Question ID beca03de

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: beca03de

A rectangle has a length that is times its width. The function represents this situation, where is the
area, in square feet, of the rectangle and . Which of the following is the best interpretation of in this context?

A. The length of the rectangle, in feet

B. The area of the rectangle, in square feet

C. The difference between the length and the width of the rectangle, in feet

D. The width of the rectangle, in feet

ID: beca03de Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It's given that a rectangle has a length that is 15 times its width. It's also given that the function
𝑦 = 15𝑤𝑤 represents this situation, where 𝑦 is the area, in square feet, of the rectangle and 𝑦 > 0. The area of a rectangle
can be calculated by multiplying the rectangle's length by its width. Since the rectangle has a length that is 15 times its
width, it follows that 𝑤 represents the width of the rectangle, in feet, and 15𝑤 represents the length of the rectangle, in
feet. Therefore, the best interpretation of 15𝑤 in this context is that it's the length of the rectangle, in feet.

Choice B is incorrect. This is the best interpretation of 𝑦, not 15𝑤, in the given function.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the best interpretation of 𝑤, not 15𝑤, in the given function.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4e18fc5d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 4e18fc5d

The given equation relates the distinct positive numbers , , and . Which equation correctly expresses in terms of
and ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4e18fc5d Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that 𝑥 is positive. Therefore, multiplying each side of the given equation by -150𝑥 yields
-150𝑥𝑣 = 𝑤, which is equivalent to 𝑤 = -150𝑣𝑥. Thus, the equation 𝑤 = -150𝑣𝑥 correctly expresses 𝑤 in terms of 𝑣 and 𝑥.

𝑤𝑥
Choice B is incorrect. This equation is equivalent to 𝑣 = - 150 .

𝑥
Choice C is incorrect. This equation is equivalent to 𝑣 = - 150𝑤 .

Choice D is incorrect. This equation is equivalent to 𝑣 = 𝑤 - 150𝑥.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a5663025
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: a5663025

A system of equations consists of a quadratic equation and a linear equation.

The equations in this system are graphed in the xy-plane above. How many
solutions does this system have?

A. 0

B. 1

C. 2

D. 3

ID: a5663025 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The solutions to a system of two equations correspond to points where the graphs of the equations
intersect. The given graphs intersect at 2 points; therefore, the system has 2 solutions.

Choice A is incorrect because the graphs intersect. Choice B is incorrect because the graphs intersect more than once.
Choice D is incorrect. It’s not possible for the graph of a quadratic equation and the graph of a linear equation to intersect
more than twice.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d0a7871e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: d0a7871e

If is a solution to the system of equations above, which of the

following could be the value of x ?

A. –1

B. 0

C. 2

D. 3

ID: d0a7871e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It is given that y = x + 1 and y = x2 + x. Setting the values for y equal to each other yields x + 1 = x2 +
x. Subtracting x from each side of this equation yields x2 = 1. Therefore, x can equal 1 or –1. Of these, only –1 is given as
a choice.

Choice B is incorrect. If x = 0, then x + 1 = 1, but x2 + x = 02 + 0 = 0 ≠︀1. Choice C is incorrect. If x = 2, then x + 1 = 3, but x2

+ x = 22 + 2 = 6 ≠︀3. Choice D is incorrect. If x = 3, then x + 1 = 4, but x2 + x = 32 + 3 = 12 ≠︀4.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dd4ab4c4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: dd4ab4c4

Which of the following is a factor of

the polynomial above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: dd4ab4c4 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The first and last terms of the polynomial are both squares such that and
. The second term is twice the product of the square root of the first and last terms: . Therefore, the

polynomial is the square of a binomial such that , and is a factor.

Choice A is incorrect and may be the result of incorrectly factoring the polynomial. Choice C is incorrect and may be the
result of dividing the second and third terms of the polynomial by their greatest common factor. Choice D is incorrect and
may be the result of not factoring the coefficients.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b8caaf84
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: b8caaf84

If and , which of the following is

equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: b8caaf84 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that and . Substituting the values for p and v into the expression
yields . Multiplying the terms yields

. Using the distributive property to rewrite yields . Therefore, the entire

expression can be represented as . Combining like terms yields .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from subtracting, instead of adding, the term . Choice C is incorrect. This is the
result of multiplying the terms . Choice D is incorrect and may result from distributing 2, instead of , to
the term .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7f81d0c3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 7f81d0c3

What values satisfy the

equation above?

A. and

B. and

C. and

D. and

ID: 7f81d0c3 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. Using the quadratic formula to solve the given expression yields

. Therefore, and satisfy the given

equation.

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from incorrectly factoring or incorrectly applying the quadratic formula.
Choice D is incorrect and may result from a sign error.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 301faf80
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 301faf80

The product of two positive integers is . If the first integer is greater than twice the second integer, what is the
smaller of the two integers?

