Question ID affb2315

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: affb2315

There are students in Spanish club. A sample of the Spanish club students was selected at random and asked whether
they intend to enroll in a new study program. Of those surveyed, responded that they intend to enroll in the study
program. Based on this survey, which of the following is the best estimate of the total number of Spanish club students who
intend to enroll in the study program?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: affb2315 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that 20% of the students surveyed responded that they intend to enroll in the study
program. Therefore, the proportion of students in Spanish club who intend to enroll in the study program, based on
the survey, is 0.20. Since there are 55 total students in Spanish club, the best estimate for the total number of these
students who intend to enroll in the study program is 550.20, or 11.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the best estimate for the percentage, rather than the total number, of students in
Spanish club who intend to enroll in the study program.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the best estimate for the total number of Spanish club students who do not intend to
enroll in the study program.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the total number of students in Spanish club.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 90eed2e5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 90eed2e5

A city has 50 city council members. A reporter polled a random sample of 20 city
council members and found that 6 of those polled supported a specific bill. Based
on the sample, which of the following is the best estimate of the number of city
council members in the city who support the bill?

A. 6

B. 9

C. 15

D. 30

ID: 90eed2e5 Answer

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Because a random sample of the city council was polled, the proportion of the sample who
supported the bill is expected to be approximately equal to the proportion of the total city council who supports the
bill. Since 6 of the 20 polled, or 30%, supported the bill, it can be estimated that , or 15, city council members

support the bill.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of city council members in the sample who supported the bill. Choice B is
incorrect and may result from a computational error. Choice D is incorrect. This is the number of city council
members in the sample of city council members who were not polled.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e7d9649f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: e7d9649f

A random sample of 50 people from a town with a population of 14,878 were asked
to name their favorite flavor of ice cream. If 7 people in the sample named
chocolate as their favorite ice‑cream flavor, about how many people in the town
would be expected to name chocolate?

A. 350

B. 2,100

C. 7,500

D. 10,500

ID: e7d9649f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Let x be the number of people in the entire town that would be expected to name chocolate.
Since the sample of 50 people was selected at random, it is reasonable to expect that the proportion of people who
named chocolate as their favorite ice-cream flavor would be the same for both the sample and the town population.

Symbolically, this can be expressed as . Using cross multiplication, ; solving for x

yields 2,083. The choice closest to the value of 2,083 is choice B, 2,100.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may be the result of errors when setting up the proportion, solving for the
unknown, or incorrectly comparing the choices to the number of people expected to name chocolate, 2,083.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID f4b3672a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: f4b3672a

A certain forest is 253 acres. To estimate the number of trees in the forest, a ranger
randomly selects 5 different 1-acre parcels in the forest and determines the number
of trees in each parcel. The numbers of trees in the sample acres are 51, 59, 45, 52,
and 73. Based on the mean of the sample, which of the following ranges contains
the best estimate for the number of trees in the entire forest?

A. 11,000 to 12,000

B. 12,500 to 13,500

C. 13,500 to 14,500

D. 18,000 to 19,000

ID: f4b3672a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The mean of the 5 samples is trees per acre. The best estimate for

the total number of trees in the forest is the product of the mean number of trees per acre in the sample and the total
number of acres in the forest. This is (56)(253) = 14,168, which is between 13,500 and 14,500.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from multiplying the minimum number of trees per acre in the sample, 45, by
the number of acres, 253. Choice B is incorrect and may result from multiplying the median number of trees per acre
in the sample, 52, by the number of acres, 253. Choice D is incorrect and may result from multiplying the maximum
number of trees per acre in the sample, 73, by the number of acres, 253.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 0108ac2d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 0108ac2d

At a large high school, 300 students were selected at random and were asked in a
survey about a menu change in the school cafeteria. All 300 students completed
the survey. It was estimated that 38% of the students were in support of a menu
change, with a margin of error of 5.5%. Which of the following is the best
interpretation of the survey results?

