Question ID d1b66ae6

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d1b66ae6

If satisfies the system of equations

above, what is the value of y ?

ID: d1b66ae6 Answer

Rationale

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

. It follows that . Finally, dividing both sides of by 4 yields or . Note that 3/2

and 1.5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cb8f449f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: cb8f449f

The system of equations above has solution (x,

y). What is the value of x ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: cb8f449f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

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

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may be the result of errors when solving the system.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID ff501705
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ff501705

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

ID: ff501705 Answer

Correct Answer: 6

Rationale

The correct answer is 6. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct. Lines represented by equations in standard
form, 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 and 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 = 𝐹, are parallel if the coefficients for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in one equation are proportional to the
𝐷 𝐸
corresponding coefficients in the other equation, meaning = ; and the lines are distinct if the constants are not
𝐴 𝐵
𝐹 𝐷 𝐸 3 1 2 3
proportional, meaning is not equal to or . The first equation in the given system is 𝑦 - 𝑥 = - 𝑦. Multiplying
𝐶 𝐴 𝐵 2 4 3 2
each side of this equation by 12 yields 18𝑦 - 3𝑥 = 8 - 18𝑦. Adding 18𝑦 to each side of this equation yields 36𝑦 - 3𝑥 = 8,
1 3 9
or -3𝑥 + 36𝑦 = 8. The second equation in the given system is 𝑥 + = 𝑝𝑦 + . Multiplying each side of this equation
2 2 2
by 2 yields 𝑥 + 3 = 2𝑝𝑦 + 9. Subtracting 2𝑝𝑦 from each side of this equation yields 𝑥 + 3 - 2𝑝𝑦 = 9. Subtracting 3 from
each side of this equation yields 𝑥 - 2𝑝𝑦 = 6. Therefore, the two equations in the given system, written in standard
form, are -3𝑥 + 36𝑦 = 8 and 𝑥 - 2𝑝𝑦 = 6. As previously stated, if this system has no solution, the lines represented by
1 -2𝑝 1 𝑝
the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct, meaning the proportion = , or - = - , is true and the
-3 36 3 18
6 1 6 1 1 𝑝
proportion 8
= -3
is not true. The proportion 8
= -3
is not true. Multiplying each side of the true proportion, - 3 = - 18 ,
by -18 yields 6 = 𝑝. Therefore, if the system has no solution, then the value of 𝑝 is 6.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b86123af
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b86123af

Hiro and Sofia purchased shirts and pants from a store. The price of each shirt
purchased was the same and the price of each pair of pants purchased was the
same. Hiro purchased 4 shirts and 2 pairs of pants for $86, and Sofia purchased 3
shirts and 5 pairs of pants for $166. Which of the following systems of linear
equations represents the situation, if x represents the price, in dollars, of each shirt
and y represents the price, in dollars, of each pair of pants?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b86123af Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Hiro purchased 4 shirts and each shirt cost x dollars, so he spent a total of 4x dollars on shirts.
Likewise, Hiro purchased 2 pairs of pants, and each pair of pants cost y dollars, so he spent a total of 2y dollars on
pants. Therefore, the total amount that Hiro spent was 4x + 2y. Since Hiro spent $86 in total, this can be modeled by
the equation 4x + 2y = 86. Using the same reasoning, Sofia bought 3 shirts at x dollars each and 5 pairs of pants at
y dollars each, so she spent a total of 3x + 5y dollars on shirts and pants. Since Sofia spent $166 in total, this can be
modeled by the equation 3x + 5y = 166.

Choice B is incorrect and may be the result of switching the number of shirts Sofia purchased with the number of
pairs of pants Hiro purchased. Choice C is incorrect and may be the result of switching the total price each person
paid. Choice D is incorrect and may be the result of switching the total price each person paid as well as switching
the number of shirts Sofia purchased with the number of pairs of pants Hiro purchased.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 608eeb6e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 608eeb6e

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 608eeb6e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Adding the second equation of the given system to the first equation yields 5𝑥 + -4𝑥 + 𝑦 = 15 + -2
, which is equivalent to 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 13. So the value of 𝑥 + 𝑦 is 13.

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of - ( 𝑥 + 𝑦 ) .

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b0fc3166
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b0fc3166

The graph of a system of linear equations is shown. What is the solution to the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b0fc3166 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The solution to this system of linear equations is represented by the point that lies on both lines
shown, or the point of intersection of the two lines. According to the graph, the point of intersection occurs when
𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 3, or at the point 2, 3. Therefore, the solution 𝑥, 𝑦 to the system is 2, 3.

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 bf4a8b6a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: bf4a8b6a

A company that provides whale-watching tours takes groups of people at a time. The company’s revenue is dollars per
adult and dollars per child. If the company’s revenue for one group consisting of adults and children was dollars,
how many people in the group were children?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: bf4a8b6a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Let 𝑥 represent the number of children in a whale-watching tour group. Let 𝑦 represent the
number of adults in this group. Because it's given that 21 people are in a group and the group consists of adults and
children, it must be true that 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 21. Since the company's revenue is 60 dollars per child, the total revenue from 𝑥
children in this group was 60𝑥 dollars. Since the company's revenue is 80 dollars per adult, the total revenue from 𝑦
adults in this group was 80𝑦 dollars. Because it's given that the total revenue for this group was 1,440 dollars, it must
be true that 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,440. The equations 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 21 and 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,440 form a linear system of equations that
can be solved to find the value of 𝑥, which represents the number of children in the group, using the elimination
method. Multiplying both sides of the equation 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 21 by 80 yields 80𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,680. Subtracting
60𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,440 from 80𝑥 + 80𝑦 = 1,680 yields ( 80𝑥 + 80𝑦 ) - ( 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 ) = 1,680 - 1,440, which is equivalent to
80𝑥 - 60𝑥 + 80𝑦 - 80𝑦 = 240, or 20𝑥 = 240. Dividing both sides of this equation by 20 yields 𝑥 = 12. Therefore, 12 people
in the group were children.

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of adults in the group, not the number of children in the group.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0dd6227f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0dd6227f

At how many points do the graphs of the equations and intersect in the xy-plane?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 0dd6227f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Each given equation is written in slope-intercept form, 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. The graphs of two lines that have different slopes will
intersect at exactly one point. The graph of the first equation is a line with slope 1. The graph of the second equation
is a line with slope 8. Since the graphs are lines with different slopes, they will intersect at exactly one point.

Choice A is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations have 0 intersection points only if they are parallel and
therefore have the same slope.

