Question ID 548a4929 Question ID e62cfe5f

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 548a4929 ID: e62cfe5f

The function is defined by . The graph of in the xy-plane has an x-intercept at and a According to a model, the head width, in millimeters, of a worker bumblebee can
y-intercept at , where and are constants. What is the value of ? be estimated by adding 0.6 to four times the body weight of the bee, in grams.
According to the model, what would be the head width, in millimeters, of a
A.
worker bumblebee that has a body weight of 0.5 grams?
B.
ID: e62cfe5f Answer
C.

D. Rationale
The correct answer is 2.6. According to the model, the head width, in millimeters, of a worker bumblebee can be
estimated by adding 0.6 to 4 times the body weight, in grams, of the bee. Let x represent the body weight, in grams, of a
ID: 548a4929 Answer worker bumblebee and let y represent the head width, in millimeters. Translating the verbal description of the model into
Correct Answer: A an equation yields . Substituting 0.5 grams for x in this equation yields , or .
Therefore, a worker bumblebee with a body weight of 0.5 grams has an estimated head width of 2.6 millimeters. Note
Rationale
that 2.6 and 13/5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.
Choice A is correct. The x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is the point on the graph where 𝑦 = 0. It's given that
function ℎ is defined by ℎ𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 28. Therefore, the equation representing the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28. Question Difficulty: Medium
Substituting 0 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28 yields 0 = 4𝑥 + 28. Subtracting 28 from both sides of this equation yields
-28 = 4𝑥. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields -7 = 𝑥. Therefore, the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-
plane is -7, 0. It's given that the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 𝑎, 0. Therefore, 𝑎 = - 7. The y-intercept of a graph in
the xy-plane is the point on the graph where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 28 yields 𝑦 = 40 + 28, or
𝑦 = 28. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, 28. It's given that the y-intercept of the graph
of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 is 0, 𝑏. Therefore, 𝑏 = 28. If 𝑎 = - 7 and 𝑏 = 28, then the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏 is -7 + 28, or 21.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a5834ea4 Question ID 7e3f8363
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: a5834ea4 ID: 7e3f8363

For the given linear function , which table gives three values of and their corresponding values of ? In the xy-plane, the graph of the linear function contains the points and . Which equation defines , where
?
A. A.

B.

C.

D.

B.

ID: 7e3f8363 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. In the xy-plane, an equation of the graph of a linear function can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏,
where 𝑚 represents the slope and 0, 𝑏 represents the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. It’s given that the graph of the
C.
linear function 𝑓, where 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, in the xy-plane contains the point 0, 3. Thus, 𝑏 = 3. The slope of the graph of a line
𝑦 -𝑦
containing any two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 can be found using the slope formula, 𝑚 = 2 1 . Since it’s given that the graph
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
of the linear function 𝑓 contains the points 0, 3 and 7, 31, it follows that the slope of the graph of the line containing these
31 - 3
points is 𝑚 = , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 and 3 for 𝑏 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 3.
7-0

Choice A is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 28 and a y-intercept of 0, 34.
D.
Choice B is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of 0, 38.

Choice D is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 7 and a y-intercept of 0, 3.

Question Difficulty: Medium

ID: a5834ea4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

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

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c1bd5301 Question ID 7a5a74a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in
one variable

ID: c1bd5301
ID: 7a5a74a6
A model predicts that a certain animal weighed pounds when it was born and that the animal gained pounds per
day in its first year of life. This model is defined by an equation in the form , where is the predicted
weight, in pounds, of the animal days after it was born, and and are constants. What is the value of ? If x is the solution to the equation above,
what is the value of ?

ID: c1bd5301 Answer

Correct Answer: 241 A.

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

ID: 7a5a74a6 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is correct. Because 2 is a factor of both and 6, the expression can be rewritten as . Question ID aa85b138
Substituting for on the left-hand side of the given equation yields , or
. Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Adding 11 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields . SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in
one variable

Alternate approach: Distributing 3 to the quantity on the left-hand side of the given equation and distributing 4 to
the quantity on the right-hand side yields , or . Subtracting from ID: aa85b138

both sides of this equation yields . Adding 29 to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both

sides of this equation by 2 yields . Therefore, the value of is , or . A tree had a height of 6 feet when it was planted. The equation above can be
used to find how many years n it took the tree to reach a height of 14 feet. Which
of the following is the best interpretation of the number 2 in this context?
Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of x, not . Choices C and D are incorrect. If the value of is or A. The number of years it took the tree to double its height

, it follows that the value of x is or , respectively. However, solving the given equation for x yields B. The average number of feet that the tree grew per year

C. The height, in feet, of the tree when the tree was 1 year old
. Therefore, the value of can’t be or .
D. The average number of years it takes similar trees to grow 14 feet

ID: aa85b138 Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The height of the tree at a given time is equal to its height when it was planted plus the number of
feet that the tree grew. In the given equation, 14 represents the height of the tree at the given time, and 6 represents the
height of the tree when it was planted. It follows that represents the number of feet the tree grew from the time it was
planted until the time it reached a height of 14 feet. Since n represents the number of years between the given time and
the time the tree was planted, 2 must represent the average number of feet the tree grew each year.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from interpreting the coefficient 2 as doubling instead of as increasing by 2 each
year. Choice C is incorrect. The height of the tree when it was 1 year old was feet, not 2 feet. Choice D is
incorrect. No information is given to connect the growth of one particular tree to the growth of similar trees.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 15daa8d6 Question ID 12ee1edc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in
one variable one variable

ID: 15daa8d6 ID: 12ee1edc

In the given equation, is a constant. If the equation has infinitely many solutions, what is the value of ? In the given equation, b is a constant. If the equation has no
solution, what is the value of b ?

ID: 15daa8d6 Answer A. 2

Correct Answer: 2
B. 4
Rationale
C. 6
The correct answer is 2. An equation with one variable, 𝑥, has infinitely many solutions only when both sides of the
equation are equal for any defined value of 𝑥. It's given that 2𝑥 + 16 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8, where 𝑎 is a constant. This equation can be D. 10
rewritten as 2𝑥 + 8 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8. If this equation has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of this equation are equal for
any defined value of 𝑥. Both sides of this equation are equal for any defined value of 𝑥 when 2 = 𝑎. Therefore, if the
equation has infinitely many solutions, the value of 𝑎 is 2. ID: 12ee1edc Answer
Correct Answer: A
Alternate approach: If the given equation, 2𝑥 + 16 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8, has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of this equation
are equal for any value of 𝑥. If 𝑥 = 0, then substituting 0 for 𝑥 in 2𝑥 + 16 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8 yields 20 + 16 = 𝑎0 + 8, or 16 = 8𝑎. Rationale
Dividing both sides of this equation by 8 yields 2 = 𝑎. Choice A is correct. This equation has no solution when there is no value of x that produces a true statement. Solving the

Question Difficulty: Medium given equation for x by dividing both sides by gives . When , the right-hand side of this
equation will be undefined, and the equation will have no solution. Therefore, when , there is no value of x that
satisfies the given equation.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Substituting 4, 6, and 10 for b in the given equation yields exactly one solution, rather
than no solution, for x. For example, substituting 4 for b in the given equation yields , or . Dividing both
sides of by 2 yields . Similarly, if or , and , respectively.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 620fe971 Question ID 1c29bfd1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 620fe971 ID: 1c29bfd1

A team of workers has been moving cargo off of a ship. The equation below models the approximate number of tons
of cargo, y, that remains to be moved x hours after the team started working. The pressure exerted on a scuba diver at sea level is . For each foot the scuba
diver descends below sea level, the pressure exerted on the scuba diver increases by . What is the total
pressure, in , exerted on the scuba diver at feet below sea level?

