams of protein, f grams of fat, and
c grams of carbohydrate, which of the following expresses f in terms of p and c ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a04050d8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It is given that there are 4.0 food calories per gram of protein, 9.0 food calories per gram of fat,
and 4.0 food calories per gram of carbohydrate. If 180 food calories in a granola bar came from p grams of protein, f
grams of fat, and c grams of carbohydrate, then the situation can be represented by the equation

. The equation can then be rewritten in terms of f by subtracting 4p and 4c from both sides of the equation and then

dividing both sides of the equation by 9. The result is the equation .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may be the result of not representing the situation with the correct equation or
incorrectly rewriting the equation in terms of f.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID daad7c32
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: daad7c32

An object hangs from a spring. The formula relates the length , in

centimeters, of the spring to the weight w, in newtons, of the object. Which of the
following describes the meaning of the 2 in this context?

A. The length, in centimeters, of the spring with no weight attached

B. The weight, in newtons, of an object that will stretch the spring 30 centimeters

C. The increase in the weight, in newtons, of the object for each one-centimeter increase in the length of the spring

D. The increase in the length, in centimeters, of the spring for each one-newton increase in the weight of the object

ID: daad7c32 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The value 2 is multiplied by w, the weight of the object. When the weight is 0, the length is 30 +
2(0) = 30 centimeters. If the weight increases by w newtons, the length increases by 2w centimeters, or 2
centimeters for each one-newton increase in weight.

Choice A is incorrect because this describes the value 30. Choice B is incorrect because 30 represents the length of
the spring before it has been stretched. Choice C is incorrect because this describes the value w.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 023c0a8d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 023c0a8d

For the function f, if for all values of x,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 023c0a8d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It’s given that for all values of x. If , then will equal . Dividing both

sides of by 3 gives . Therefore, substituting 2 for x in the given equation yields , which

can be rewritten as .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of the constant in the given equation for f. Choice C is incorrect and may
result from substituting , rather than , into the given equation. Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of x

that yields for the left-hand side of the given equation; it’s not the value of .

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 441558e7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 441558e7

Scientists collected fallen acorns that each housed a colony of the ant species P. ohioensis and analyzed each colony's
structure. For any of these colonies, if the colony has worker ants, the equation , where ,
gives the predicted number of larvae, , in the colony. If one of these colonies has worker ants, which of the following is
closest to the predicted number of larvae in the colony?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 441558e7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the equation 𝑦 = 0.67𝑥 + 2.6, where 20 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 110, gives the predicted number of
larvae, 𝑦, in a colony of ants if the colony has 𝑥 worker ants. If one of these colonies has 58 worker ants, the
predicted number of larvae in that colony can be found by substituting 58 for 𝑥 in the given equation. Substituting
58 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 𝑦 = 0.6758 + 2.6, or 𝑦 = 41.46. Of the given choices, 41 is closest to the predicted
number of larvae in the colony.

Choice B is incorrect. This is closest to the predicted number of larvae in a colony with 87 worker ants.

Choice C is incorrect. This is closest to the number of worker ants for which the predicted number of larvae in a
colony is 58.

Choice D is incorrect. This is closest to the predicted number of larvae in a colony with 280 worker ants.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2eef7e61
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 2eef7e61

The graph of the function f is a line in the xy-plane. If the line has slope and

, which of the following defines f?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2eef7e61 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The equation for the function f in the xy-plane can be represented by , where m is

the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Since it’s given that the line has a slope of , it follows that

in , which yields . It’s given that . This implies that the graph of the

function f in the xy-plane passes through the point . Thus, the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph is 3,

so in , which yields . Therefore, the equation defines the function

f.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from a sign error for the y-intercept. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
using the denominator of the given slope as m in , in addition to a sign error for the y-intercept.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from using the denominator of the given slope as m in .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f0773a55
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: f0773a55

The graph represents the total charge, in dollars, by an electrician for hours of work. The electrician charges a onetime fee
plus an hourly rate. What is the best interpretation of the slope of the graph?