Choice C is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations in the xy-plane can have only 0, 1, or infinitely many
points of intersection.

Choice D is incorrect because two graphs of linear equations in the xy-plane can have only 0, 1, or infinitely many
points of intersection.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7efe5495
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 7efe5495

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7efe5495 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given by the first equation in the system that 𝑦 = 3𝑥. Substituting 3𝑥 for 𝑦 in the equation
2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 12 yields 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 12, or 5𝑥 = 12.

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 71189542
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 71189542

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

A. 30

B. 20

C. 19

D. 18

ID: 71189542 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Let x represent the number of 2-person tents and let y represent the number of 4-person tents. It
is given that the total number of tents was 60 and the total number of people in the group was 202. This situation
can be expressed as a system of two equations, and . The first equation can be rewritten as
. Substituting for y in the equation yields . Distributing

and combining like terms gives . Subtracting 240 from both sides of and then

dividing both sides by gives . Therefore, the number of 2-person tents is 19.

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

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

number of 2-person tents.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice may result from assuming exactly half of the tents hold 2 people. If that were true,
then the total number of people who slept in tents would be ; however, the total number of

people who slept in tents was 202, not 180. Choice B is incorrect. If 20 tents were 2-person tents, then the remaining
40 tents would be 4-person tents. Since all the tents were filled to capacity, the total number of people who slept in
tents would be ; however, the total number of people who slept in tents was 202, not

200. Choice D is incorrect. If 18 tents were 2-person tents, then the remaining 42 tents would be 4-person tents.
Since all the tents were filled to capacity, the total number of people who slept in tents would be
; however, the total number of people who slept in tents was 202, not 204.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dba8d38a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: dba8d38a

A petting zoo sells two types of tickets. The standard ticket, for admission only,
costs $5. The premium ticket, which includes admission and food to give to the
animals, costs $12. One Saturday, the petting zoo sold a total of 250 tickets and
collected a total of $2,300 from ticket sales. Which of the following systems of
equations can be used to find the number of standard tickets, s, and premium
tickets, p, sold on that Saturday?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dba8d38a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the petting zoo sells two types of tickets, standard and premium, and that s
represents the number of standard tickets sold and p represents the number of premium tickets sold. It’s also given
that the petting zoo sold 250 tickets on one Saturday; thus, . It’s also given that each standard ticket

costs $5 and each premium ticket costs $12. Thus, the amount collected in ticket sales can be represented by for

standard tickets and for premium tickets. On that Saturday the petting zoo collected a total of $2,300 from
ticket sales; thus, . These two equations are correctly represented in choice A.

Choice B is incorrect. The second equation in the system represents the cost per standard ticket as $12, not $5, and
the cost per premium ticket as $5, not $12. Choices C and D are incorrect. The equations represent the total collected
from standard and premium ticket sales as $250, not $2,300, and the total number of standard and premium tickets
sold as $2,300, not $250. Additionally, the first equation in choice D represents the cost per standard ticket as $12, not
$5, and the cost per premium ticket as $5, not $12.
Question Difficulty: Easy
Question ID 317e80f9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 317e80f9

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 317e80f9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The second equation in the given system defines the value of 𝑥 as 5𝑦. Substituting 5𝑦 for 𝑥 into
the first equation yields 5𝑦 + 𝑦 = 18 or 6𝑦 = 18. Dividing each side of this equation by 6 yields 𝑦 = 3. Substituting 3
for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 53 = 𝑥 or 𝑥 = 15. Therefore, the solution 𝑥, 𝑦 to the given system of equations is
15, 3.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting 16 for 𝑥 and 2 for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 52 = 16, which is not true.
Therefore, 16, 2 is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice C is incorrect. Substituting 17 for 𝑥 and 1 for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 51 = 17, which is not true.
Therefore, 17, 1 is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice D is incorrect. Substituting 18 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑦 in the second equation yields 50 = 18, which is not true.
Therefore, 18, 0 is not a solution to the given system of equations.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6a87902f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 6a87902f

At how many points do the graphs of the given equations intersect in the xy-plane?

A. Zero

B. Exactly one

C. Exactly two

D. Infinitely many

ID: 6a87902f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has zero points of intersection if the
lines represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in slope-intercept form, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, are distinct if the y-coordinates of their y-intercepts, 𝑏,
are different and are parallel if their slopes, 𝑚, are the same. For the two equations in the given system, 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 10
and 𝑦 = 2𝑥 - 1, the values of 𝑏 are 10 and -1, respectively, and the values of 𝑚 are both 2. Since the values of 𝑏 are
different, the graphs of these lines have different y-coordinates of the y-intercept and are distinct. Since the values
of 𝑚 are the same, the graphs of these lines have the same slope and are parallel. Therefore, the graphs of the given
equations are lines that intersect at zero points in the xy-plane.

Choice B is incorrect. The graphs of a system of two linear equations have exactly one point of intersection if the
lines represented by the equations have different slopes. Since the given equations represent lines with the same
slope, there is not exactly one intersection point.

Choice C is incorrect. The graphs of a system of two linear equations can never have exactly two intersection points.

Choice D is incorrect. The graphs of a system of two linear equations have infinitely many intersection points when
the lines represented by the equations have the same slope and the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Since the
given equations represent lines with different y-coordinates of their y-intercepts, there are not infinitely many
intersection points.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f75bd744
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f75bd744

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

ID: f75bd744 Answer

Correct Answer: 8

Rationale

The correct answer is 8. The given system of equations can be solved using the elimination method. Multiplying
both sides of the second equation in the given system by -2 yields -2𝑡𝑦 = - 1 - 4𝑥, or -1 - 4𝑥 = - 2𝑡𝑦. Adding this
equation to the first equation in the given system, 4𝑥 - 6𝑦 = 10𝑦 + 2, yields 4𝑥 - 6𝑦 + -1 - 4𝑥 = 10𝑦 + 2 + -2𝑡𝑦, or
-1 - 6𝑦 = 10𝑦 - 2𝑡𝑦 + 2. Subtracting 10𝑦 from both sides of this equation yields -1 - 6𝑦 - 10𝑦 = 10𝑦 - 2𝑡𝑦 + 2 - 10𝑦, or
-1 - 16𝑦 = - 2𝑡𝑦 + 2. If the given system has no solution, then the equation -1 - 16𝑦 = - 2𝑡𝑦 + 2 has no solution. If this
equation has no solution, the coefficients of 𝑦 on each side of the equation, -16 and -2𝑡, must be equal, which yields
the equation -16 = - 2𝑡. Dividing both sides of this equation by -2 yields 8 = 𝑡. Thus, if the system has no solution,
the value of 𝑡 is 8.