A. The percent of the students at the school who support a menu change is 38%.

B. The percent of the students at the school who support a menu change is greater than 38%.

C. Plausible values of the percent of the students at the school who support a menu change are between 32.5% and 43.5%.

D. Plausible values of the number of the students at the school who support a menu change are between 295 and 305.

ID: 0108ac2d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that an estimated 38% of sampled students at the school were in support of a menu
change, with a margin of error of 5.5%. It follows that the percent of the students at the school who support a menu
change is 38% plus or minus 5.5%. The lower bound of this estimation is , or 32.5%. The upper bound of this
estimation is , or 43.5%. Therefore, plausible values of the percent of the students at the school who support

a menu change are between 32.5% and 43.5%.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the percent of the sampled students at the school who support a menu change.
Choices B and D are incorrect and may result from misinterpreting the margin of error.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 6a305cd0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 6a305cd0

In a study, the data from a random sample of a population had a mean of 37, with
an associated margin of error of 3. Which of the following is the most appropriate
conclusion that can be made about the population mean?

A. It is less than 37.

B. It is greater than 37.

C. It is between 34 and 40.

D. It is less than 34 or greater than 40.

ID: 6a305cd0 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that the mean of the data from a random sample of a population is 37, with an
associated margin of error of 3. The most appropriate conclusion that can be made is that the mean of the entire
population will fall between 37, plus or minus 3. Therefore, the population mean is between and

Choice A is incorrect. While it’s an appropriate conclusion that the population mean is as low as , or 34, it isn’t
appropriate to conclude that the population mean is less than 34. Choice B is incorrect. While it’s an appropriate
conclusion that the population mean is as high as , or 40, it isn’t appropriate to conclude that the population
mean is greater than 40. Choice D is incorrect. It isn’t an appropriate conclusion that the population mean is less
than 34 or greater than 40.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 53d97af5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 53d97af5

A study was done on the weights of different types of fish in a pond. A random
sample of fish were caught and marked in order to ensure that none were weighed
more than once. The sample contained 150 largemouth bass, of which 30%
weighed more than 2 pounds. Which of the following conclusions is best supported
by the sample data?

A. The majority of all fish in the pond weigh less than 2 pounds.

B. The average weight of all fish in the pond is approximately 2 pounds.

C. Approximately 30% of all fish in the pond weigh more than 2 pounds.

D. Approximately 30% of all largemouth bass in the pond weigh more than 2 pounds.

ID: 53d97af5 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The sample of 150 largemouth bass was selected at random from all the largemouth bass in the
pond, and since 30% of the fish in the sample weighed more than 2 pounds, it can be concluded that approximately
30% of all largemouth bass in the pond weigh more than 2 pounds.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Since the sample contained 150 largemouth bass, of which 30% weighed more than
2 pounds, this result can be generalized only to largemouth bass in the pond, not to all fish in the pond.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f8f79e11
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: f8f79e11

A park ranger asked a random sample of visitors how far they hiked during their
visit. Based on the responses, the estimated mean was found to be 4.5 miles, with
an associated margin of error of 0.5 miles. Which of the following is the best
conclusion from these data?

A. It is likely that all visitors hiked between 4 and 5 miles.

B. It is likely that most visitors hiked exactly 4.5 miles.

C. It is not possible that any visitor hiked less than 3 miles.

D. It is plausible that the mean distance hiked for all visitors is between 4 and 5 miles.

ID: f8f79e11 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The given estimated mean has an associated margin of error because from sample data, the
population mean can’t be determined precisely. Rather, from the sample mean, an interval can be determined
within which it’s plausible that the population’s mean is likely to lie. Since the estimated mean is 4.5 miles with an
associated margin of error of 0.5 miles, it follows that between miles and miles, or between 4 and

5 miles, is plausibly the mean distance hiked for all visitors.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Based on the estimated mean, no determination can be made about the number of
miles hiked for all visitors to the park.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e03f3477
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: e03f3477

A sample consisting of adults who own televisions was selected at random for a study. Based on the sample, it is
estimated that of all adults who own televisions use their televisions to watch nature shows, with an associated margin
of error of . Which of the following is the most plausible conclusion about all adults who own televisions?