A. The electrician’s hourly rate

B. The electrician’s onetime fee

C. The maximum amount that the electrician charges

D. The total amount that the electrician charges

ID: f0773a55 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the electrician charges a onetime fee plus an hourly rate. It's also given that the
graph represents the total charge, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of work. This graph shows a linear relationship in the xy-
plane. Thus, the total charge 𝑦, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of work can be represented as 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope
and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane. Since the given graph represents the total
charge, in dollars, by an electrician for 𝑥 hours of work, it follows that its slope is 𝑚, or the electrician’s hourly rate.
Choice B is incorrect. The electrician's onetime fee is represented by the y-coordinate of the y-intercept, not the
slope, of the graph.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0ea7ef01
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 0ea7ef01

Oxygen gas is placed inside a tank with a constant volume. The graph shows the estimated temperature , in kelvins, of the
oxygen gas when its pressure is atmospheres.

What is the estimated temperature, in kelvins, of the oxygen gas when its pressure is atmospheres?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0ea7ef01 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. For the graph shown, the x-axis represents pressure, in atmospheres, and the y-axis represents
temperature, in kelvins. Therefore, the estimated temperature, in kelvins, of the oxygen gas when its pressure is 6
atmospheres is represented by the y-coordinate of the point on the graph that has an x-coordinate of 6. The point on
the graph with an x-coordinate of 6 has a y-coordinate of approximately 700. Therefore, the estimated temperature,
in kelvins, of the oxygen gas when its pressure is 6 atmospheres is 700.
Choice A is incorrect. This is the pressure, in atmospheres, not the estimated temperature, in kelvins, of the oxygen
gas when its pressure is 6 atmospheres.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 1ecaa9c0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 1ecaa9c0

Robert rented a truck to transport materials he purchased from a hardware store.

He was charged an initial fee of $20.00 plus an additional $0.70 per mile driven. If
the truck was driven 38 miles, what was the total amount Robert was charged?

A. $46.60

B. $52.90

C. $66.90

D. $86.50

ID: 1ecaa9c0 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that Robert was charged an initial fee of $20.00 to rent the truck plus an additional
$0.70 per mile driven. Let m represent the number of miles the truck was driven. Since the rental charge is $0.70 per
mile driven, represents the amount Robert was charged for m miles driven. Let c equal the total amount, in
dollars, Robert was charged to rent the truck. The total amount can be represented by the equation
. It’s given that the truck was driven 38 miles, thus . Substituting 38 into the equation

gives . Multiplying gives . Adding these values gives , so

the total amount Robert was charged is $46.60.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from setting up the equation incorrectly or from making calculation
errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 3ce92ce8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3ce92ce8

For the given function , the graph of in the xy-plane is parallel to line . What is the slope of line ?

ID: 3ce92ce8 Answer

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale

The correct answer is 2. It’s given that function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3. Therefore, the equation representing the
graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3, and the graph is a line. For a linear equation in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, 𝑚
represents the slope of the line. Since the value of 𝑚 in the equation 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 is 2, the slope of the line defined by
function 𝑓 is 2. It's given that line 𝑗 is parallel to the line defined by function 𝑓. The slopes of parallel lines are equal.
Therefore, the slope of line 𝑗 is also 2.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8a6de407
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8a6de407

The function f is defined by , where m and b are constants. If

and , what is the value of m ?

ID: 8a6de407 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 2. The slope-intercept form of an equation for a line is , where m is the slope and b
is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Two ordered pairs, and , can be used to compute the slope using

the formula . It’s given that and ; therefore, the two ordered pairs for this line are

and . Substituting these values for and gives , or 2.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8643d906
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8643d906

The population of snow leopards in a certain area can be modeled by the function
P defined above, where is the population t years after 1990. Of the following,

which is the best interpretation of the equation ?

A. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 30 in the year 2020.

B. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 30 in the year 2030.

C. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 550 in the year 2020.