Alternate approach: A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct. Lines represented by equations in the form
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶, where 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 are constant terms, are parallel if the ratio of the x-coefficients is equal to the ratio of
the y-coefficients, and distinct if the ratio of the x-coefficients are not equal to the ratio of the constant terms.
Subtracting 10𝑦 from both sides of the first equation in the given system yields 4𝑥 - 6𝑦 - 10𝑦 = 10𝑦 + 2 - 10𝑦, or
1
4𝑥 - 16𝑦 = 2. Subtracting 2𝑥 from both sides of the second equation in the given system yields 𝑡𝑦 - 2𝑥 = + 2𝑥 - 2𝑥, or
2
1 2 1
-2𝑥 + 𝑡𝑦 = . The ratio of the x-coefficients for these equations is - , or - . The ratio of the y-coefficients for these
2 4 2
1
𝑡 2 , or 1 . 1
equations is - . The ratio of the constant terms for these equations is Since the ratio of the x-coefficients, - ,
16 2 4 2
1
is not equal to the ratio of the constants, , the lines represented by the equations are distinct. Setting the ratio of
4
1 𝑡
the x-coefficients equal to the ratio of the y-coefficients yields - = - . Multiplying both sides of this equation by
2 16
1 𝑡
-16 yields - -16 = - -16, or 𝑡 = 8. Therefore, when 𝑡 = 8, the lines represented by these equations are parallel. Thus, if
2 16
the system has no solution, the value of 𝑡 is 8.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6e6a3241
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 6e6a3241

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

solve the system of equations above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 6e6a3241 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The graph of a system of equations is the graph that shows the lines represented by each of the
equations in the system. The x-intercept of the graph of each given equation can be found by substituting 0 for y in
each equation: , or , and , or . The y-intercept of the graph of each equation can

be found by substituting 0 for x in each equation: , or , and or . Using these x- and

y- intercept values, the line that has equation passes through the points and , and the line that

has equation passes through the points and . Only the lines in choice C pass through these

points and can be used to solve the given system of equations.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID aff28230
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: aff28230

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: aff28230 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given by the first equation in the given system of equations that 𝑥 = 10. Substituting 10 for 𝑥
in the second equation in the given system yields 𝑦 = 10 + 21, or 𝑦 = 31. Therefore, the value of 𝑦 is 31.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f5929f7a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f5929f7a

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f5929f7a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

1 1
Choice C is correct. It's given by the first equation in the system that 𝑦 = - 𝑥. Substituting - 𝑥 for 𝑦 in the second
9 9
1 1 2
equation in the system yields - 9 𝑥 = 2 𝑥. Multiplying the left-hand side of this equation by 2
and the right-hand side
9 2 9 2 11
by yields - 𝑥 = 𝑥. Adding 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 0 = 𝑥. Multiplying both sides of this equation
9 18 18 18 18
18
by 11
yields 𝑥 = 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 D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 74c03c21
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 74c03c21

A bus traveled on the highway and on local roads to complete a trip of . The trip took . The bus traveled at
an average speed of on the highway and an average speed of on local roads. If is the
time, in hours, the bus traveled on the highway and is the time, in hours, it traveled on local roads, which system of
equations represents this situation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 74c03c21 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. If the bus traveled at an average speed of 55 miles per hour mph on the highway for 𝑥 hours,
then the bus traveled 55𝑥 miles on the highway. If the bus traveled at an average speed of 25 mph on local roads for
𝑦 hours, then the bus traveled 25𝑦 miles on local roads. It's given that the trip was 160 miles. This can be
represented by the equation 55𝑥 + 25𝑦 = 160. It's also given that the trip took 4 hours. This can be represented by the
equation 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4. Therefore, the system consisting of the equations 55𝑥 + 25𝑦 = 160 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 4 represents this
situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where the trip was 4 miles and took 160
hours.

Choice C is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where the trip was 4 miles and took 160 hours,
and the bus traveled at an average speed of 25 mph on the highway and 55 mph on local roads.

Choice D is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where the bus traveled at an average speed of
25 mph on the highway and 55 mph on local roads.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8abed0fb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 8abed0fb

What is the solution to the given

system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8abed0fb Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Since it’s given that , substituting 1 for x in the first equation yields .

Simplifying the right-hand side of this equation yields , or . Therefore, the ordered pair is a

solution to the given system of equations.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error when substituting 1 for x in the first equation. Choices
C and D are incorrect. Because it’s given that , x cannot equal 2 as stated in these ordered pairs.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e1259a5a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e1259a5a
A system of two linear equations is graphed in the xy-plane below.

Which of the following points is the solution to

the system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e1259a5a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The solution to this system of linear equations is the point that lies on both lines graphed, or the
point of intersection of the two lines. According to the graphs, the point of intersection occurs when and

, or at the point .

Choices B and D are incorrect. Each of these points lies on one line, but not on both lines in the xy-plane. Choice C is
incorrect. This point doesn’t lie on either of the lines graphed in the xy-plane.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 70feb725
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 70feb725

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

A. 80

B. 100

C. 120

D. 160

ID: 70feb725 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

be represented by the expression , and the number of hours she biked can be represented by the expression .

It’s given that she biked for twice as many hours as she ran, so this can be represented by the equation

, which can be rewritten as . It’s also given that she ran r miles and biked b miles, and that she ran and biked a

total of 200 miles. This can be represented by the equation . Substituting for b in this equation yields

, or . Solving for r yields . Determining the number of miles she biked, b, can be found by
substituting 40 for r in , which yields . Solving for b yields .

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8a87c2c8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 8a87c2c8

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8a87c2c8 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Adding the second equation in the given system to the first equation in the given system yields
𝑥 + 3 + 𝑥 - 3 = -2𝑦 + 5 + 2𝑦 + 7. Adding like terms in this equation yields 2𝑥 = 12. Thus, the value of 2𝑥 is 12.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑦, not 2𝑥.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥, not 2𝑥.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ed92fb68
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ed92fb68

If the system of equations above has solution ,

what is the value of ?

A. 0

B. 9

C. 18

D. 38

ID: ed92fb68 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 19fdf387
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 19fdf387

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

the point . What is the value of a ?

A. 3

B. 6

C. 9

D. 12

ID: 19fdf387 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Since the graph of intersects the graph of at the point , the ordered pair

is the solution to the system of linear equations consisting of and , and the value of a is the
value of x in the solution of this system. Since both and are equal to y, it follows that .