A. More than of all adults who own televisions use their televisions to watch nature shows.

B. Between and of all adults who own televisions use their televisions to watch nature shows.

C. Since the sample included adults who own televisions and not just those who use their televisions to watch nature shows,
no conclusion can be made.

D. Since the sample did not include all the people who watch nature shows, no conclusion can be made.

ID: e03f3477 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that based on a sample selected at random, it's estimated that 32% of all adults who
own televisions use their televisions to watch nature shows, with an associated margin of error of 3.41%.
Subtracting the margin of error from the estimate and adding the margin of error to the estimate gives an interval of
plausible values for the true percentage of adults who own televisions who use their televisions to watch nature
shows. This means it's plausible that between 32 % - 3.41%, or 28.59%, and 32 % + 3.41%, or 35.41%, of all adults who
own televisions use their televisions to watch nature shows. Therefore, of the given choices, the most plausible
conclusion is that between 28.59% and 35.41% of all adults who own televisions use their televisions to watch
nature shows.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect. To make a plausible conclusion about all adults who own televisions, the sample must be
selected at random from all adults who own televisions, not just those who use their televisions to watch nature
shows.

Choice D is incorrect. Since the sample was selected at random from all adults who own televisions, a plausible
conclusion can be made about all adults who own televisions.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID fc46af57
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: fc46af57

A bag containing 10,000 beads of assorted colors is purchased from a craft store.
To estimate the percent of red beads in the bag, a sample of beads is selected at
random. The percent of red beads in the bag was estimated to be 15%, with an
associated margin of error of 2%. If r is the actual number of red beads in the bag,
which of the following is most plausible?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: fc46af57 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It was estimated that 15% of the beads in the bag are red. Since the bag contains 10,000 beads, it
follows that there are an estimated red beads. It’s given that the margin of error is 2%, or
beads. If the estimate is too high, there could plausibly be red beads. If

the estimate is too low, there could plausibly be red beads. Therefore, the most plausible
statement of the actual number of red beads in the bag is .

Choices A and D are incorrect and may result from misinterpreting the margin of error. It’s unlikely that more than
1,700 beads or fewer than 1,300 beads in the bag are red. Choice C is incorrect because 200 is the margin of error for
the number of red beads, not the lower bound of the range of red beads.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f04d40b2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: f04d40b2

From a population of people, were chosen at random and surveyed about a proposed piece of legislation.
Based on the survey, it is estimated that of people in the population support the legislation, with an associated margin
of error of . Based on these results, which of the following is a plausible value for the total number of people in the
population who support the proposed legislation?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f04d40b2 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It’s given that an estimated 35% of people in the population support the legislation, with an
associated margin of error of 3%. Subtracting and adding the margin of error from the estimate gives an interval of
plausible values for the true percentage of people in the population who support the legislation. Therefore, it’s
plausible that between 32% and 38% of people in this population support the legislation. The corresponding
numbers of people represented by these percentages in the population can be calculated by multiplying the total
population, 50,000, by 0.32 and by 0.38, which gives 50,0000.32 = 16,000 and 50,0000.38 = 19,000, respectively. It
follows that any value in the interval 16,000 to 19,000 is a plausible value for the total number of people in the
population who support the proposed legislation. Of the choices given, only 16,750 is in this interval.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of people in the sample, rather than in the population, who support the
legislation.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of people in the sample who do not support the legislation.

Choice D is incorrect. This is a plausible value for the total number of people in the population who do not support
the proposed legislation.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4096a482
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 4096a482

Based on a random sample from a population, a researcher estimated that the mean value of a certain variable for the
population is , with an associated margin of error of . Which of the following is the most appropriate conclusion?