ID: 301faf80 Answer

Correct Answer: 14

Rationale
The correct answer is 14. Let 𝑥 represent the first integer and 𝑦 represent the second integer. If the first integer is 5
greater than twice the second integer, then 𝑥 = 2𝑦 + 5. It's given that the product of the two integers is 462; therefore
𝑥𝑦 = 462. Substituting 2𝑦 + 5 for 𝑥 in this equation yields ( 2𝑦 + 5 ) ( 𝑦 ) = 462, which can be written as 2𝑦2 + 5𝑦 = 462.
Subtracting 462 from each side of this equation yields 2𝑦2 + 5𝑦 - 462 = 0. The left-hand side of this equation can be
factored by finding two values whose product is 2 ( - 462 ) , or -924, and whose sum is 5. The two values whose product
is -924 and whose sum is 5 are 33 and -28. Thus, the equation 2𝑦2 + 5𝑦 - 462 = 0 can be rewritten as
2𝑦2 - 28𝑦 + 33𝑦 - 462 = 0, which is equivalent to 2𝑦 ( 𝑦 - 14 ) + 33 ( 𝑦 - 14 ) = 0, or ( 2𝑦 + 33 ) ( 𝑦 - 14 ) = 0. By the zero
product property, it follows that 2𝑦 + 33 = 0 or 𝑦 - 14 = 0. Subtracting 33 from both sides of the equation 2𝑦 + 33 = 0
33
yields 2𝑦 = - 33. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields 𝑦 = - 2
. Since 𝑦 is a positive integer, the value of 𝑦 isn't
33
- . Adding 14 to both sides of the equation 𝑦 - 14 = 0 yields 𝑦 = 14. Substituting 14 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥𝑦 = 462 yields
2
𝑥 ( 14 ) = 462. Dividing both sides of this equation by 14 yields 𝑥 = 33. Therefore, the two integers are 14 and 33, so the
smaller of the two integers is 14.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 02060533
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 02060533

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 02060533 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
𝑓𝑥
Choice A is correct. It's given that the table shows values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑔𝑥, where 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥+3
. It's
also given that 𝑓 is a linear function. It follows that an equation that defines 𝑓 can be written in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏,
where 𝑚 represents the slope and 𝑏 represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept 0, 𝑏 of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-
plane. The slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 can be found using two points, 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , that are on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥,
𝑦 -𝑦
and the formula 𝑚 = 2 1 . Since the table shows values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑔𝑥, substituting values of
𝑥2 - 𝑥1
𝑓𝑥
𝑥 and 𝑔𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = can be used to define function 𝑓. Using the first pair of values from the table, 𝑥 = - 27
𝑥+3
𝑓-27 𝑓-27
and 𝑔𝑥 = 3, yields 3 = -27 + 3
, or 3 = -24
. Multiplying each side of this equation by -24 yields -72 = 𝑓-27, so the point
𝑓-9
-27, - 72 is on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. Using the second pair of values from the table, 𝑥 = - 9 and 𝑔𝑥 = 0, yields 0 = , or
-9 + 3
𝑓-9
0= . Multiplying each side of this equation by -6 yields 0 = 𝑓-9, so the point -9, 0 is on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥.
-6
𝑦2 - 𝑦1 0 - -72
Substituting -27, - 72 and -9, 0 for 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , respectively, in the formula 𝑚 = 𝑥2 - 𝑥1
yields 𝑚 = -9 - -27
, or 𝑚 = 4.
Substituting 4 for 𝑚 in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 𝑏. Since 0 = 𝑓-9, substituting -9 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑓𝑥 in the
equation 𝑓𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 0 = 4-9 + 𝑏, or 0 = - 36 + 𝑏. Adding 36 to both sides of this equation yields 36 = 𝑏. It follows
that 36 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept 0, 𝑏 of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 is
0, 36.

Choice B is incorrect. 12 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥.

Choice C is incorrect. 4 is the slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥.

Choice D is incorrect. -9 is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 52931bfa
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 52931bfa

Which expression is equivalent to , where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 52931bfa Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The given expression has a common factor of 2 in the denominator, so the expression can be
8𝑥𝑥 - 7 - 3𝑥 - 7
rewritten as . The three terms in this expression have a common factor of 𝑥 - 7. Since it's given that 𝑥 > 7, 𝑥
2𝑥 - 7
8𝑥𝑥 - 7 - 3𝑥 - 7
can't be equal to 7, which means 𝑥 - 7 can't be equal to 0. Therefore, each term in the expression, 2𝑥 - 7
, can be
8𝑥 - 3
divided by 𝑥 - 7, which gives 2
.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 91e7ea5e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 91e7ea5e

The quadratic function h is defined as shown. In the xy-plane, the graph of

intersects the x-axis at the points and , where t is a constant.
What is the value of t ?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 4

D. 8

ID: 91e7ea5e Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It’s given that the graph of intersects the x-axis at and , where t is a constant.
Since this graph intersects the x-axis when or when , it follows that and . If ,

then . Adding 32 to both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this

equation by 2 yields . Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields . Adding 4 to both
sides of this equation yields . Therefore, the value of t is 8.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 358f18bc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 358f18bc

What is the minimum value of the given function?