Subtracting x from and adding 6 to both sides of the equation yields . Therefore, the value of a is 9.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e1248a5c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e1248a5c

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

If the system of equations has an infinite number of

solutions , what is the value of a ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e1248a5c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

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

equal to 3 times the coefficient of x in the first equation: , or .

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1362ccde
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 1362ccde

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

ID: 1362ccde Answer

Correct Answer: 35

Rationale

The correct answer is 35. The first equation in the given system of equations defines 𝑦 as 4𝑥 + 1. Substituting 4𝑥 + 1
for 𝑦 in the second equation in the given system of equations yields 44𝑥 + 1 = 15𝑥 - 8. Applying the distributive
property on the left-hand side of this equation yields 16𝑥 + 4 = 15𝑥 - 8. Subtracting 15𝑥 from each side of this
equation yields 𝑥 + 4 = - 8. Subtracting 4 from each side of this equation yields 𝑥 = - 12. Substituting -12 for 𝑥 in the
first equation of the given system of equations yields 𝑦 = 4-12 + 1, or 𝑦 = - 47. Substituting -12 for 𝑥 and -47 for 𝑦 into
the expression 𝑥 - 𝑦 yields -12 - -47, or 35.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 52cb8ea4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 52cb8ea4

If is the solution to the system of equations above,

what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 52cb8ea4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Subtracting the second equation, , from the first equation, , results in

, or . Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation

yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from miscalculating as . Choice C is incorrect and may result from

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9db5b5c1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 9db5b5c1

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9db5b5c1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that 4𝑥 = 20 and -3𝑥 + 𝑦 = - 7 is a system of equations with a solution 𝑥, 𝑦. Adding the
second equation in the given system to the first equation yields 4𝑥 + ( - 3𝑥 + 𝑦 ) = 20 + -7, which is equivalent to
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 13. Thus, the value of 𝑥 + 𝑦 is 13.

Choice A is incorrect. This represents the value of -2𝑥 + 𝑦 - 1.

Choice B is incorrect. This represents the value of -𝑥 + 𝑦.

Choice D is incorrect. This represents the value of 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 1.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID c5082ce3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: c5082ce3

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

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

ID: c5082ce3 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 30. Let x represent the number of correct answers from the player and y represent the number
of incorrect answers from the player. Since the player answered 40 questions in total, the equation

represents this situation. Also, since the score is found by subtracting the number of incorrect answers from twice
the number of correct answers and the player received a score of 50, the equation represents this
situation. Adding the equations in the system of two equations together yields . This can

be rewritten as . Finally, solving for x by dividing both sides of the equation by 3 yields .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 45a534d0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 45a534d0

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

ID: 45a534d0 Answer

Correct Answer: -34

Rationale

The correct answer is -34. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. Two lines represented by equations in
standard form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶, where 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 are constants, are parallel if the coefficients for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in one equation
are proportional to the corresponding coefficients in the other equation. The first equation in the given system can
be written in standard form by subtracting 30𝑦 from both sides of the equation to yield 48𝑥 - 102𝑦 = 24. The second
equation in the given system can be written in standard form by adding 16𝑥 to both sides of the equation to yield
1 1
16𝑥 + 𝑟𝑦 = . The coefficient of 𝑥 in this second equation, 16, is times the coefficient of 𝑥 in the first equation, 48.
6 3
1
For the lines to be parallel the coefficient of 𝑦 in the second equation, 𝑟, must also be 3
times the coefficient of 𝑦 in
1
the first equation, -102. Thus, 𝑟 = ( - 102 ) , or 𝑟 = - 34. Therefore, if the given system has no solution, the value of 𝑟
3
is -34.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ca9bb527
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ca9bb527

What is the solution to the given system of equations?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ca9bb527 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given by the second equation in the system that 𝑦 = 19. Substituting 19 for 𝑦 in the first
equation yields 19 = 4𝑥 - 9. Adding 9 to both sides of this equation yields 28 = 4𝑥. Dividing both sides of this
equation by 4 yields 7 = 𝑥. Therefore, since 𝑥 = 7 and 𝑦 = 19, the solution 𝑥, 𝑦 to the given system of equations is 7, 19.

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 adb0c96c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: adb0c96c

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

ID: adb0c96c Answer

Correct Answer: 80

Rationale

The correct answer is 80. Subtracting the second equation in the given system from the first equation yields
24𝑥 + 𝑦 - 6𝑥 + 𝑦 = 48 - 72, which is equivalent to 24𝑥 - 6𝑥 + 𝑦 - 𝑦 = - 24, or 18𝑥 = - 24. Dividing each side of this
equation by 3 yields 6𝑥 = - 8. Substituting -8 for 6𝑥 in the second equation yields -8 + 𝑦 = 72. Adding 8 to both sides
of this equation yields 𝑦 = 80.

Alternate approach: Multiplying each side of the second equation in the given system by 4 yields 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 288.
Subtracting the first equation in the given system from this equation yields 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 - 24𝑥 + 𝑦 = 288 - 48, which is
equivalent to 24𝑥 - 24𝑥 + 4𝑦 - 𝑦 = 240, or 3𝑦 = 240. Dividing each side of this equation by 3 yields 𝑦 = 80.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d7bf55e1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d7bf55e1

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

ID: d7bf55e1 Answer

Rationale

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 092ad67d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 092ad67d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 092ad67d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Adding the first equation to the second equation in the given system yields 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 𝑥 - 2𝑦 = 6 + 4
, or 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 2𝑦 - 2𝑦 = 10. Combining like terms in this equation yields 2𝑥 = 10. Dividing both sides of this equation by
2 yields 𝑥 = 5. Thus, the value of 𝑥 is 5.

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

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 2𝑥, not 𝑥.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d909cd31
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: d909cd31

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: d909cd31 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It's given that the system has infinitely many solutions. A system of two linear equations has
infinitely many solutions when the two linear equations are equivalent. Dividing both sides of the given equation by
5 yields -3𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 13. Dividing both sides of choice C by 4 also yields -3𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 13, so choice C is equivalent to the
given equation. Thus, choice C could be the second equation in the system.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f88970cc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f88970cc

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f88970cc Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A solution to a system of equations in the xy-plane is a point 𝑥, 𝑦 that lies on the graph of each
equation in the system. The first equation given is 𝑥 = 5. Substituting 5 for 𝑥 in the second given equation yields
𝑦 = 5 - 8, or 𝑦 = - 3. It follows that in the xy-plane, the point 5, - 3 lies on the graph of each equation in the system.
Therefore, the solution to the given system of equations in the xy-plane is 5, - 3.