The graph of this equation in the xy-plane is a line. What is the best A.
interpretation of the x-intercept in this context?
B.
A. The team will have moved all the cargo in about 4.8 hours.
C.
B. The team has been moving about 4.8 tons of cargo per hour.
D.
C. The team has been moving about 25 tons of cargo per hour.

D. The team started with 120 tons of cargo to move.

ID: 1c29bfd1 Answer
Correct Answer: A
ID: 620fe971 Answer
Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is correct. It's given that the pressure exerted on a scuba diver at sea level is 14.70 pounds per square inch psi.
Rationale It's also given that for each foot the scuba diver descends below sea level, the pressure exerted on the scuba diver
increases by 0.44 psi. The total pressure, in psi, exerted on the scuba diver at 𝑥 feet below sea level can be represented
Choice A is correct. The x-intercept of the line with equation y = 120 – 25x can be found by substituting 0 for y and
by the expression 0.44𝑥 + 14.70. Substituting 105 for 𝑥 in this expression yields 0.44 ( 105 ) + 14.70, or 60.90. Therefore, the
finding the value of x. When y = 0, x = 4.8, so the x-intercept is at (4.8, 0). Since y represents the number of tons of cargo
total pressure exerted on the scuba diver at 105 feet below sea level is 60.90 psi.
remaining to be moved x hours after the team started working, it follows that the x-intercept refers to the team having no
cargo remaining to be moved after 4.8 hours. In other words, the team will have moved all of the cargo after about 4.8
Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
hours.
Choice C is incorrect. This is the pressure, in psi, exerted on the scuba diver at sea level, not at 105 feet below sea level.
Choice B is incorrect and may result from incorrectly interpreting the value 4.8. Choices C and D are incorrect and may
result from misunderstanding the x-intercept. These statements are accurate but not directly relevant to the x-intercept. Choice D is incorrect. This is the rate by which the pressure, in psi, exerted on the scuba diver increases for each foot the
scuba diver descends below sea level.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e470e19d Question ID f7e39fe9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: e470e19d ID: f7e39fe9

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

A.

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

D. ID: f7e39fe9 Answer

Correct Answer: 11
ID: e470e19d Answer Rationale
Correct Answer: D The correct answer is 11. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 is defined by the equation 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 𝑚𝑥 - 28, where 𝑚 is a constant. It's also
given in the table that when 𝑥 = 10, 𝑓𝑥 = 82. Substituting 10 for 𝑥 and 82 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 - 28 yields,
Rationale
82 = 𝑚10 - 28. Adding 28 to both sides of this equation yields 110 = 10𝑚. Dividing both sides of this equation by 10 yields
Choice D is correct. The given function 𝑓 is a linear function. Therefore, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane has one x- 11 = 𝑚. Therefore, the value of 𝑚 is 11.
intercept at the point 𝑘, 0, where 𝑘 is a constant. Substituting 0 for 𝑓𝑥 and 𝑘 for 𝑥 in the given function yields 0 = 7𝑘 - 84.
Adding 84 to both sides of this equation yields 84 = 7𝑘. Dividing both sides of this equation by 7 yields 12 = 𝑘. Therefore, Question Difficulty: Medium
the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 12, 0.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

 Rationale

Question ID 5cf1bbc9 Choice A is correct. The given graph is a line, and the slope of a line is defined as the change in the value of 𝑦 for each
increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1. It’s given that 𝑦 represents the total cost, in dollars, and that 𝑥 represents the number of
games. Therefore, the change in the value of 𝑦 for each increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1 represents the change in total cost,
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
in dollars, for each increase in the number of games by 1. In other words, the slope represents the cost, in dollars, per
game. The graph shows that when the value of 𝑥 increases from 0 to 1, the value of 𝑦 increases from 100 to 125. It follows
SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
that the slope is 25, or the cost per game is $ 25. Thus, the best interpretation of the slope of the graph is that each game
costs $ 25.
ID: 5cf1bbc9
Choice B is incorrect. This is an interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph rather than the slope of the graph.

Choice C is incorrect. The slope of the graph is the cost per game, not the cost of the video game system.

Choice D is incorrect. Each game costs $ 25, not $ 100.

Question Difficulty: Medium

The graph of the function , where , gives the total cost , in dollars, for a certain video game system and
games. What is the best interpretation of the slope of the graph in this context?

A. Each game costs .

B. The video game system costs .

C. The video game system costs .

D. Each game costs .

ID: 5cf1bbc9 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Question ID 3e9eaffc Question ID a775af14
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3e9eaffc ID: a775af14

Caleb used juice to make popsicles. The function approximates the volume, in fluid ounces, of juice In the xy-plane, the graph of the linear function contains the points and . Which equation defines , where
Caleb had remaining after making popsicles. Which statement is the best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph ?
of in the xy-plane in this context?
A.
A. Caleb used approximately fluid ounces of juice for each popsicle.
B.
B. Caleb had approximately fluid ounces of juice when he began to make the popsicles.
C.
C. Caleb had approximately fluid ounces of juice when he began to make the popsicles.
D.
D. Caleb used approximately fluid ounces of juice for each popsicle.

ID: a775af14 Answer

ID: 3e9eaffc Answer
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Rationale Choice C is correct. In the xy-plane, the graph of a linear function can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚
Choice C is correct. An equation that defines a linear function 𝑓 can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 represents the slope and 0, 𝑏 represents the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. It’s given that the graph of the linear
represents the slope and 𝑏 represents the y-intercept, 0, 𝑏, of the line of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane. The function function 𝑓, where 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, in the xy-plane contains the point 0, 2. Thus, 𝑏 = 2. The slope of the graph of a line containing
𝑦2 - 𝑦1
𝑓𝑥 = - 5𝑥 + 30 is linear. Therefore, the graph of the given function 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane has a y-intercept of 0, 30. It’s any two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 can be found using the slope formula, 𝑚 =
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
. Since it’s given that the graph of the
given that 𝑓𝑥 gives the approximate volume, in fluid ounces, of juice Caleb had remaining after making 𝑥 popsicles. It linear function 𝑓 contains the points 0, 2 and 8, 34, it follows that the slope of the graph of the line containing these points
follows that the y-intercept of 0, 30 means that Caleb had approximately 30 fluid ounces of juice remaining after making 0 is 𝑚 =
34 - 2
, or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 and 2 for 𝑏 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 2.
8-0
popsicles. In other words, Caleb had approximately 30 fluid ounces of juice when he began to make the popsicles.
Choice A is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 2 and a y-intercept of 0, 42.
Choice A is incorrect. This is an interpretation of the slope, rather than the y-intercept, of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-
plane. Choice B is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 32 and a y-intercept of 0, 36.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect. This function represents a graph with a slope of 8 and a y-intercept of 0, 2.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 9551cd91 Question ID ebd457f4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 9551cd91 ID: ebd457f4

Brian saves of the he earns each week from his job. If Brian continues to save at this rate, how much money, in
Number of cars Maximum number of passengers and crew
dollars, will Brian save in weeks?