A. It is plausible that the actual mean value of the variable for the population is between and .

B. It is not possible that the mean value of the variable for the population is less than or greater than .

C. Every value of the variable in the population is between and .

D. The mean value of the variable for the population is .

ID: 4096a482 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that based on a random sample from a population, the estimated mean value for a
certain variable for the population is 20.5, with an associated margin of error of 1. This means that it is plausible
that the actual mean value of the variable for the population is between 20.5 - 1 and 20.5 + 1. Therefore, the most
appropriate conclusion is that it is plausible that the actual mean value of the variable for the population is between
19.5 and 21.5.

Choice B is incorrect. The estimated mean value and associated margin of error describe only plausible values, not
all the possible values, for the actual mean value of the variable, so this is not an appropriate conclusion.

Choice C is incorrect. The estimated mean value and associated margin of error describe only plausible values for
the actual mean value of the variable, not all the possible values of the variable, so this is not an appropriate
conclusion.

Choice D is incorrect. Since 20.5 is the estimated mean value of the variable based on a random sample, the actual
mean value of the variable may not be exactly 20.5. Therefore, this is not an appropriate conclusion.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1e562f24
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 1e562f24

To estimate the proportion of a population that has a certain characteristic, a random sample was selected from the
population. Based on the sample, it is estimated that the proportion of the population that has the characteristic is , with
an associated margin of error of . Based on this estimate and margin of error, which of the following is the most
appropriate conclusion about the proportion of the population that has the characteristic?

A. It is plausible that the proportion is between and .

B. It is plausible that the proportion is less than .

C. The proportion is exactly .

D. It is plausible that the proportion is greater than .

ID: 1e562f24 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It’s given that the estimate for the proportion of the population that has the characteristic is
0.49 with an associated margin of error of 0.04. Subtracting the margin of error from the estimate and adding the
margin of error to the estimate gives an interval of plausible values for the true proportion of the population that has
the characteristic. Therefore, it’s plausible that the proportion of the population that has this characteristic is
between 0.45 and 0.53.

Choice B is incorrect. A value less than 0.45 is outside the interval of plausible values for the proportion of the
population that has the characteristic.

Choice C is incorrect. The value 0.49 is an estimate for the proportion based on this sample. However, since the
margin of error for this estimate is known, the most appropriate conclusion is not that the proportion is exactly one
value but instead lies in an interval of plausible values.

Choice D is incorrect. A value greater than 0.53 is outside the interval of plausible values for the proportion of the
population that has the characteristic.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 89f8d08a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 89f8d08a

A store manager reviewed the receipts from 80 customers who were selected at
random from all the customers who made purchases last Thursday. Of those
selected, 20 receipts showed that the customer had purchased fruit. If
1,500 customers made purchases last Thursday, which of the following is the most
appropriate conclusion?

A. Exactly 75 customers must have purchased fruit last Thursday.

B. Exactly 375 customers must have purchased fruit last Thursday.

C. The best estimate for the number of customers who purchased fruit last Thursday is 75.

D. The best estimate for the number of customers who purchased fruit last Thursday is 375.

ID: 89f8d08a Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the manager took a random selection of the receipts of 80 customers from a total
of 1,500. It’s also given that of those 80 receipts, 20 showed that the customer had purchased fruit. This means that

an appropriate estimate of the fraction of customers who purchased fruit is , or . Multiplying this fraction by

the total number of customers yields . Therefore, the best estimate for the number of customers
who purchased fruit is 375.