Choice A is incorrect. The point 0, 0 doesn't lie on the graph of either equation in the given system.

Choice C is incorrect. The point 5, - 8 doesn't lie on the graph of the second equation in the given system.

Choice D is incorrect. The point 5, 8 doesn't lie on the graph of the second equation in the given system.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID ffb371f5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ffb371f5

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ffb371f5 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Adding the second equation in the given system to the first equation in the given system yields
3𝑥 + ( - 3𝑥 + 𝑦 ) = 12 + -6, which is equivalent to 𝑦 = 6.

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 ece00725
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ece00725

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ece00725 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that Connor has 𝑐 dollars, Maria has 𝑚 dollars, and Connor has 4 times as many dollars
as Maria. This can be represented by the equation 𝑐 = 4𝑚. It’s also given that together, Connor and Maria have a total
of $ 25.00, which can be represented by the equation 𝑐 + 𝑚 = 25. Therefore, the system consisting of the equations
𝑐 = 4𝑚 and 𝑐 + 𝑚 = 25 represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect. The equation 𝑚 = 4𝑐 represents a situation where Maria has 4 times as many dollars as
Connor, rather than the situation where Connor has 4 times as many dollars as Maria.

Choice C is incorrect. The equation 𝑐 = 25𝑚 represents a situation where Connor has 25 times, rather than 4 times,
as many dollars as Maria. The equation 𝑐 + 𝑚 = 4 represents a situation where Connor and Maria together have a
total of $ 4.00, rather than $ 25.00.

Choice D is incorrect. The equation 𝑚 = 25𝑐 represents a situation where Maria has 25 times as many dollars as
Connor, rather than the situation where Connor has 4 times as many dollars as Maria. The equation 𝑐 + 𝑚 = 4
represents a situation where Connor and Maria together have a total of $ 4.00, rather than $ 25.00.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 9f6f96ff
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 9f6f96ff

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 9f6f96ff Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It's given that a wire with a length of 106 inches is cut into two parts. It's also given that one part
has a length of 𝑥 inches and the other part has a length of 𝑦 inches. This can be represented by the equation
𝑥 + 𝑦 = 106. It's also given that the value of 𝑥 is 6 more than 4 times the value of 𝑦. This can be represented by the
equation 𝑥 = 4𝑦 + 6. Substituting 4𝑦 + 6 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 106 yields 4𝑦 + 6 + 𝑦 = 106, or 5𝑦 + 6 = 106.
Subtracting 6 from each side of this equation yields 5𝑦 = 100. Dividing each side of this equation by 5 yields 𝑦 = 20.
Substituting 20 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥 = 4𝑦 + 6 yields 𝑥 = 4 ( 20 ) + 6, or 𝑥 = 86.

Choice A is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of 106 inches; however, 𝑥 represents the
length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of 𝑥 is 6 more than 4 times the value of 𝑦.

Choice B is incorrect. This value represents less than half of the total length of 106 inches; however, 𝑥 represents the
length of the longer part of the wire, since it's given that the value of 𝑥 is 6 more than 4 times the value of 𝑦.

Choice C is incorrect. This represents a part that is 6 more than the length of the other part, rather than 6 more than
4 times the length of the other part.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f718c9cf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f718c9cf

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

ID: f718c9cf Answer

Correct Answer: 1.8, 9/5

Rationale

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2875ba81
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 2875ba81

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2875ba81 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the elimination method. Multiplying each
side of the second equation in the given system by 3 yields 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 ( 3 ) = 103, or 6𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 30. Subtracting this
equation from the first equation in the given system yields 6𝑥 + 7𝑦 - 6𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 28 - 30, which is equivalent to
6𝑥 - 6𝑥 + 7𝑦 - 6𝑦 = 28 - 30, or 𝑦 = - 2.

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

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 ee031767
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: ee031767

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ee031767 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 466b87e3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 466b87e3

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

no solution, what is the value of c ?

ID: 466b87e3 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . A system of two linear equations has no solution when the graphs of the equations have

the same slope and different y-intercepts. Each of the given linear equations is written in the slope-intercept form,
, where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of the equation. For these

two linear equations, the y-intercepts are and . Thus, if the system of equations has no solution, the

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

is . Therefore, for the system of equations to have no solution, the value of c must be . Note that 1/2 and .5 are

examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cd33b015
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: cd33b015

If is the solution to the given system of

equations, what is the value of y ?

A. 10

B. 15

C. 60

D. 65

ID: cd33b015 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

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

3 yields .

Choice A is incorrect. If , then since . However, substituting 10 for both x and y in the

second equation yields , which is a false statement. Choice C is incorrect. If , then since

. However, substituting these values for x and y in the second equation yields , which is a false

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e2e3942f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e2e3942f

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

has no solution, what is the value of a ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e2e3942f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations has no solution when the graphs of the equations have the
same slope and different y-coordinates of the y-intercepts. Each of the given equations is written in the slope-
intercept form of a linear equation, , where m is the slope and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of

the graph of the equation. For these two linear equations, the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different: and

. Thus, if the system of equations has no solution, the slopes of the two linear equations must be the same. The

slope of the first linear equation is 2. Therefore, for the system of equations to have no solution, the value of a must
be 2.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f03465dc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: f03465dc

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f03465dc Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. Dividing both sides of the second equation in the given system by 3 yields 8𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 9, which is
the first equation in the given system. Therefore, the first and second equations represent the same line in the xy-
plane. If the x- and y-coordinates of a point satisfy an equation, the point lies on the graph of the equation in the xy-
8𝑟 9 8𝑟 9
plane. Choice A is a point with x-coordinate 𝑟 and y-coordinate - + . Substituting 𝑟 for 𝑥 and - + for 𝑦 in the
7 7 7 7
8 9
equation 8𝑥 + 7𝑦 = 9 yields 8𝑟 + 7- 7 𝑟 + 7 = 9. Applying the distributive property to the left-hand side of this equation
yields 8𝑟 - 8𝑟 + 9 = 9. Combining like terms on the left-hand side of this equation yields 9 = 9, so the coordinates of
8 9 8 9
the point 𝑟, - 7 𝑟 + 7 satisfy both equations in the given system. Therefore, for each real number 𝑟, the point 𝑟, - 7 𝑟 + 7
lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given system.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4ec95eab
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 4ec95eab