ID: ebd457f4 Answer

Correct Answer: 774

The table shows the linear relationship between the number of cars, , on a commuter train and the maximum number of Rationale
passengers and crew, , that the train can carry. Which equation represents the linear relationship between and ? 2
The correct answer is 774. It's given that Brian saves of the $ 215 he earns each week from his job. Therefore, Brian
5
2
A. saves
5
$ 215, or $ 86, per week. If Brian continues to save at this rate of $ 86 per week for 9 weeks, then he will save a
total of 986, or 774, dollars.
B.
Question Difficulty: Medium
C.

D.

ID: 9551cd91 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that there is a linear relationship between the number of cars, 𝑐, on a commuter train and
the maximum number of passengers and crew, 𝑝, that the train can carry. It follows that this relationship can be
represented by an equation of the form 𝑝 = 𝑚𝑐 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the rate of change of 𝑝 in this relationship and 𝑏 is a
constant. The rate of change of 𝑝 in this relationship can be calculated by dividing the difference in any two values of 𝑝
by the difference in the corresponding values of 𝑐. Using two pairs of values given in the table, the rate of change of 𝑝 in
284 - 174
this relationship is , or 55. Substituting 55 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑝 = 𝑚𝑐 + 𝑏 yields 𝑝 = 55𝑐 + 𝑏. The value of 𝑏 can be
5-3
found by substituting any value of 𝑐 and its corresponding value of 𝑝 for 𝑐 and 𝑝, respectively, in this equation.
Substituting 10 for 𝑐 and 559 for 𝑝 yields 559 = 5510 + 𝑏, or 559 = 550 + 𝑏. Subtracting 550 from both sides of this equation
yields 9 = 𝑏. Substituting 9 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑝 = 55𝑐 + 𝑏 yields 𝑝 = 55𝑐 + 9. Subtracting 9 from both sides of this
equation yields 𝑝 - 9 = 55𝑐. Subtracting 𝑝 from both sides of this equation yields -9 = 55𝑐 - 𝑝, or 55𝑐 - 𝑝 = - 9.

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: Medium

Question ID 6c5c2a81 Question ID dae126d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 6c5c2a81 ID: dae126d7

For the linear function , the graph of in the xy-plane passes through the points and . Which The boiling point of water at sea level is 212 degrees Fahrenheit . For every
equation defines ? 550 feet above sea level, the boiling point of water is lowered by about .
A. Which of the following equations can be used to find the boiling point B of water,
in , x feet above sea level?
B.

C. A.

D.
B.

ID: 6c5c2a81 Answer C.

Correct Answer: B
D.
Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the graph of the linear function ℎ, where 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥, passes through the points 7, 21 and
9, 25 in the xy-plane. An equation defining ℎ can be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥, 𝑚 represents the slope ID: dae126d7 Answer
of the graph in the xy-plane, and 𝑏 represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph. The slope can be found
𝑦 -𝑦 Correct Answer: D
using any two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , and the formula 𝑚 = 2 1 . Substituting 7, 21 and 9, 25 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ,
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
25 - 21 4
respectively, in the slope formula yields 𝑚 = , which is equivalent to 𝑚
= , or 𝑚
= 2. Substituting 2 for 𝑚 and 7, 21 for Rationale
9-7 2
𝑥, 𝑦 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 21 = 27 + 𝑏, or 21 = 14 + 𝑏. Subtracting 14 from each side of this equation yields Choice D is correct. It’s given that the boiling point of water at sea level is 212°F and that for every 550 feet above sea
7 = 𝑏. Substituting 2 for 𝑚 and 7 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 7. Since 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥, it follows that the level, the boiling point of water is lowered by about 1°F. Therefore, the change in the boiling point of water x feet above
equation that defines ℎ is ℎ𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 7.
sea level is represented by the expression . Adding this expression to the boiling point of water at sea level gives
Choice A is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane would pass through 7, 0, not 7, 21, and 9, 1, not
9, 25. the equation for the boiling point B of water, in °F, x feet above sea level: , or .

Choice C is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane would pass through 7, 70, not 7, 21, and 9, 84, Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from using the boiling point of water at sea level as the rate of change and
not 9, 25. the rate of change as the initial boiling point of water at sea level. Choice C is incorrect and may result from representing
the change in the boiling point of water as an increase rather than a decrease.
Choice D is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane would pass through 7, 88, not 7, 21, and 9, 106,
not 9, 25.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 271f7e3f Question ID 70e29454
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in
one variable

ID: 271f7e3f
ID: 70e29454

For the function f defined above, what is the In the equation above, a and b are constants. If the equation has infinitely many
value of ? solutions, what are the values of a and b ?

A. and
A. 1

B. 2 B. and

C. and
C.
D. and

D.
ID: 70e29454 Answer
Correct Answer: B
ID: 271f7e3f Answer
Correct Answer: B Rationale
Choice B is correct. Distributing the a on the left-hand side of the equation gives 3a – b – ax = –1 – 2x. Rearranging the
Rationale
terms in each side of the equation yields –ax + 3a – b = –2x –1. Since the equation has infinitely many solutions, it
Choice B is correct. The value of can be calculated by finding the values of and . The value of follows that the coefficients of x and the free terms on both sides must be equal. That is, –a = –2, or a = 2, and 3a – b =
–1. Substituting 2 for a in the equation 3a – b = –1 gives 3(2) – b = –1, so b = 7.
can be found by substituting 9 for x in the given function: . This equation can be rewritten as ,
Choice A is incorrect and may be the result of a conceptual error when finding the value of b. Choices C and D are
incorrect and may result from making a sign error when simplifying.
or 4. Then, the value of can be found by substituting 1 for x in the given function: . This equation

can be rewritten as , or 2. Therefore, , which is equivalent to 2. Question Difficulty: Medium

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may result from incorrectly substituting values of x in the given function or making
computational errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f09097b1 Question ID c651cc56
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: c651cc56
ID: f09097b1

An agricultural scientist studying the growth of corn plants recorded the height
of a corn plant at the beginning of a study and the height of the plant each day
for the next 12 days. The scientist found that the height of the plant increased by
Some values of the linear function f are shown in the table
an average of 1.20 centimeters per day for the 12 days. If the height of the plant
above. What is the value of ?
on the last day of the study was 36.8 centimeters, what was the height, in
centimeters, of the corn plant at the beginning of the study?
A. 6