ID: 358f18bc Answer

Correct Answer: 1728

Rationale
2
The correct answer is 1,728. The given function can be rewritten in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑎 is a positive
constant and the minimum value, 𝑘, of the function occurs when the value of 𝑥 is ℎ. By completing the square,
48 2 48 2 2
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 48𝑥 + 2,304 can be written as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 48𝑥 + + 2,304 - , or 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 24 + 1,728. This equation is in the
2 2
2
form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑎 = 1, ℎ = 24, and 𝑘 = 1,728. Therefore, the minimum value of the given function is 1,728.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3a9d60b2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 3a9d60b2

What is the positive solution to the given equation?

ID: 3a9d60b2 Answer

Correct Answer: 9

Rationale
The correct answer is 9. The given equation can be rewritten as 54 - 𝑥 = 25. Dividing each side of this equation by 5
yields 4 - 𝑥 = 5. By the definition of absolute value, if 4 - 𝑥 = 5, then 4 - 𝑥 = 5 or 4 - 𝑥 = - 5. Subtracting 4 from each side
of the equation 4 - 𝑥 = 5 yields -𝑥 = 1. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields 𝑥 = - 1. Similarly, subtracting 4
from each side of the equation 4 - 𝑥 = - 5 yields -𝑥 = - 9. Dividing each side of this equation by -1 yields 𝑥 = 9. Therefore,
since the two solutions to the given equation are -1 and 9, the positive solution to the given equation is 9.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8490cc45
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 8490cc45

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8490cc45 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane occurs at the point on the graph where 𝑥 = 0. In
other words, when 𝑥 = 0, the corresponding value of 𝑓𝑥 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the
0
given equation yields 𝑓0 = -82 + 22, which is equivalent to 𝑓0 = -81 + 22, or 𝑓0 = 14. Thus, when 𝑥 = 0, the
corresponding value of 𝑓𝑥 is 14. Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane is 0, 14.

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

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

𝑥 𝑥
Choice D is incorrect. This could be the y-intercept for 𝑓𝑥 = -82 , not 𝑓𝑥 = -82 + 22.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ba0edc30
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: ba0edc30

One solution to the given equation can be written as , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ba0edc30 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Adding 9 to each side of the given equation yields 𝑥2 - 2𝑥 = 9. To complete the square, adding 1 to
2
each side of this equation yields 𝑥2 - 2𝑥 + 1 = 9 + 1, or 𝑥 - 1 = 10. Taking the square root of each side of this equation
yields 𝑥 - 1 = ± √10 . Adding 1 to each side of this equation yields 𝑥 = 1 ± √10 . Since it's given that one of the solutions
to the equation can be written as 1 + √𝑘 , the value of 𝑘 must be 10.

Alternate approach: It's given that 1 + √𝑘 is a solution to the given equation. It follows that 𝑥 = 1 + √𝑘 . Substituting
2
1 + √𝑘 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 1 + √𝑘 - 21 + √𝑘 - 9 = 0, or 1 + √𝑘 1 + √𝑘 - 21 + √𝑘 - 9 = 0. Expanding the
products on the left-hand side of this equation yields 1 + 2√𝑘 + 𝑘 - 2 - 2√𝑘 - 9 = 0, or 𝑘 - 10 = 0. Adding 10 to each side
of this equation yields 𝑘 = 10.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 39714777
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 39714777

The given equation relates the value of and its corresponding value of for the function . What is the minimum
value of the function ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 39714777 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. For a quadratic function defined by an equation of the form 𝑝𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ2 + 𝑘, where 𝑎, ℎ, and 𝑘 are
constants and 𝑎 > 0, the minimum value of the function is 𝑘. Subtracting 57 from both sides of the given equation yields
2
𝑝𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 57. This function is in the form 𝑝𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 - ℎ + 𝑘, where 𝑎 = 1, ℎ = 0, and 𝑘 = -57. Therefore, the minimum value
of the function 𝑝 is -57.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID fc3d783a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: fc3d783a

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

ID: fc3d783a Answer

Correct Answer: 6

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a9084ca4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: a9084ca4

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

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

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

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

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

ID: a9084ca4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

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

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2c6f214f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 2c6f214f