Choices A and B are incorrect because an exact number of customers can’t be known from taking a random
selection. Additionally, choice A may also be the result of a calculation error. Choice C is incorrect and may result
from a calculation error.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9ee22c16
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 9ee22c16
A random sample of 400 town voters were asked if they plan to vote for Candidate A or Candidate B for mayor. The
results were sorted by gender and are shown in the table below.
Plan to vote Plan to vote
for for
Candidate Candidate
A B

Female 202 20

Male 34 144

The town has a total of 6,000 voters. Based on the table, what is the best estimate of the number of voters who plan to
vote for Candidate A?

ID: 9ee22c16 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 3,540. According to the table, of 400 voters randomly sampled, the total number of men and
women who plan to vote for Candidate A is . The best estimate of the total number of voters in the

town who plan to vote for Candidate A is the fraction of voters in the sample who plan to vote for Candidate A, ,

multiplied by the total voter population of 6000. Therefore, the answer is .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 85939da5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 85939da5

Texting Talks on cell Does not talk on

behavior phone daily cell phone daily Total

Light 110 146 256

Medium 139 164 303

Heavy 166 74 240

Total 415 384 799

In a study of cell phone use, 799 randomly selected US teens were asked how often
they talked on a cell phone and about their texting behavior. The data are
summarized in the table above. Based on the data from the study, an estimate of
the percent of US teens who are heavy texters is 30% and the associated margin of
error is 3%. Which of the following is a correct statement based on the given margin
of error?

A. Approximately 3% of the teens in the study who are classified as heavy texters are not really heavy texters.

B. It is not possible that the percent of all US teens who are heavy texters is less than 27%.

C. The percent of all US teens who are heavy texters is 33%.

D. It is doubtful that the percent of all US teens who are heavy texters is 35%.

ID: 85939da5 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The given margin of error of 3% indicates that the actual percent of all US teens who are heavy
texters is likely within 3% of the estimate of 30%, or between 27% and 33%. Therefore, it is unlikely, or doubtful, that
the percent of all US teens who are heavy texters would be 35%.

Choice A is incorrect. The margin of error doesn’t provide any information about the accuracy of reporting in the
study. Choice B is incorrect. Based on the estimate and given margin of error, it is unlikely that the percent of all US
teens who are heavy texters would be less than 27%, but it is possible. Choice C is incorrect. While the percent of all
US teens who are heavy texters is likely between 27% and 33%, any value within this interval is equally likely. We
can’t be certain that the value is exactly 33%.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c7e73ece
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: c7e73ece
Views on Nuclear Energy
Use
Response Frequency

Strongly
56
favor

Somewhat
214
favor

Somewhat
104
oppose

Strongly
37
oppose

A researcher interviewed 411 randomly selected US residents and asked about their views on the use of nuclear energy. The
table above summarizes the responses of the interviewees. If the population of the United States was 300 million when the
survey was given, based on the sample data for the 411 US residents, what is the best estimate, in millions, of the difference
between the number of US residents who somewhat favor or strongly favor the use of nuclear energy and the number of
those who somewhat oppose or strongly oppose it? (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)

ID: c7e73ece Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 94. Of those interviewed, “strongly favor” or “somewhat favor” the use of

nuclear energy, and interviewees “somewhat oppose” or “strongly oppose” the use of nuclear
energy. The difference between the sizes of the two surveyed groups is . The proportion of this

difference among the entire group of interviewees is . Because the sample of interviewees was selected at

random from US residents, it is reasonable to assume that the proportion of this difference is the same among all US
residents as in the sample. Therefore, the best estimate, in millions, of the difference between the number of US
residents who somewhat favor or strongly favor the use of nuclear energy and the number of those who somewhat

oppose or strongly oppose it is , which to the nearest million is 94.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 308084c5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 308084c5

Sample Percent in favor Margin of error

A 52% 4.2%

B 48% 1.6%

The results of two random samples of votes for a proposition are shown above.
The samples were selected from the same population, and the margins of error
were calculated using the same method. Which of the following is the most
appropriate reason that the margin of error for sample A is greater than the margin
of error for sample B?