B. 7
ID: f09097b1 Answer
C. 8
Rationale
The correct answer is 22.4. If the height of the plant increased by an average of 1.20 centimeters per day for 12 days, D. 9
then its total growth over the 12 days was centimeters. The plant was 36.8 centimeters tall after 12
days, so at the beginning of the study its height was centimeters. Note that 22.4 and 112/5 are
ID: c651cc56 Answer
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.
Correct Answer: B
Alternate approach: The equation can be used to represent this situation, where h is the height of Rationale
the plant, in centimeters, at the beginning of the study. Solving this equation for h yields 22.4 centimeters. Choice B is correct. A linear function has a constant rate of change, and any two rows of the table shown can be used to
calculate this rate. From the first row to the second, the value of x is increased by 2 and the value of is increased by
. So the values of increase by 3 for every increase by 1 in the value of x. Since , it follows that
. Therefore, .
Question Difficulty: Medium

Choice A is incorrect. This is the third x-value in the table, not . Choices C and D are incorrect and may result from
errors when calculating the function’s rate of change.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 79cf8505 Question ID c22b5f25
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: c22b5f25
ID: 79cf8505
In the xy-plane, the points and lie on the graph of
A line segment that has a length of is divided into three parts. One part is long. The other
which of the following linear functions?
two parts have lengths that are equal to each other. What is the length, in , of one of the other two parts of equal
length? A.

ID: 79cf8505 Answer B.

Correct Answer: 34

Rationale C.

The correct answer is 34. It’s given that a line segment has a length of 115 cm and is divided into three parts, where one
part is 47 cm long and the other two parts have lengths that are equal. If 𝑥 represents the length, in cm, of each of the D.
two parts of equal length, then the equation 47 + 𝑥 + 𝑥 = 115, or 47 + 2𝑥 = 115, represents this situation. Subtracting 47
from each side of this equation yields 2𝑥 = 68. Dividing each side of this equation by 2 yields 𝑥 = 34. Therefore, the
length, in cm, of one of the two parts of equal length is 34. ID: c22b5f25 Answer

Question Difficulty: Medium Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. A linear function can be written in the form , where m is the slope and b is the y-

coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. The slope of the graph can be found using the formula .

Substituting the values of the given points into this formula yields or , which simplifies to

. Only choice C shows an equation with this slope.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may result from computation errors or misinterpreting the given information.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 11e1ab81 Question ID 4fe4fd7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 11e1ab81 ID: 4fe4fd7c

A company’s total cost , in dollars, to produce x shirts is given by the

function above, where m is a constant and . The total cost to produce 100
shirts is $800. What is the total cost, in dollars, to produce 1000 shirts?
(Disregard the $ sign when gridding your answer.)

The graph above shows the distance traveled d, in feet, by a product on a

ID: 4fe4fd7c Answer
conveyor belt m minutes after the product is placed on the belt. Which of the
following equations correctly relates d and m ? Rationale
A. The correct answer is 3500. The given information includes a cost, $800, to produce 100 shirts. Substituting
and into the given equation yields . Subtracting 500 from both sides of the equation yields

B. . Dividing both sides of this equation by 100 yields . Substituting the value of m into the given
equation yields . Substituting 1000 for x in this equation and solving for gives the cost of 1000
C.
shirts: , or 3500.

D.
Question Difficulty: Medium

ID: 11e1ab81 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The line passes through the origin. Therefore, this is a relationship of the form , where k is a
constant representing the slope of the graph. To find the value of k, choose a point on the graph of the line other
than the origin and substitute the values of m and d into the equation. For example, if the point is chosen, then
, and . Therefore, the equation of the line is .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating the slope of the line as the change in time over the change in
distance traveled instead of the change in distance traveled over the change in time. Choices C and D are incorrect
because each of these equations represents a line with a d-intercept of 2. However, the graph shows a line with a d-
intercept of 0.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 620abf36 Question ID 2f34cd1c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 2f34cd1c
ID: 620abf36
The function gives the estimated surface water temperature , in degrees Celsius, of a body
If , what is the value of ? of water on the day of the year, where . Based on the model, what is the estimated surface water
temperature, in degrees Celsius, of this body of water on the day of the year?
A.
A.
B.
B.
C.
C.
D.
D.

ID: 620abf36 Answer

Correct Answer: C
ID: 2f34cd1c Answer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice C is correct. Subtracting 4𝑥 + 4 from both sides of the given equation yields 1𝑥 + 4 = 29, or 𝑥 + 4 = 29. Therefore, Rationale
the value of 𝑥 + 4 is 29. Choice B is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) = 55.20 - 0.16𝑥 gives the estimated surface water temperature, in
degrees Celsius, of a body of water on the 𝑥th day of the year. Substituting 326 for 𝑥 in the given function yields
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. 𝑓 ( 326 ) = 55.20 - 0.16 ( 326 ) , which is equivalent to 𝑓 ( 326 ) = 55.20 - 52.16, or 𝑓 ( 326 ) = 3.04. Therefore, the estimated
surface water temperature, in degrees Celsius, of this body of water on the 326th day of the year is 3.04.
Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥, not 𝑥 + 4.
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice C is incorrect. This is the rate of change, in degrees Celsius per day, of the estimated surface water temperature.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Choice D is incorrect. This is the change, in degrees Celsius, in the estimated surface water temperature over 326 days.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3122fc7b Question ID 23dedddd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 3122fc7b ID: 23dedddd

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

ID: 3122fc7b Answer B.

Correct Answer: 257 C.

Rationale D.
The correct answer is 257. It’s given that a linear model estimates the population of a city from 1991 to 2015. Since the
population can be estimated using a linear model, it follows that there is a constant rate of change for the model. It’s also
given that the model estimates the population was 57 thousand in 1991, 224 thousand in 2011, and 𝑥 thousand in 2015. ID: 23dedddd Answer
The change in the population between 2011 and 1991 is 224 - 57, or 167, thousand. The change in the number of years Correct Answer: D
between 2011 and 1991 is 2011 - 1991, or 20, years. Dividing 167 by 20 gives 167 / 20, or 8.35, thousand per year. Thus, the
change in population per year from 1991 to 2015 estimated by the model is 8.35 thousand. The change in the number of Rationale
years between 2015 and 2011 is 2015 - 2011, or 4, years. Multiplying the change in population per year by the change in Choice D is correct. Since 𝑓 is a linear function, it can be defined by an equation of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏
number of years yields the increase in population from 2011 to 2015 estimated by the model: 8.354, or 33.4, thousand. are constants. It's given that 𝑓0 = 8. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 8 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 8 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or
Adding the change in population from 2011 to 2015 estimated by the model to the estimated population in 2011 yields the 8 = 𝑏. Substituting 8 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8. It's given that 𝑓1 = 12. Substituting 1 for 𝑥 and
estimated population in 2015. Thus, the estimated population in 2015 is 33.4 + 224, or 257.4, thousand. Therefore to the 12 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8 yields 12 = 𝑎1 + 8, or 12 = 𝑎 + 8. Subtracting 8 from both sides of this equation
nearest whole number, the value of 𝑥 is 257. yields 𝑎 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑎 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 8 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 8. Therefore, an equation that defines 𝑓 is
𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 8.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c8fb6bcb Question ID 56dc8045
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: c8fb6bcb ID: 56dc8045

The given function represents the perimeter, in , of a rectangle with a length of and a fixed The function models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container seconds after it begins draining from a hole at
width. What is the width, in , of the rectangle? the bottom. According to the model, what is the predicted volume, in milliliters, draining from the container each second?