The first term of a sequence is . Each term after the first is times the preceding term. If represents the th term of
the sequence, which equation gives in terms of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 2c6f214f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since 𝑤 represents the 𝑛th term of the sequence and 9 is the first term of the sequence, the value of
𝑤 is 9 when the value of 𝑛 is 1. Since each term after the first is 4 times the preceding term, the value of 𝑤 is 94 when the
2 𝑛-1
value of 𝑛 is 2. Therefore, the value of 𝑤 is 944, or 94 , when the value of 𝑛 is 3. More generally, the value of 𝑤 is 94 for
𝑛-1
a given value of 𝑛. Therefore, the equation 𝑤 = 94 gives 𝑤 in terms of 𝑛.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation describes a sequence for which the first term is 36, rather than 9, and each term after
the first is 9, rather than 4, times the preceding term.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation describes a sequence for which the first term is 4, rather than 9, and each term after
the first is 9, rather than 4, times the preceding term.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation describes a sequence for which the first term is 36, rather than 9.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 781c2f6e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 781c2f6e

The function is defined by , where and are integer constants and . The
functions and are equivalent to function , where and are constants. Which of the following equations displays
the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane as a constant or coefficient?

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II

D. Neither I nor II

ID: 781c2f6e Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. A y-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane is a point where the graph intersects the y-axis, or a point
0 𝑏 𝑏
where 𝑥 = 0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the equation defining function 𝑓 yields 𝑓0 = 𝑎2.2 + 2.2 , or 𝑓0 = 𝑎1 + 2.2 . So, the y-
coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph is 𝑎1 + 2.2𝑏 , or equivalently, 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2𝑏 . It's given that function 𝑔 is equivalent to
function 𝑓, where 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏. It follows that 𝑘 = 2.2𝑏 . Since 𝑎2.2𝑏 can't be equal to 0, the coefficient 𝑎 can't be equal to
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . Since 0 < 𝑎, the constant 𝑘, which is equal to 2.2 , can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 . Therefore, function 𝑔 doesn't
display the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane as a constant or coefficient. It's also
given that function ℎ is equivalent to function 𝑓, where 0 < 𝑎 < 𝑏. The equation defining 𝑓 can be rewritten as
𝑥 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎2.2 + 𝑎2.2 . It follows that 𝑚 = 𝑎2.2 . Since 𝑎2.2 can't be equal to 0, the coefficient 𝑎 can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2 .
Since 0 < 𝑎, the constant 𝑚, which is equal to 𝑎2.2𝑏 , can't be equal to 𝑎 + 𝑎2.2𝑏 . Therefore, function ℎ doesn't display the
y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane as a constant or coefficient. Thus, neither function 𝑔
nor function ℎ displays the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane as a constant or
coefficient.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cb29c54c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: cb29c54c

A physics class is planning an experiment about a toy rocket. The equation gives the
estimated height , in feet, of the toy rocket seconds after it is launched into the air. Which of the following is the best
interpretation of the vertex of the graph of the equation in the xy-plane?

A. This toy rocket reaches an estimated maximum height of feet seconds after it is launched into the air.

B. This toy rocket reaches an estimated maximum height of feet seconds after it is launched into the air.

C. This toy rocket reaches an estimated maximum height of feet seconds after it is launched into the air.

D. This toy rocket reaches an estimated maximum height of feet seconds after it is launched into the air.

ID: cb29c54c Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The vertex of the graph of a quadratic equation is where it reaches its minimum or maximum value.
2
When a quadratic equation is written in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 ( 𝑥 - ℎ ) + 𝑘, the vertex of the parabola represented by the
2
equation is ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) = ( ℎ, 𝑘 ) . In the given equation 𝑦 = - 16 ( 𝑥 - 5.6 ) + 502, the value of ℎ is 5.6 and the value of 𝑘 is
502. It follows that the vertex of the graph of this equation in the xy-plane is ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) = ( 5.6, 502 ) . Additionally, since
𝑎 = -16 in the given equation, the graph of the quadratic equation opens down, and the vertex represents a maximum. It’s
given that the value of 𝑦 represents the estimated height, in feet, of the toy rocket 𝑥 seconds after it is launched into the
air. Therefore, this toy rocket reaches an estimated maximum height of 502 feet 5.6 seconds after it is launched into the
air.

Choice A is incorrect. The 16 in the equation is an indicator of how narrow the graph of the equation is rather than where
it reaches its maximum.

Choice C is incorrect. The 16 in the equation is an indicator of how narrow the graph of the equation is rather than where
it reaches its maximum.

2
Choice D is incorrect. This is an interpretation of the vertex of the graph of the equation 𝑦 = - 16 ( 𝑥 - 502 ) + 5.6, not of
2
the equation 𝑦 = - 16 ( 𝑥 - 5.6 ) + 502.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4661e2a9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 4661e2a9

Which ordered pair is a solution to the

system of equations above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 4661e2a9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The solution to the given system of equations can be found by solving the first equation for x, which
gives , and substituting that value of x into the second equation which gives . Rewriting

this equation by adding like terms and expanding gives . Subtracting from both sides of

this equation gives . Adding to 2 to both sides of this equation gives . Therefore, it follows that

. Substituting for y in the first equation yields . Adding to both sides of this equation

yields . Therefore, the ordered pair is a solution to the given system of equations.