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4ec95eab Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The given system of linear equations can be solved by the substitution method. Substituting -3𝑥
for 𝑦 from the first equation in the given system into the second equation yields 4𝑥 + -3𝑥 = 15, or 𝑥 = 15.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 1e11190a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 1e11190a

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 1e11190a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that store A sells raspberries for $ 5 . 50 per pint and blackberries for $ 3 . 00 per pint,
and a certain purchase of raspberries and blackberries at store A would cost $ 37 . 00. It’s also given that store B
sells raspberries for $ 6 . 50 per pint and blackberries for $ 8 . 00 per pint, and this purchase of raspberries and
blackberries at store B would cost $ 66 . 00. Let 𝑟 represent the number of pints of raspberries and 𝑏 represent the
number of pints of blackberries in this purchase. The equation 5 . 50𝑟 + 3 . 00𝑏 = 37 . 00 represents this purchase of
raspberries and blackberries from store A and the equation 6 . 50𝑟 + 8 . 00𝑏 = 66 . 00 represents this purchase of
raspberries and blackberries from store B. Solving the system of equations by elimination gives the value of 𝑟 and
the value of 𝑏 that make the system of equations true. Multiplying both sides of the equation for store A by 6.5 yields
5 . 50𝑟6 . 5 + 3 . 00𝑏6 . 5 = 37 . 006 . 5, or 35 . 75𝑟 + 19 . 5𝑏 = 240 . 5. Multiplying both sides of the equation for store B by 5.5
yields 6 . 50𝑟5 . 5 + 8 . 00𝑏5 . 5 = 66 . 005 . 5, or 35 . 75𝑟 + 44𝑏 = 363. Subtracting both sides of the equation for store A,
35 . 75𝑟 + 19 . 5𝑏 = 240 . 5, from the corresponding sides of the equation for store B, 35 . 75𝑟 + 44𝑏 = 363, yields
35 . 75𝑟 - 35 . 75𝑟 + 44𝑏 - 19 . 5𝑏 = 363 - 240 . 5, or 24 . 5𝑏 = 122 . 5. Dividing both sides of this equationby 24.5 yields 𝑏 = 5.
Thus, 5 pints of blackberries are in
this purchase.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e77a76ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e77a76ce

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e77a76ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the graphs of the
lines represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in slope-intercept form, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏 are constants, are parallel if their
slopes, 𝑚, are the same and are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, 𝑏, are different. In the equations
𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 3 and 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 9, the values of 𝑚 are each 6, and the values of 𝑏 are 3 and 9, respectively. Since the slopes of
these lines are the same and the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different, it follows that the system of linear
equations in choice A has no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a horizontal line and a line with a slope of 10
that have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, 0, 10, rather than no
solution.

Choice C is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations have different slopes and the same y-coordinate
of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, 0, 14, rather than no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a vertical line and a horizontal line.
Therefore, this system has a solution, 3, 10, rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b3c7ca1d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b3c7ca1d

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b3c7ca1d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the graphs of the
lines represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in slope-intercept form, 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 and 𝑏 are constants, are parallel if their
slopes, 𝑚, are the same and are distinct if their y-coordinates of the y-intercepts, 𝑏, are different. In the equations
𝑦 = 16𝑥 + 3 and 𝑦 = 16𝑥 + 19, the values of 𝑚 are each 16, and the values of 𝑏 are 3 and 19, respectively. Since the
slopes of these lines are the same, and the y-coordinates of the y-intercepts are different, it follows that the system
of linear equations in choice C has no solution.

Choice A is incorrect. The lines represented by the equations in this system are a vertical line and a horizontal line.
Therefore, this system has a solution, 3, 5, rather than no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations have different slopes and the same y-coordinate
of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, 0, 6, rather than no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The two lines represented by these equations are a horizontal line and a line with a slope of 5
that have the same y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Therefore, this system has a solution, 0, 5, rather than no
solution.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5e422ff9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 5e422ff9

In the solution to the system of equations

above, what is the value of y ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5e422ff9 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Multiplying both sides of by 5 results in . Multiplying both sides of

by 2 results in . Subtracting the resulting equations yields , which

simplifies to . Dividing both sides of by results in .

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from incorrectly subtracting the transformed equation. Choice C is
incorrect and may result from finding the value of x instead of the value of y.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 14360f84
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 14360f84

In the given system of equations, is a constant. If the system has no solution, what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 14360f84 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are distinct and parallel. The graphs of two lines in the xy-plane
represented by equations in the form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶, where 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 are constants, are parallel if the coefficients for 𝑥
and 𝑦 in one equation are proportional to the corresponding coefficients in the other equation. The first equation in
the given system can be written in the form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 by subtracting 9𝑦 from both sides of the equation to yield
4𝑥 - 18𝑦 = 5. The second equation in the given system can be written in the form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 by subtracting 4𝑥 from
both sides of the equation to yield -4𝑥 + ℎ𝑦 = 2. The coefficient of 𝑥 in this second equation, -4, is -1 times the
coefficient of 𝑥 in the first equation, 4. For the lines to be parallel, the coefficient of 𝑦 in the second equation, ℎ, must
also be -1 times the coefficient of 𝑦 in the first equation, -18. Thus, ℎ = - 1 ( - 18 ) , or ℎ = 18. Therefore, if the given
system has no solution, the value of ℎ is 18.

Choice A is incorrect. If the value of ℎ is -9, then the given system would have one solution, rather than no solution.

Choice B is incorrect. If the value of ℎ is 0, then the given system would have one solution, rather than no solution.

Choice C is incorrect. If the value of ℎ is 9, then the given system would have one solution, rather than no solution.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 567ac7ab
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 567ac7ab

One of the two equations in a linear system is . The system has no

solution. Which of the following could be the other equation in the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 567ac7ab Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A system of two linear equations written in standard form has no solution when the equations
are distinct and the ratio of the x-coefficient to the y-coefficient for one equation is equivalent to the ratio of the x-
coefficient to the y-coefficient for the other equation. This ratio for the given equation is 2 to 6, or 1 to 3. Only choice
B is an equation that isn’t equivalent to the given equation and whose ratio of the x-coefficient to the y-coefficient is
1 to 3.