A. A.

B. B.

C. C.

D. D.

ID: c8fb6bcb Answer ID: 56dc8045 Answer

Correct Answer: B Correct Answer: D

Rationale Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 244 represents the perimeter, in centimeters ( cm ) , of a rectangle with a Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function 𝑤 models the volume of liquid, in milliliters, in a container 𝑡 seconds after it
length of 𝑥 cm and a fixed width. If 𝑤 represents a fixed width, in cm, then the perimeter, in cm, of a rectangle with a length begins draining from a hole at the bottom. The given function 𝑤𝑡 = 300 - 4𝑡 can be rewritten as 𝑤𝑡 = - 4𝑡 + 300. Thus, for
of 𝑥 cm and a fixed width of 𝑤 cm can be given by the function 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑤. Therefore, 2𝑥 + 2𝑤 = 2𝑥 + 244. Subtracting each increase of 𝑡 by 1, the value of 𝑤𝑡 decreases by 4 ( 1 ) , or 4. Therefore, the predicted volume, in milliliters, draining
2𝑥 from both sides of this equation yields 2𝑤 = 244. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields 𝑤 = 122. Therefore, from the container each second is 4 milliliters.
the width, in cm, of the rectangle is 122.
Choice A is incorrect. This is the amount of liquid, in milliliters, in the container before the liquid begins draining.
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. Question Difficulty: Medium

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4f669597 Question ID c01f4a95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: c01f4a95
ID: 4f669597
For the linear function , is a constant and . What is the value of ?

What value of p is the solution of

ID: c01f4a95 Answer
the equation above?
Correct Answer: 39

ID: 4f669597 Answer Rationale

The correct answer is 39. It’s given that for the linear function 𝑗, 𝑚 is a constant and 𝑗12 = 18. Substituting 12 for 𝑥 and 18
Rationale for 𝑗𝑥 in the given equation yields 18 = 𝑚12 + 144. Subtracting 144 from both sides of this equation yields -126 = 𝑚12.
The correct answer is 1.2. One way to solve the equation is to first distribute the terms outside Dividing both sides of this equation by 12 yields -10.5 = 𝑚. Substituting -10.5 for 𝑚 in the given equation, 𝑗𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 144,
the parentheses to the terms inside the parentheses: . Next, combine like terms on the left side of yields 𝑗𝑥 = - 10.5𝑥 + 144. Substituting 10 for 𝑥 in this equation yields 𝑗10 = -10.510 + 144, or 𝑗10 = 39. Therefore, the value
of 𝑗10 is 39.
the equal sign: . Subtracting 10p from both sides yields . Finally, dividing both sides by
Question Difficulty: Medium
gives , which is equivalent to . Note that 1.2 and 6/5 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4b0c156b Question ID 868fc236
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 4b0c156b ID: 868fc236

In the linear function , and . Which equation defines ? The table above gives the typical amounts of energy per gram, expressed in both
food calories and kilojoules, of the three macronutrients in food. If x food
A.
calories is equivalent to k kilojoules, of the following, which best represents the
relationship between x and k ?
B.

C.

D. A.

B.
ID: 4b0c156b Answer
C.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale D.

Choice D is correct. An equation defining ℎ can be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥, 𝑚 represents the slope of
the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane, and 𝑏 represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph. It’s given that
ID: 868fc236 Answer
ℎ28 = 15 and ℎ26 = 22. It follows that the points 28, 15 and 26, 22 are on the graph of 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥 in the xy-plane. The slope can
𝑦 -𝑦
be found by using any two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , and the formula 𝑚 = 2 1 . Substituting 28, 15 and 26, 22 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and Correct Answer: B
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the slope formula yields 𝑚 = 26 - 28 , or 𝑚 = - 2 . Substituting - 72 for 𝑚 and 28, 15 for 𝑥, 𝑦 in the equation
22 - 15 7
Rationale
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 15 = - 7 28 + 𝑏, or 15 = - 98 + 𝑏. Adding 98 to both sides of this equation yields 113 = 𝑏. Substituting - 7
2 2 Choice B is correct. The relationship between x food calories and k kilojoules can be modeled as a proportional
7
for 𝑚 and 113 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = - 𝑥 + 113. Since 𝑦 = ℎ𝑥, it follows that the equation that defines
2 relationship. Let and represent the values in the first two rows in the table: and .
ℎ is ℎ𝑥 = - 72 𝑥 + 113.
109 The rate of change, or , is ; therefore, the equation that best represents the relationship between x
Choice A is incorrect. For this function, ℎ26 = , not ℎ26 = 22.
7
and k is .
739
Choice B is incorrect. For this function, ℎ28 = 105, not ℎ28 = 15, and ℎ26 = , not ℎ26 = 22.
7

Choice C is incorrect. For this function, ℎ28 = - 75, not ℎ28 = 15, and ℎ26 = - 68, not ℎ26 = 22.
Choice A is incorrect and may be the result of calculating the rate of change using . Choice C is incorrect

Question Difficulty: Medium because the number of kilojoules is greater than the number of food calories. Choice D is incorrect and may be the result
of an error when setting up the equation.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ce314070 Question ID 7e1bff94
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 7e1bff94
ID: ce314070
The table gives the number of hours, , of labor and a plumber’s total charge , in dollars, for two different jobs.

If , what is the
value of ?

A. 2
There is a linear relationship between and . Which equation represents this relationship?
B.
A.

B.
C.
C.
D.
D.

ID: ce314070 Answer

ID: 7e1bff94 Answer
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Rationale

Choice D is correct. Multiplying the given equation by 2 on each side yields . Applying the Choice C is correct. It's given that there is a linear relationship between a plumber's hours of labor, ℎ, and the plumber's
total charge 𝑓ℎ, in dollars. It follows that the relationship can be represented by an equation of the form 𝑓ℎ = 𝑚ℎ + 𝑏,
where 𝑚 is the rate of change of the function 𝑓 and 𝑏 is a constant. The rate of change of 𝑓 can be calculated by dividing
distributive property, this equation can be rewritten as , or .
the difference in two values of 𝑓ℎ by the difference in the corresponding values of ℎ. Based on the values given in the
285 - 155
table, the rate of change of 𝑓 is , or 65. Substituting 65 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑓ℎ = 𝑚ℎ + 𝑏 yields 𝑓ℎ = 65ℎ + 𝑏. The
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect and may result from calculation errors in solving the given equation for and then 3-1
value of 𝑏 can be found by substituting any value of ℎ and its corresponding value of 𝑓ℎ for ℎ and 𝑓ℎ, respectively, in this
substituting that value of x in the expression .
equation. Substituting 1 for ℎ and 155 for 𝑓ℎ yields 155 = 651 + 𝑏, or 155 = 65 + 𝑏. Subtracting 65 from both sides of this
equation yields 90 = 𝑏. Substituting 90 for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑓ℎ = 65ℎ + 𝑏 yields 𝑓 ( ℎ ) = 65ℎ + 90.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium 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 946ab892 Question ID 0cadb20e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 946ab892 ID: 0cadb20e

For the linear function , the graph of in the xy-plane has a slope of and passes through the point . The function is defined by , and , where is a constant. What is the value of ?
Which equation defines ?
A.
A.
B.
B.
C.
C.
D.
D.