Choice B is incorrect. Substituting for x and for y in the first equation yields , or ,

which isn’t a true statement. Choice C is incorrect. Substituting for x and for y in the second equation yields

, or , which isn’t a true statement. Choice D is incorrect.

Substituting for x and for y in the second equation yields , or

, which isn’t a true statement.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ad2ec615
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: ad2ec615

Which of the following is equivalent to the

expression ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ad2ec615 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. The term x4 can be factored as . Factoring –6 as yields values that add to –1, the
coefficient of x2 in the expression.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect and may result from finding factors of –6 that don’t add to the coefficient of x2 in the
original expression.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 42c71eb5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 42c71eb5

Which of the following is equivalent to

the expression above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 42c71eb5 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The given expression can be rewritten as . Applying the

distributive property, the expression can be rewritten as , or
. Adding like terms yields . Substituting for in the given expression

yields . By the rules of exponents, the expression is equivalent to . Applying

the distributive property, this expression can be rewritten as , or .

Adding like terms gives . Substituting for in the rewritten expression yields

, and adding like terms yields .

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choices C and D may result from rewriting the expression as ,

instead of as . Choices B and C may result from rewriting the expression as , instead of
.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 52b1700c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 52b1700c

Time (years) Total amount (dollars)

Rosa opened a savings account at a bank. The table shows the exponential relationship between the time , in years,
since Rosa opened the account and the total amount , in dollars, in the account. If Rosa made no additional deposits or
withdrawals, which of the following equations best represents the relationship between and ?

A. msup

B. msup

C. msup

D. msup

ID: 52b1700c Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the relationship between 𝑡 and 𝑛 is exponential. The table shows that the value of 𝑛
increases as the value of 𝑡 increases. Therefore, the relationship between 𝑡 and 𝑛 can be represented by an increasing
𝑡
exponential equation of the form 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑏 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are positive constants. The table shows that when 𝑡 = 0,
𝑛 = 604. Substituting 0 for 𝑡 and 604 for 𝑛 in the equation 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑏𝑡 yields 604 = 𝑎1 + 𝑏0 , which is equivalent to
604 = 𝑎1, or 604 = 𝑎. Substituting 604 for 𝑎 in the equation 𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑏𝑡 yields 𝑛 = 6041 + 𝑏𝑡 . The table also shows that
𝑡 1
when 𝑡 = 1, 𝑛 = 606.42. Substituting 1 for 𝑡 and 606.42 for 𝑛 in the equation 𝑛 = 6041 + 𝑏 yields 606.42 = 6041 + 𝑏 , or
606.42 = 6041 + 𝑏. Dividing both sides of this equation by 604 yields approximately 1.004 = 1 + 𝑏. Subtracting 1 from
both sides of this equation yields that the value of 𝑏 is approximately 0.004. Substituting 0.004 for 𝑏 in the equation
𝑡 𝑡
𝑛 = 6041 + 𝑏 yields 𝑛 = 6041 + 0.004 . Therefore, of the choices, choice C best represents the relationship between 𝑡
and 𝑛.

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 371cbf6b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 371cbf6b

The equation above is true for all x, where a and b are

constants. What is the value of ab ?

A. 18

B. 20

C. 24

D. 40

ID: 371cbf6b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. If the equation is true for all x, then the expressions on both sides of the equation will be equivalent.
Multiplying the polynomials on the left-hand side of the equation gives . On the

right-hand side of the equation, the only -term is . Since the expressions on both sides of the equation are

equivalent, it follows that , which can be rewritten as . Therefore,

, which gives .

Choice A is incorrect. If , then the coefficient of on the left-hand side of the equation would be

, which doesn’t equal the coefficient of , , on the right-hand side. Choice B is incorrect. If ,

then the coefficient of on the left-hand side of the equation would be , which doesn’t equal the

coefficient of , , on the right-hand side. Choice D is incorrect. If , then the coefficient of on the left-hand

side of the equation would be , which doesn’t equal the coefficient of , , on the right-hand side.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b4acba95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: b4acba95

How many distinct real solutions does the given equation have?