Choice A is incorrect. Multiplying each of the terms in this equation by 2 yields an equation that is equivalent to the
given equation. This system would have infinitely many solutions. Choices C and D are incorrect. The ratio of the x-
coefficient to the y-coefficient in (choice C) is to 2, or to 1. This ratio in (choice D) is

6 to 2, or 3 to 1. Since neither of these ratios is equivalent to that for the given equation, these systems would have
exactly one solution.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2704399f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 2704399f

Which of the following systems of equations has the same solution as the
system of equations graphed above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2704399f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The solution to a system of equations is the coordinates of the intersection point of the graphs
of the equations in the xy-plane. Based on the graph, the solution to the given system of equations is best

approximated as . In the xy-plane, the graph of is a horizontal line on which every y-coordinate is 0, and

the graph of is a vertical line on which every x-coordinate is . These graphs intersect at the point .

Therefore, the system of equations in choice A has the same solution as the given system.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. If graphed in the xy-plane, these choices would intersect at the points , ,

and , respectively, not .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0d1dca87
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0d1dca87

If is the solution to the given system of

equations, what is the value of y ?

ID: 0d1dca87 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 23. Since it’s given that , the value of y can be found by substituting 2 for x in the first

equation and solving for y. Substituting 2 for x yields , or . Subtracting 6 from both sides of

this equation yields .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 686b7cad
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 686b7cad

A proposal for a new library was included on an election ballot. A radio show stated that times as many people voted in
favor of the proposal as people who voted against it. A social media post reported that more people voted in favor of
the proposal than voted against it. Based on these data, how many people voted against the proposal?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 686b7cad Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that a radio show stated that 3 times as many people voted in favor of the proposal as
people who voted against it. Let 𝑥 represent the number of people who voted against the proposal. It follows that 3𝑥
is the number of people who voted in favor of the proposal and 3𝑥 - 𝑥, or 2𝑥, is how many more people voted in favor
of the proposal than voted against it. It's also given that a social media post reported that 15,000 more people voted
in favor of the proposal than voted against it. Thus, 2𝑥 = 15,000. Since 2𝑥 = 15,000, the value of 𝑥 must be half of
15,000, or 7,500. Therefore, 7,500 people voted against the proposal.

Choice B is incorrect. This is how many more people voted in favor of the proposal than voted against it, not the
number of people who voted against the proposal.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of people who voted in favor of the proposal, not the number of people who
voted against the proposal.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 75012ee7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 75012ee7

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 75012ee7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The two given equations are equivalent because the second equation can be obtained from the
first equation by multiplying each side of the equation by 5. Thus, the graphs of the equations are coincident, so if a
point lies on the graph of one of the equations, it also lies on the graph of the other equation. A point 𝑥, 𝑦 lies on the
graph of an equation in the xy-plane if and only if this point represents a solution to the equation. It is sufficient,
therefore, to find the point that represents a solution to the first given equation. Substituting the x- and y-
3𝑟 7 3𝑟 7
coordinates of choice B, - + and 𝑟, for 𝑥 and 𝑦, respectively, in the first equation yields 2- + + 3𝑟 = 7, which is
2 2 2 2
3𝑟 7
equivalent to -3𝑟 + 7 + 3𝑟 = 7, or 7 = 7. Therefore, the point - 2 + 2 , 𝑟 represents a solution to the first equation and
thus lies on the graph of each equation in the xy-plane for the given system.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5e08a055
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 5e08a055

One of the equations in a system of two linear equations is given. The system has no solution. Which equation could be the
second equation in the system?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5e08a055 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. A system of two linear equations in two variables, 𝑥 and 𝑦, has no solution if the lines
represented by the equations in the xy-plane are parallel and distinct. Lines represented by equations in standard
form, 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶 and 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 = 𝐹, are parallel if the coefficients for 𝑥 and 𝑦 in one equation are proportional to the
𝐷 𝐸
corresponding coefficients in the other equation, meaning 𝐴
= 𝐵 ; and the lines are distinct if the constants are not
𝐹 𝐷 𝐸
proportional, meaning 𝐶
is not equal to 𝐴
or 𝐵 . The given equation, 𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 18, can be written in standard form by
subtracting 6𝑥 from both sides of the equation to yield -6𝑥 + 𝑦 = 18. Therefore, the given equation can be written in
the form 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶, where 𝐴 = - 6, 𝐵 = 1, and 𝐶 = 18. The equation in choice B, -6𝑥 + 𝑦 = 22, is written in the form
𝐷 -6 𝐷 𝐸 1
𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 = 𝐹, where 𝐷 = - 6, 𝐸 = 1, and 𝐹 = 22. Therefore, 𝐴
= -6
, which can be rewritten as 𝐴 = 1; 𝐵 = 1 , which can be
𝐸 𝐹 22 𝐹 11 𝐷 𝐸 𝐹
rewritten as 𝐵
= 1; and 𝐶
= 18
, which can be rewritten as 𝐶 = 9
. Since 𝐴 = 1, 𝐵 = 1, and 𝐶 is not equal to 1, it follows
that the given equation and the equation -6𝑥 + 𝑦 = 22 are parallel and distinct. Therefore, a system of two linear
equations consisting of the given equation and the equation -6𝑥 + 𝑦 = 22 has no solution. Thus, the equation in
choice B could be the second equation in the system.

Choice A is incorrect. The equation -6𝑥 + 𝑦 = 18 and the given equation represent the same line in the xy-plane.
Therefore, a system of these linear equations would have infinitely many solutions, rather than no solution.

Choice C is incorrect. The equation -12𝑥 + 𝑦 = 36 and the given equation represent lines in the xy-plane that are
distinct and not parallel. Therefore, a system of these linear equations would have exactly one solution, rather than
no solution.

Choice D is incorrect. The equation -12𝑥 + 𝑦 = 18 and the given equation represent lines in the xy-plane that are
distinct and not parallel. Therefore, a system of these linear equations would have exactly one solution, rather than
no solution.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 0df106df
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 0df106df

An online bookstore sells novels and magazines. Each novel sells for $4, and each
magazine sells for $1. If Sadie purchased a total of 11 novels and magazines that
have a combined selling price of $20, how many novels did she purchase?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 4

D. 5

ID: 0df106df Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Let n be the number of novels and m be the number of magazines that Sadie purchased. If Sadie
purchased a total of 11 novels and magazines, then . It is given that the combined price of 11 novels and

magazines is $20. Since each novel sells for $4 and each magazine sells for $1, it follows that . So the
system of equations below must hold.

Subtracting corresponding sides of the second equation from the first equation yields , so . Therefore,

Sadie purchased 3 novels.