A. Sample A had a smaller number of votes that could not be recorded.

B. Sample A had a higher percent of favorable responses.

C. Sample A had a larger sample size.

D. Sample A had a smaller sample size.

ID: 308084c5 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Sample size is an appropriate reason for the margin of error to change. In general, a smaller
sample size increases the margin of error because the sample may be less representative of the whole population.

Choice A is incorrect. The margin of error will depend on the size of the sample of recorded votes, not the number of
votes that could not be recorded. In any case, the smaller number of votes that could not be recorded for sample A
would tend to decrease, not increase, the comparative size of the margin of error. Choice B is incorrect. Since the
percent in favor for sample A is the same distance from 50% as the percent in favor for sample B, the percent of
favorable responses doesn’t affect the comparative size of the margin of error for the two samples. Choice C is
incorrect. If sample A had a larger margin of error than sample B, then sample A would tend to be less representative
of the population. Therefore, sample A is not likely to have a larger sample size.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9ba3e283
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 9ba3e283

In State X, Mr. Camp’s eighth-grade class consisting of 26 students was surveyed

and 34.6 percent of the students reported that they had at least two siblings. The
average eighth‑grade class size in the state is 26. If the students in Mr. Camp’s
class are representative of students in the state’s eighth-grade classes and there
are 1,800 eighth-grade classes in the state, which of the following best estimates
the number of eighth‑grade students in the state who have fewer than two
siblings?

A. 16,200

B. 23,400

C. 30,600

D. 46,800

ID: 9ba3e283 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. It is given that 34.6% of 26 students in Mr. Camp’s class reported that they had at least two
siblings. Since 34.6% of 26 is 8.996, there must have been 9 students in the class who reported having at least two
siblings and 17 students who reported that they had fewer than two siblings. It is also given that the average eighth-
grade class size in the state is 26 and that Mr. Camp’s class is representative of all eighth-grade classes in the state.
This means that in each eighth-grade class in the state there are about 17 students who have fewer than two
siblings. Therefore, the best estimate of the number of eighth-grade students in the state who have fewer than two
siblings is 17 × (number of eighth-grade classes in the state), or .

Choice A is incorrect because 16,200 is the best estimate for the number of eighth-grade students in the state who
have at least, not fewer than, two siblings. Choice B is incorrect because 23,400 is half of the estimated total number
of eighth-grade students in the state; however, since the students in Mr. Camp’s class are representative of students
in the eighth-grade classes in the state and more than half of the students in Mr. Camp’s class have fewer than two
siblings, more than half of the students in each eighth-grade class in the state have fewer than two siblings, too.
Choice D is incorrect because 46,800 is the estimated total number of eighth-grade students in the state.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 916ffe9b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: 916ffe9b

Poll Results

Angel Cruz

Terry Smith
The table shows the results of a poll. A total of voters selected at random were asked which candidate they would vote
for in the upcoming election. According to the poll, if people vote in the election, by how many votes would Angel Cruz
be expected to win?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 916ffe9b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that 483 out of 803 voters responded that they would vote for Angel Cruz. Therefore,
the proportion of voters from the poll who responded they would vote for Angel Cruz is 483
803 . It’s also given that there
are a total of 6,424 voters in the election. Therefore, the total number of people who would be expected to vote for
Angel Cruz is 6,424 483
803 , or 3,864. Since 3,864 of the 6,424 total voters would be expected to vote for Angel Cruz, it
follows that 6,424 - 3,864, or 2,560 voters would be expected not to vote for Angel Cruz. The difference in the number
of votes for and against Angel Cruz is 3,864 - 2,560, or 1,304 votes. Therefore, if 6,424 people vote in the election,
Angel Cruz would be expected to win by 1,304 votes.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the difference in the number of voters from the poll who responded that they would
vote for and against Angel Cruz.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the total number of people who would be expected to vote for Angel Cruz.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the difference between the total number of people who vote in the election and the
number of voters from the poll.

Question Difficulty: Hard