A. Exactly two

B. Exactly one

C. Zero

D. Infinitely many

ID: b4acba95 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. The number of solutions of a quadratic equation of the form 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are
constants, can be determined by the value of the discriminant, 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐. If the value of the discriminant is positive, then
the quadratic equation has exactly two distinct real solutions. If the value of the discriminant is equal to zero, then the
quadratic equation has exactly one real solution. If the value of the discriminant is negative, then the quadratic equation
has zero real solutions. In the given equation, 𝑥2 - 12𝑥 + 27 = 0, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = -12, and 𝑐 = 27. Substituting these values for 𝑎
, 𝑏, and 𝑐 in 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐 yields -122 - 4127, or 36. Since the value of its discriminant is positive, the given equation has exactly
two distinct real solutions.

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 ff8c5844
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: ff8c5844

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ff8c5844 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. It's given that function 𝑔 is exponential. Therefore, an equation defining 𝑔 can be written in the form
𝑥
𝑔𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants. The table shows that when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑔𝑥 = 1. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 1 for 𝑔𝑥 in the
𝑥 0 𝑥
equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 yields 1 = 𝑎𝑏 , which is equivalent to 1 = 𝑎. Substituting 1 for 𝑎 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏 yields
1 1
𝑔𝑥 = 𝑏𝑥 . The table also shows that when 𝑥 = 1, 𝑔𝑥 = . Substituting 1 for 𝑥 and for 𝑔𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑏𝑥 yields
25 25
1 1 1 1 𝑥 1𝑥
25
= 𝑏 , which is equivalent to 25
= 𝑏. Substituting 25
for 𝑏 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑏 yields 𝑔𝑥 = 25
.

1
Choice A is incorrect. For this function, 𝑔1 is equal to -25, not 25
.

1 1
Choice B is incorrect. For this function, 𝑔1 is equal to - , not .
25 25

1
Choice C is incorrect. For this function, 𝑔1 is equal to 25, not 25
.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a05bd3a4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: a05bd3a4

Which of the following expressions is

equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a05bd3a4 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. The expression can be written as a difference of squares x2 – y2, which can be factored as (x + y)(x –
y). Here, y2 = 5, so , and the expression therefore factors as .

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from misunderstanding how to factor a difference of squares. Choice D is
incorrect; (x + 5)(x – 1) can be rewritten as x2 + 4x – 5, which is not equivalent to the original expression.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c3b116d7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: c3b116d7

Which of the following expressions is(are) a factor of ?

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and II

D. Neither I nor II

ID: c3b116d7 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. The given expression can be factored by first finding two values whose sum is 20 and whose product
is 3-63, or -189. Those two values are 27 and -7. It follows that the given expression can be rewritten as
3𝑥2 + 27𝑥 - 7𝑥 - 63. Since the first two terms of this expression have a common factor of 3𝑥 and the last two terms of this
expression have a common factor of -7, this expression can be rewritten as 3𝑥𝑥 + 9 - 7𝑥 + 9. Since the two terms of this
expression have a common factor of 𝑥 + 9, it can be rewritten as 3𝑥 - 7𝑥 + 9. Therefore, expression II, 3𝑥 - 7, is a factor of
3𝑥2 + 20𝑥 - 63, but expression I, 𝑥 - 9, is not a factor of 3𝑥2 + 20𝑥 - 63.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 40c09d66
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 40c09d66

If for all positive values of x,

what is the value of ?

ID: 40c09d66 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is . The value of can be found by first rewriting the left-hand side of the given equation as

. Using the properties of exponents, this expression can be rewritten as . This expression can be rewritten

by subtracting the fractions in the exponent, which yields . Thus, is . Note that 7/6, 1.166, and 1.167 are
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f423771c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: f423771c

The table shows the exponential relationship between the number of years, , since Hana started training in pole vault,
and the estimated height , in meters, of her best pole vault for that year. Which of the following functions best
represents this relationship, where ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f423771c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. The table shows an increasing exponential relationship between the number of years, 𝑥, since Hana
started training in pole vault and the estimated height ℎ𝑥, in meters, of her best pole vault for that year. The relationship
can be written as ℎ𝑥 = 𝐶𝑎𝑥 , where 𝐶 and 𝑎 are positive constants. It's given that when 𝑥 = 0, ℎ𝑥 = 1.23. Substituting 0 for
𝑥 and 1.23 for ℎ𝑥 in ℎ𝑥 = 𝐶𝑎𝑥 yields 1.23 = 𝐶𝑎0 , or 1.23 = 𝐶. Substituting 1.23 for 𝐶 in ℎ𝑥 = 𝐶𝑎𝑥 yields ℎ𝑥 = 1.23𝑎𝑥 . It's
also given that when 𝑥 = 2, ℎ𝑥 = 1.54. Substituting 2 for 𝑥 and 1.54 for ℎ𝑥 in ℎ𝑥 = 1.23𝑎𝑥 yields 1.54 = 1.23𝑎2 . Dividing
1.54 1.23𝑎2
each side of this equation by 1.23 yields = , or 𝑎2 is approximately equal to 1.252. Since 𝑎 is positive, 𝑎 is
1.23 1.23
𝑥
approximately equal to √1.252 , or 1.12. Substituting 1.12 for 𝑎 in ℎ𝑥 = 1.23𝑎𝑥 yields ℎ𝑥 = 1.231.12 .