Choice A is incorrect. If 2 novels were purchased, then a total of $8 was spent on novels. That leaves $12 to be spent
on magazines, which means that 12 magazines would have been purchased. However, Sadie purchased a total of 11
novels and magazines. Choices C and D are incorrect. If 4 novels were purchased, then a total of $16 was spent on
novels. That leaves $4 to be spent on magazines, which means that 4 magazines would have been purchased. By the
same logic, if Sadie purchased 5 novels, she would have no money at all ($0) to buy magazines. However, Sadie
purchased a total of 11 novels and magazines.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b544a348
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: b544a348

In the solution to the system of equations

above, what is the value of x ?

ID: b544a348 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 7. Subtracting the second equation from the first equation eliminates the variable y.

Dividing both sides of the resulting equation by 4 yields x = 7.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7d89376f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 7d89376f

A discount airline sells a certain number of tickets, x, for a flight for $90 each. It
sells the number of remaining tickets, y, for $250 each. For a particular flight, the
airline sold 120 tickets and collected a total of $27,600 from the sale of those
tickets. Which system of equations represents this relationship between x and y ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 7d89376f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The airline sold two types of tickets for this flight: x tickets at $90 each and the remaining
tickets, y, at $250 each. Because the airline sold a total of 120 tickets for this flight, it must be true that x + y = 120.
The amount, in dollars, collected from the sale of x tickets at $90 each is represented by 90x. The amount, in dollars,
collected from the sale of the remaining y tickets at $250 each is represented by 250y. It is given that a total of
$27,600 was collected from the sale of all tickets. Therefore, it must also be true that 90x + 250y = 27,600.

Choice B is incorrect. The total number of tickets sold is represented correctly as x + y = 120. The total amount, in
dollars, collected from the sale of the x tickets at $90 each and the remaining tickets, y, at $250 has been correctly
represented as 90x + 250y. However, according to the information given, this total should be equal to 27,600, not
120(27,600) dollars. Choice C is incorrect. The total number of tickets sold has been correctly represented as x + y.
However, according to the information given, this total should be equal to 120, not 27,600, as shown in choice C. The
total amount, in dollars, collected from the sale of the x tickets at $90 each and the remaining tickets, y, at $250 has
been correctly represented as 90x + 250y. However, according to the information given, this total should be equal to
27,600, not 120(27,600) dollars. Choice D is incorrect. The two equations given in choice D have no meaning in this
context.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 17f176ec
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 17f176ec

A movie theater charges $11 for each full-price ticket and $8.25 for each reduced-
price ticket. For one movie showing, the theater sold a total of 214 full-price and
reduced-price tickets for $2,145. Which of the following systems of equations could
be used to determine the number of full-price tickets, f, and the number of
reduced-price tickets, r, sold?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 17f176ec Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The movie theater sells f full-price tickets and r reduced-price tickets, so the total number of
tickets sold is f + r. Since the movie theater sold a total of 214 full-price and reduced-price tickets for one movie
showing, it follows that f + r = 214. The movie theater charges $11 for each full-price ticket; thus, the sales for full-
price tickets, in dollars, is given by 11f. The movie theater charges $8.25 for each reduced-price ticket; thus, the sales
for reduced-price tickets, in dollars, is given by 8.25r. Therefore, the total sales, in dollars, for the movie showing is
given by 11f + 8.25r. Since the total sales for all full-price and reduced-price tickets is $2,145, it follows that 11f + 8.25r
= 2,145.

Choice A is incorrect. This system of equations suggests that the movie theater sold a total of 2,145 full-price and
reduced-price tickets for a total of $214. Choice C is incorrect. This system suggests that the movie theater charges
$8.25 for each full-price ticket and $11 for each reduced-price ticket. Choice D is incorrect. This system suggests that
the movie theater charges $8.25 for each full-price ticket and $11 for each reduced-price ticket and sold a total of
2,145 tickets for a total of $214.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e53688cb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: e53688cb

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

ID: e53688cb Answer

Correct Answer: 18

Rationale

The correct answer is 18. It's given by the second equation in the system that 3𝑦 = 11. Substituting 11 for 3𝑦 in the
first equation in the system, 𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 29, yields 𝑥 + 11 = 29. Subtracting 11 from both sides of this equation yields
𝑥 = 18.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 44d65912
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 44d65912
Angela is playing a video game. In this game, players can score points only by collecting coins and stars. Each
coin is worth c points, and each star is worth s points.
The first time she played, Angela scored 700 points. She collected 20 coins and 10 stars.
The second time she played, Angela scored 850 points. She collected 25 coins and 12 stars.

Which system of equations can be used to correctly determine the values of c and s
?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 44d65912 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The number of coins collected can be multiplied by c to give the score from the points earned
from coins. Similarly, the number of stars collected can be multiplied by s to give the score from the points earned
from the stars. Therefore, the total score each time Angela played is , and the total score the second

time she played is .

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may result from misidentifying the terms of the equation. Choice A switches
coins and stars, choice C switches stars and points, and choice D misidentifies coins, stars, and points.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 27f5fff3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 27f5fff3

If a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown and the equation ,
how many solutions will the resulting system of three equations have?

A. Zero

B. Exactly one

C. Exactly two

D. Infinitely many

ID: 27f5fff3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A solution to a system of equations must satisfy each equation in the system. It follows that if
an ordered pair 𝑥, 𝑦 is a solution to the system, the point 𝑥, 𝑦 lies on the graph in the xy-plane of each equation in the
system. The only point that lies on each graph of the system of two linear equations shown is their intersection
point 8, 2. It follows that if a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown
and the graph of 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = - 16, this system has either zero solutions or one solution, the point 8, 2. Substituting 8 for
𝑥 and 2 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = - 16 yields 8 + 42 = - 16, or 16 = - 16. Since this equation is not true, the point
8, 2 does not lie on the graph of 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = - 16. Therefore, 8, 2 is not a solution to the system of three equations. It
follows that there are zero solutions to this system.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4b76c7f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 4b76c7f1

In the given system of equations, a is a constant. If the system has infinitely

many solutions, what is the value of a ?

A. 4

B. 9

C. 36

D. 54

ID: 4b76c7f1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. A system of two linear equations has infinitely many solutions if one equation is equivalent to
the other. This means that when the two equations are written in the same form, each coefficient or constant in one
equation is equal to the corresponding coefficient or constant in the other equation multiplied by the same number.
The equations in the given system of equations are written in the same form, with x and y on the left-hand side of
the equation and a constant on the right-hand side of the equation. The coefficients of x and y in the second
equation are equal to the coefficients of x and y, respectively, in the first equation multiplied by 4: and

. Therefore, the constant in the second equation must be equal to 4 times the constant in the first equation:
, or .

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. When , , or , the given system of equations has no solution.

Question Difficulty: Easy