ID: 0cadb20e Answer

ID: 946ab892 Answer
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Rationale 𝑥 + 15
Choice C is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = and 𝑓𝑎
= 10, where 𝑎 is a constant. Therefore, for the given function 𝑓, when
5
Choice C is correct. An equation defining a linear function can be written in the form 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope 𝑥 = 𝑎, 𝑓𝑥 = 10. Substituting 𝑎 for 𝑥 and 10 for 𝑓𝑥 in the given function 𝑓 yields 10 = 𝑎 +5 15 . Multiplying both sides of this
and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 in the xy-plane. It’s given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 has a slope of 2. equation by 5 yields 50 = 𝑎 + 15. Subtracting 15 from both sides of this equation yields 35 = 𝑎. Therefore, the value of 𝑎 is
Therefore, 𝑚 = 2. It’s also given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 passes through the point 1, 14. It follows that when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑔𝑥 = 14 35.
. Substituting 1 for 𝑥, 14 for 𝑔𝑥, and 2 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 14 = 21 + 𝑏, or 14 = 2 + 𝑏. Subtracting 2
from each side of this equation yields 12 = 𝑏. Therefore, 𝑏 = 12. Substituting 2 for 𝑚 and 12 for 𝑏 in the equation Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓𝑎 = 4. Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓𝑎 = 5.
𝑔𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 12. Therefore, the equation that defines 𝑔 is 𝑔𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 12.
Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑎 if 𝑓𝑎 = 16.
Choice A is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the point 1, 2, not 1, 14.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Choice B is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the point 1, 4, not 1, 14.

Choice D is incorrect. For this function, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the point 1, 16, not 1, 14.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ce6b52d8 Question ID 042aa429
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 042aa429
ID: ce6b52d8
If and , what is the value of ?
If , what is the value of ?
A.

ID: ce6b52d8 Answer B.

Correct Answer: 60 C.

Rationale
D.
The correct answer is 60. Subtracting 𝑡 from both sides of the given equation yields 2 ( 3𝑡 - 10 ) = 40 + 3𝑡. Applying the
distributive property to the left-hand side of this equation yields 6𝑡 - 20 = 40 + 3𝑡. Adding 20 to both sides of this equation
yields 6𝑡 = 60 + 3𝑡. Subtracting 3𝑡 from both sides of this equation yields 3𝑡 = 60. Therefore, the value of 3𝑡 is 60. ID: 042aa429 Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question Difficulty: Medium
Rationale
Choice C is correct. The value of 𝑓 ( 2 ) can be found by substituting 2 for 𝑥 in the given equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 + 7, which yields
𝑓2 = 2 + 7, or 𝑓2 = 9. The value of 𝑔2 can be found by substituting 2 for 𝑥 in the given equation 𝑔𝑥 = 7𝑥, which yields
𝑔2 = 72, or 𝑔2 = 14. The value of the expression 4𝑓2 - 𝑔2 can be found by substituting the corresponding values into the
expression, which gives 4 ( 9 ) − 14. This expression is equivalent to 36 - 14, or 22.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑓2 - 𝑔2, not 4𝑓2 - 𝑔2.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from calculating 4𝑓2 as 4 ( 2 ) + 7, rather than
4(2 + 7).

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1bc11c4e Question ID 113b938e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 1bc11c4e ID: 113b938e

The given function models the number of gallons of gasoline that remains from a full gas tank in a car after driving The equation above represents the speed y, in feet per second, of Sheila’s bicycle
miles. According to the model, about how many gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile? x seconds after she applied the brakes at the end of a ride. If the equation is
A. graphed in the xy-plane, which of the following is the best interpretation of the x-
coordinate of the line’s x-intercept in the context of the problem?
B.
A. The speed of Sheila’s bicycle, in feet per second, before Sheila applied the brakes
C.
B. The number of feet per second the speed of Sheila’s bicycle decreased each second after Sheila applied the brakes
D.
The number of seconds it took from the time Sheila began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a complete
C. stop
ID: 1bc11c4e Answer The number of feet Sheila’s bicycle traveled from the time she began applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a
Correct Answer: A D. complete stop

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the function 𝑔 models the number of gallons that remain from a full gas tank in a car ID: 113b938e Answer
after driving 𝑚 miles. In the given function 𝑔𝑚 = - 0.05𝑚 + 12.1, the coefficient of 𝑚 is -0.05. This means that for every Correct Answer: C
increase in the value of 𝑚 by 1, the value of 𝑔𝑚 decreases by 0.05. It follows that for each mile driven, there is a decrease
of 0.05 gallons of gasoline. Therefore, 0.05 gallons of gasoline are used to drive each mile. Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that for each point on the graph of the given equation, the x-coordinate represents the
Choice B is incorrect and represents the number of gallons of gasoline in a full gas tank.
number of seconds after Sheila applied the brakes, and the y-coordinate represents the speed of Sheila’s bicycle at that
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. moment in time. For the graph of the equation, the y-coordinate of the x-intercept is 0. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the
x-intercept of the graph of the given equation represents the number of seconds it took from the time Sheila began
applying the brakes until the bicycle came to a complete stop.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Choice A is incorrect. The speed of Sheila’s bicycle before she applied the brakes is represented by the y-coordinate of
the y-intercept of the graph of the given equation, not the x-coordinate of the x-intercept. Choice B is incorrect. The
number of feet per second the speed of Sheila’s bicycle decreased each second after Sheila applied the brakes is
represented by the slope of the graph of the given equation, not the x-coordinate of the x-intercept. Choice D is incorrect
and may result from misinterpreting x as the distance, in feet, traveled after applying the brakes, rather than the time, in
seconds, after applying the brakes.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 36ab4122 Question ID 295a41f0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 295a41f0
ID: 36ab4122
The graph of is shown.
Megan’s regular wage at her job is p dollars per hour for the first 8 hours of work
in a day plus 1.5 times her regular hourly wage for work in excess of 8 hours that
day. On a given day, Megan worked for 10 hours, and her total earnings for that
day were $137.50. What is Megan’s regular hourly wage?

A. $11.75

B. $12.50

C. $13.25

D. $13.75

ID: 36ab4122 Answer

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Since p represents Megan’s regular pay per hour, 1.5p represents the pay per hour in excess of 8
hours. Since Megan worked for 10 hours, she must have been paid p dollars per hour for 8 of the hours plus 1.5p dollars
per hour for the remaining 2 hours. Therefore, since Megan earned $137.50 for the 10 hours, the situation can be
Which equation defines the linear function ?
represented by the equation 137.5 = 8p + 2(1.5)p. Distributing the 2 in the equation gives 137.5 = 8p + 3p, and combining
like terms gives 137.5 = 11p. Dividing both sides by 11 gives p = 12.5. Therefore, Megan’s regular wage is $12.50. A.