Choice A is incorrect. When 𝑥 = 0, the value of ℎ𝑥 in this function is equal to 1.12 rather than 1.23, and it is decreasing
rather than increasing.

Choice B is incorrect. When 𝑥 = 0, the value of ℎ𝑥 in this function is equal to 1.12 rather than 1.23.

Choice C is incorrect. This function is decreasing rather than increasing.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b8f13a3a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: b8f13a3a

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

ID: b8f13a3a Answer

Correct Answer: 20

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8e1da169
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 8e1da169

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8e1da169 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 44𝑥 - 46, which can be rewritten as 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 90𝑥 + 2,024. Since the coefficient
of the 𝑥2 -term is positive, the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 in the xy-plane opens upward and reaches its minimum value at its vertex.
𝑏
For an equation in the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, the x-coordinate of the vertex is - . For
2𝑎
-90
the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥2 - 90𝑥 + 2,024, 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = -90, and 𝑐 = 2,024. It follows that the x-coordinate of the vertex is - 21 , or
45. Therefore, 𝑓𝑥 reaches its minimum when the value of 𝑥 is 45.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ae05d37b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: ae05d37b

The function gives the number of bacteria in a population minutes after an initial observation.
How much time, in minutes, does it take for the number of bacteria in the population to double?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: ae05d37b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It’s given that 𝑡 minutes after an initial observation, the number of bacteria in a population is
𝑡 𝑡
40,0002 790 . This expression consists of the initial number of bacteria, 40,000, multiplied by the expression 2 790 . The time,
𝑡
in minutes, it takes for the number of bacteria to double is the increase in the value of 𝑡 that causes the expression 2 790
𝑡
to double. Since the base is 2, the expression 2 790 will double when the exponent increases by 1. Since the exponent of
𝑡
this expression is , the exponent will increase by 1 when 𝑡 increases by 790. Therefore, the time, in minutes, it takes for
790
the number of bacteria in the population to double is 790.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the base of the exponent, not the time it takes for the number of bacteria in the population
to double.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of minutes it takes for the population to double twice.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the number of bacteria that are initially observed, not the time it takes for the number of
bacteria in the population to double.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 02add2d2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 02add2d2

A company has a newsletter. In January , there were customers subscribed to the newsletter. For the next
months after January , the total number of customers subscribed to the newsletter each month was greater
than the total number subscribed the previous month. Which equation gives the total number of customers, , subscribed
to the company's newsletter months after January , where ?

A. msup

B. msup

C. msup

D. msup

ID: 02add2d2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. It's given that in January 2018, there were 1,300 customers subscribed to a company's newsletter
and for the next 24 months after January 2018, the total number of customers subscribed to the newsletter each month
was 7% greater than the total number subscribed the previous month. It follows that this situation can be represented by
𝑟 𝑚
the equation 𝑐 = 𝑎1 + 100
, where 𝑐 is the total number of customers subscribed to the company's newsletter 𝑚 months
after January 2018, 𝑎 is the number of customers subscribed to the newsletter in January 2018, and the total number of
customers subscribed to the newsletter each month was 𝑟% greater than the total number subscribed the previous
7 𝑚 𝑚
month. Substituting 1,300 for 𝑎 and 7 for 𝑟 in this equation yields 𝑐 = 1,3001 + 100 , or 𝑐 = 1,3001.07 .

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the total number of customers subscribed each month
was 93% less, not 7% greater, than the total number subscribed the previous month.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the total number of customers subscribed each month
was 70%, not 7%, greater than the total number subscribed the previous month.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the total number of customers subscribed each month
was 600%, not 7%, greater than the total number subscribed the previous month.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f65288e8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: f65288e8

If x is a solution to the given equation, which of the

following is a possible value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: f65288e8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The given equation can be rewritten as . Multiplying both sides of this equation by

yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields . Taking the square root of

both sides of this equation yields or . Therefore, a possible value of is .