D. The snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 550 in the year 2030.

ID: 8643d906 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that represents the population of snow leopards t years after 1990.
corresponds to and . It follows that corresponds to 30 years after 1990, or 2020. Thus, the best

interpretation of is that the snow leopard population in this area is predicted to be 550 in the year 2020.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from reversing the interpretations of t and . Choice D is incorrect

and may result from determining that 30 years after 1990 is 2030, not 2020.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID bbf9e5ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: bbf9e5ce

For groups of or more people, a museum charges per person for the first people and for each additional
person. Which function gives the total charge, in dollars, for a tour group with people, where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bbf9e5ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A tour group with 𝑛 people, where 𝑛 ≥ 25, can be split into two subgroups: the first 25 people and
the additional 𝑛 - 25 people. Since the museum charges $ 21 per person for the first 25 people and $ 14 for each
additional person, the charge for the first 25 people is $ 21 ( 25 ) and the charge for the additional 𝑛 - 25 people is
$ 14 ( 𝑛 - 25 ) . Therefore, the total charge, in dollars, is given by the function 𝑓 ( 𝑛 ) = 21 ( 25 ) + 14 ( 𝑛 - 25 ) , or
𝑓 ( 𝑛 ) = 14𝑛 + 175.

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 a4d6fbec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a4d6fbec

If , what is the value of when ?

ID: a4d6fbec Answer

Correct Answer: 50

Rationale

The correct answer is 50. Substituting 8 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 𝑦 = 58 + 10, or 𝑦 = 50. Therefore, the value
of 𝑦 is 50 when 𝑥 = 8.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 41fdc0b8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 41fdc0b8

The table above shows the population of Greenleaf, Idaho, for the years 2000 and 2010. If the relationship between
population and year is linear, which of the following functions P models the population of Greenleaf t years after 2000?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 41fdc0b8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It is given that the relationship between population and year is linear; therefore, the function
that models the population t years after 2000 is of the form , where m is the slope and b is the

population when . In the year 2000, . Therefore, . The slope is given by

. Therefore, , which is equivalent to the

equation in choice A.

Choice B is incorrect and may be the result of incorrectly calculating the slope as just the change in the value of P.
Choice C is incorrect and may be the result of the same error as in choice B, in addition to incorrectly using t to
represent the year, instead of the number of years after 2000. Choice D is incorrect and may be the result of
incorrectly using t to represent the year instead of the number of years after 2000.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a73a5c22
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a73a5c22

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a73a5c22 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The value of 𝑔𝑥 when 𝑥 = 8 can be found by substituting 8 for 𝑥 in the given equation
𝑔𝑥 = 10𝑥 + 8. This yields 𝑔8 = 108 + 8, or 𝑔8 = 88. Therefore, when 𝑥 = 8, the value of 𝑔𝑥 is 88.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 when 𝑔𝑥 = 8, rather than the value of 𝑔𝑥 when 𝑥 = 8.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5ad6bc97
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 5ad6bc97

The function gives the total number of people on a company retreat with managers. What is the total number of people on
a company retreat with managers?

ID: 5ad6bc97 Answer

Correct Answer: 50

Rationale

The correct answer is 50. It's given that the function 𝑓 gives the total number of people on a company retreat with 𝑥
managers. It's also given that 7 managers are on the company retreat. Substituting 7 for 𝑥 in the given
function yields 𝑓7 = 77 + 1, or 𝑓7 = 50. Therefore, there are a total of 50 people on a company retreat with 7
managers.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a8e6bd75
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a8e6bd75

Which of the following is the graph of the equation

in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.
 ID: a8e6bd75 Answer
Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. In the xy-plane, the graph of the equation , where m and b are constants, is a line
with slope m and y-intercept . Therefore, the graph of in the xy-plane is a line with slope 2 and a y-

intercept . Having a slope of 2 means that for each increase in x by 1, the value of y increases by 2. Only the
graph in choice D has a slope of 2 and crosses the y-axis at . Therefore, the graph shown in choice D must be

the correct answer.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The graph of in the xy-plane is a line with slope 2 and a y-intercept at

. The graph in choice A crosses the y-axis at the point , not , and it has a slope of , not 2. The

graph in choice B crosses the y-axis at ; however, the slope of this line is , not 2. The graph in choice C has
a slope of 2; however, the graph crosses the y-axis at , not .

Question Difficulty: Easy