Choices A and C are incorrect and may be the result of calculation errors. Choice D is incorrect and may result from B.
finding the average hourly wage that Megan earned for the 10 hours of work.
C.

Question Difficulty: Medium D.

ID: 295a41f0 Answer

Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Choice B is correct. The graph of a line in the xy-plane can be represented by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the Question ID 5a7ab8e8
slope of the line and 0, 𝑏 is the y-intercept. The slope of a line that passes through the points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 can be
𝑦2 - 𝑦1
calculated using the formula 𝑚 = . The line shown passes through the points -1, - 2 and 0, - 4. Substituting -1, - 2 and
𝑥2 - 𝑥1 Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
𝑦 -𝑦
0, 4 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the formula 𝑚 = 𝑥2 - 𝑥1 yields 𝑚 = -40 -- -1-2 , which is equivalent to 𝑚 = -21 , or 𝑚 = - 2.
2 1
Since the line shown passes through the point 0, - 4, it follows that 𝑏 = - 4. Substituting -2 for 𝑚 and -4 for 𝑏 in the SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in
equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = - 2𝑥 - 4. It’s given that the graph shown is the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 11. Substituting -2𝑥 - 4 for 𝑦 one variable
in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 - 11 yields -2𝑥 - 4 = 𝑓𝑥 - 11. Adding 11 to both sides of this equation yields -2𝑥 + 7 = 𝑓𝑥. Therefore,
the equation 𝑓𝑥 = - 2𝑥 + 7 defines the linear function 𝑓.
ID: 5a7ab8e8
Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
How many solutions does the given equation have?
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
A. Exactly one
Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
B. Exactly two
Question Difficulty: Medium
C. Infinitely many

D. Zero

ID: 5a7ab8e8 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. If the two sides of a linear equation are equivalent, then the equation is true for any value. If an
equation is true for any value, it has infinitely many solutions. Since the two sides of the given linear equation 66𝑥 = 66𝑥
are equivalent, the given equation has infinitely many solutions.

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 40049d49 Question ID 1f0966db
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 1f0966db
ID: 40049d49
The function is defined by . For what value of does ?

In the given equation, is a constant. If the equation has infinitely many solutions, what is the value of ?
ID: 1f0966db Answer
A.
Correct Answer: 3
B. Rationale
9
C. The correct answer is 3. Substituting 5 for 𝑓𝑥 in the given function yields 5 =
7
𝑥 + 87 . Multiplying each side of this
equation by 7 yields 75 = 7 97 𝑥 + 87 , or 35 = 9𝑥 + 8. Subtracting 8 from each side of this equation yields 27 = 9𝑥. Dividing
D. each side of this equation by 9 yields 3 = 𝑥. Therefore, 𝑓𝑥 = 5 when the value of 𝑥 is 3.

Question Difficulty: Medium

ID: 40049d49 Answer
Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. If an equation has infinitely many solutions, then the two sides of the equation must be equivalent.
Multiplying each side of the given equation by 2 yields 8𝑥 + 24 = 𝑎𝑥 + 3. Since 8 is a common factor of both terms on the
left-hand side of this equation, the equation can be rewritten as 8𝑥 + 3 = 𝑎𝑥 + 3. The two sides of this equation are
equivalent when 𝑎 = 8. Therefore, if the given equation has infinitely many solutions, the value of 𝑎 is 8.

𝑎𝑥 + 3
Alternate approach: If the given equation, 4𝑥 + 12 = , has infinitely many solutions, then both sides of this equation
2
𝑎0 + 3 3
are equal for any value of 𝑥. If 𝑥 = 0, then substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 40 + 12 = , or 12 = 𝑎.
2 2
3
Dividing both sides of this equation by yields 8 = 𝑎.
2

Choice A is incorrect. If the value of 𝑎 is 0, the given equation is equivalent to 4𝑥 + 12 = 0, which has one solution, not
infinitely many solutions.

3𝑥 + 3
Choice B is incorrect. If the value of 𝑎 is 3, the given equation is equivalent to 4𝑥 + 12 =
2
, or 4𝑥 + 12 = 32 𝑥 + 92 , which
has one solution, not infinitely many solutions.

12𝑥 + 3
Choice D is incorrect. If the value of 𝑎 is 12, the given equation is equivalent to 4𝑥 + 12 = , or 4𝑥 + 12 = 6𝑥 + 18,
2
which has one solution, not infinitely many solutions.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5ad9eff0 Question ID 441558e7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 441558e7
ID: 5ad9eff0
Scientists collected fallen acorns that each housed a colony of the ant species P. ohioensis and analyzed each colony's
The width of a rectangular dance floor is w feet. The length of the floor is 6 feet structure. For any of these colonies, if the colony has worker ants, the equation , where
longer than its width. Which of the following expresses the perimeter, in feet, of , gives the predicted number of larvae, , in the colony. If one of these colonies has worker ants, which
the dance floor in terms of w ? of the following is closest to the predicted number of larvae in the colony?

A. A.

B. B.

C.
C.

D.
D.

ID: 441558e7 Answer

ID: 5ad9eff0 Answer
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that the equation 𝑦 = 0.67𝑥 + 2.6, where 20 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 110, gives the predicted number of larvae,
Choice B is correct. It is given that the width of the dance floor is w feet. The length is 6 feet longer than the width; 𝑦, in a colony of ants if the colony has 𝑥 worker ants. If one of these colonies has 58 worker ants, the predicted number of
therefore, the length of the dance floor is . So the perimeter is . larvae in that colony can be found by substituting 58 for 𝑥 in the given equation. Substituting 58 for 𝑥 in the given
equation yields 𝑦 = 0.6758 + 2.6, or 𝑦 = 41.46. Of the given choices, 41 is closest to the predicted number of larvae in the
Choice A is incorrect because it is the sum of one length and one width, which is only half the perimeter. Choice C is colony.
incorrect and may result from using the formula for the area instead of the formula for the perimeter and making a
calculation error. Choice D is incorrect because this is the area, not the perimeter, of the dance floor. Choice B is incorrect. This is closest to the predicted number of larvae in a colony with 87 worker ants.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

 Rationale

Question ID f0773a55 Choice A is correct. It’s given that the electrician charges a onetime fee plus an hourly rate. It's also given that the graph
represents the total charge, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of work. This graph shows a linear relationship in the xy-plane. Thus,
the total charge 𝑦, in dollars, for 𝑥 hours of work can be represented as 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope and 0, 𝑏 is the y-
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty
intercept of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane. Since the given graph represents the total charge, in dollars, by an
electrician for 𝑥 hours of work, it follows that its slope is 𝑚, or the electrician’s hourly rate.
SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
Choice B is incorrect. The electrician's onetime fee is represented by the y-coordinate of the y-intercept, not the slope, of
ID: f0773a55 the graph.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Medium

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

A. The electrician’s hourly rate

B. The electrician’s onetime fee

C. The maximum amount that the electrician charges

D. The total amount that the electrician charges

ID: f0773a55 Answer

Correct Answer: A
Question ID 45bba652 Question ID 53487897
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 53487897
ID: 45bba652
The relationship between two variables, and , is linear. For every increase in the value of by , the value of
increases by . When the value of is , the value of is . Which equation represents this relationship?
If , what is
A.
the value of ?
B.
A. 2
C.
B. 5
D.
C. 7

D. 12 ID: 53487897 Answer

Correct Answer: C
ID: 45bba652 Answer
Rationale
Correct Answer: A Choice C is correct. It’s given that the relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑦 is linear. An equation representing a linear
Rationale relationship can be written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope and 𝑏 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the
graph of the relationship in the xy-plane. It’s given that for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1, the value of 𝑦 increases by
Choice A is correct. Adding the like terms on the left-hand side of the given equation yields . Dividing both
8. The slope of a line can be expressed as the change in 𝑦 over the change in 𝑥. Thus, the slope, 𝑚, of the line
sides of this equation by 5 yields . 8
representing this relationship can be expressed as , or 8. Substituting 8 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields
1
𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 𝑏. It's also given that when the value of 𝑥 is 2, the value of 𝑦 is 18. Substituting 2 for 𝑥 and 18 for 𝑦 in the equation
Choice B is incorrect and may result from subtracting 5, not dividing by 5, on both sides of the equation . 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 18 = 82 + 𝑏, or 18 = 16 + 𝑏. Subtracting 16 from each side of this equation yields 2 = 𝑏. Substituting 2 for
Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of x, not the value of . Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of , not 𝑏 in the equation 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 2. Therefore, the equation 𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 2 represents this relationship.
the value of .
Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a relationship where for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1, the value of
𝑦 increases by 2, not 8, and when the value of 𝑥 is 2, the value of 𝑦 is 22, not 18.
Question Difficulty: Medium Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a relationship where for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1, the value of 𝑦
increases by 2, not 8, and when the value of 𝑥 is 2, the value of 𝑦 is 12, not 18.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a relationship where for every increase in the value of 𝑥 by 1, the value of
𝑦 increases by 3, not 8, and when the value of 𝑥 is 2, the value of 𝑦 is 32, not 18.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID eafdbbbd Question ID 3ce92ce8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in SAT Math Algebra Linear functions
one variable

ID: 3ce92ce8
ID: eafdbbbd

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

B.
ID: 3ce92ce8 Answer
Correct Answer: 2
C.
Rationale
D.
The correct answer is 2. It’s given that function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 3. Therefore, the equation representing the
graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3, and the graph is a line. For a linear equation in the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, 𝑚
represents the slope of the line. Since the value of 𝑚 in the equation 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 is 2, the slope of the line defined by
ID: eafdbbbd Answer
function 𝑓 is 2. It's given that line 𝑗 is parallel to the line defined by function 𝑓. The slopes of parallel lines are equal.
Correct Answer: C Therefore, the slope of line 𝑗 is also 2.
Rationale
Question Difficulty: Medium
Choice C is correct. For the given equation, 𝑥 + 5 is a factor of both terms on the left-hand side. Therefore, the given
1
equation can be rewritten as - 13 𝑥 + 5 = - 7, or 123 - 124 𝑥 + 5 = - 7, which is equivalent to - 121 𝑥 + 5 = - 7. Multiplying both
4
sides of this equation by -12 yields 𝑥 + 5 = 84. Subtracting 5 from both sides of this equation yields 𝑥 = 79.

7
Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which the left-hand side of the given equation equals , not -7.
12

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which the left-hand side of the given equation equals 0, not -7.

209
Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 𝑥 for which the left-hand side of the given equation equals - , not -7.
12

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8a6de407 Question ID 41fdc0b8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 8a6de407 ID: 41fdc0b8

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

and , what is the value of m ?

The table above shows the population of Greenleaf, Idaho, for the years 2000 and 2010. If the relationship between
ID: 8a6de407 Answer
population and year is linear, which of the following functions P models the population of Greenleaf t years after 2000?

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

ID: 41fdc0b8 Answer
Correct Answer: A

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

. Therefore, , which is equivalent to the

equation in choice A.

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8ad64841 Question ID 8c515062
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in
one variable

ID: 8ad64841
ID: 8c515062
A linear function gives a company’s profit, in dollars, for selling items. The company’s profit is when it sells
items, and its profit is when it sells items. Which equation defines ? A candle is made of ounces of wax. When the candle is burning, the amount of wax in the candle decreases by
ounce every hours. If ounces of wax remain in this candle, for how many hours has it been burning?
A.
A.
B.
B.
C.
C.
D.
D.

ID: 8ad64841 Answer

ID: 8c515062 Answer
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer: D
Rationale
Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the relationship between 𝑥 and 𝑓𝑥 is linear. A linear function can be written in the form
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 is the slope and 𝑏 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane. Given Choice D is correct. It’s given that the candle starts with 17 ounces of wax and has 6 ounces of wax remaining after a
𝑦2 - 𝑦1 period of time has passed. The amount of wax the candle has lost during the time period can be found by subtracting the
two points on a line, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , the slope of the line can be found using the slope formula 𝑚 = . It’s given that
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
remaining amount of wax from the amount of wax the candle was made of, which yields 17 - 6 ounces, or 11 ounces. This
the company’s profit is $ 220 when it sells 8 items and the profit is $ 320 when it sells 10 items. Since 𝑓𝑥 represents the
means the candle loses 11 ounces of wax during that period of time. It’s given that the amount of wax decreases by 1
company's profit, in dollars, for selling 𝑥 items, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane passes through the points 8, 220 and 1
10, 320. Substituting 8, 220 and 10, 320 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the slope formula yields 𝑚 = 32010--220 , which gives
ounce every 4 hours. If ℎ represents the number of hours the candle has been burning, it follows that
4
= 11ℎ . Multiplying
8
both sides of this equation by 4ℎ yields ℎ = 44. Therefore, the candle has been burning for 44 hours.
𝑚 = 100 , or 𝑚 = 50. Substituting 50 for 𝑚, 8 for 𝑥, and 220 for 𝑓𝑥 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 220 = 508 + 𝑏, or 220 = 400 + 𝑏.
2
Subtracting 400 from each side of this equation yields -180 = 𝑏. Substituting 50 for 𝑚 and -180 for 𝑏 in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields Choice A is incorrect and may result from using the equation
1
= 11ℎ rather than 14 = 11ℎ to represent the situation, and then
4
𝑓𝑥 = 50𝑥 - 180. Therefore, the equation that defines 𝑓 is 𝑓𝑥 = 50𝑥 - 180. rounding to the nearest whole number.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. Choice B is incorrect. This is the amount of wax, in ounces, remaining in the candle, not the number of hours it has been
burning.
Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
1
Choice C is incorrect and may result from using the equation = 6 rather than 1 = 11 to represent the situation.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors. 4 ℎ 4 ℎ

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question Difficulty: Medium