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2c288148
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: 2c288148

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

ID: 2c288148 Answer

Correct Answer: 231

Rationale
The correct answer is 231. It's given that √𝑘 - 𝑥 = 58 - 𝑥. Squaring both sides of this equation yields 𝑘 - 𝑥 = ( 58 - 𝑥 ) 2 ,
which is equivalent to the given equation if 58 - 𝑥 > 0. It follows that if a solution to the equation 𝑘 - 𝑥 = ( 58 - 𝑥 ) 2
satisfies 58 - 𝑥 > 0, then it's also a solution to the given equation; if not, it's extraneous. The equation 𝑘 - 𝑥 = ( 58 - 𝑥 ) 2
can be rewritten as 𝑘 - 𝑥 = 3,364 - 116𝑥 + 𝑥2 . Adding 𝑥 to both sides of this equation yields 𝑘 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + 3,364.
Subtracting 𝑘 from both sides of this equation yields 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + ( 3,364 - 𝑘 ) . The number of solutions to a quadratic
equation in the form 0 = 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are constants, can be determined by the value of the
discriminant, 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐. Substituting -115 for 𝑏, 1 for 𝑎, and 3,364 - 𝑘 for 𝑐 in 𝑏2 - 4𝑎𝑐 yields ( - 115 ) 2 - 4 ( 1 ) ( 3,364 - 𝑘 ) , or
4𝑘 - 231. The equation 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + ( 3,364 - 𝑘 ) has exactly one real solution if the discriminant is equal to zero, or
4𝑘 - 231 = 0. Subtracting 231 from both sides of this equation yields 4𝑘 = 231. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4
yields 𝑘 = 57.75. Therefore, if 𝑘 = 57.75, then the equation 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + ( 3,364 - 𝑘 ) has exactly one real solution.
Substituting 57.75 for 𝑘 in this equation yields 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + ( 3,364 - 57.75 ) , or 0 = 𝑥2 - 115𝑥 + 3,306.25, which is
equivalent to 0 = ( 𝑥 - 57.5 ) 2 . Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields 0 = 𝑥 - 57.5. Adding 57.5 to
both sides of this equation yields 57.5 = 𝑥. To check whether this solution satisfies 58 - 𝑥 > 0, the solution, 57.5, can be
substituted for 𝑥 in 58 - 𝑥 > 0, which yields 58 - 57.5 > 0, or 0.5 > 0. Since 0.5 is greater than 0, it follows that if 𝑘 = 57.75,
or 4𝑘 = 231, then the given equation has exactly one real solution. If 4𝑘 < 231, then the discriminant, 4𝑘 - 231, is negative
and the given equation has no solutions. Therefore, the minimum possible value of 4𝑘 is 231.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 40491607
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 40491607

In the xy-plane, when the graph of the function , where , is shifted up units, the resulting graph is defined by
the function . If the graph of crosses through the point , where is a constant, what is the value of ?

ID: 40491607 Answer

Correct Answer: 48

Rationale
The correct answer is 48. It's given that in the xy-plane, when the graph of the function 𝑓, where 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥, is shifted up 6
units, the resulting graph is defined by the function 𝑔. Therefore, function 𝑔 can be defined by the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 6.
It's given that 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2. Substituting 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2 for 𝑓𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 + 6 yields
𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2 + 6. For the point 4, 𝑏, the value of 𝑥 is 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑥 in the equation 𝑔𝑥 = 𝑥 - 1𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2 + 6
yields 𝑔4 = 4 - 14 + 34 - 2 + 6, or 𝑔4 = 48. It follows that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔𝑥 crosses through the point 4, 48. Therefore,
the value of 𝑏 is 48.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3206b905
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 3206b905

Which of the following expressions is equivalent to ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 3206b905 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. Since 8𝑥 is a common factor of each term in the given expression, the expression can be rewritten
as 8𝑥𝑥9 - 𝑥8 + 11.

Choice A is incorrect. This expression is equivalent to 7𝑥11 - 7𝑥10 + 87𝑥2 .

Choice B is incorrect. This expression is equivalent to 810 𝑥 - 89 𝑥 + 88𝑥.

Choice C is incorrect. This expression is equivalent to 8𝑥11 - 8𝑥10 + 88𝑥2 .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f89af023
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: f89af023

A rectangular volleyball court has an area of 162 square meters. If the length of
the court is twice the width, what is the width of the court, in meters?

A. 9

B. 18

C. 27

D. 54

ID: f89af023 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the volleyball court is rectangular and has an area of 162 square meters. The formula
for the area of a rectangle is , where A is the area, is the length, and w is the width of the rectangle. It’s also
given that the length of the volleyball court is twice the width, thus . Substituting the given value into the formula
for the area of a rectangle and using the relationship between length and width for this rectangle yields .

This equation can be rewritten as . Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields . Taking the
square root of both sides of this equation yields . Since the width of a rectangle is a positive number, the width of
the volleyball court is 9 meters.

Choice B is incorrect because this is the length of the rectangle. Choice C is incorrect because this is the result of using
162 as the perimeter rather than the area. Choice D is incorrect because this is the result of calculating w in the equation
instead of .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7902bed0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 7902bed0

A machine launches a softball from ground level. The softball reaches a maximum height of meters above the
ground at seconds and hits the ground at seconds. Which equation represents the height above ground , in
meters, of the softball seconds after it is launched?

A.

B.

C. msup

D. msup

ID: 7902bed0 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
Choice D is correct. An equation representing the height above ground ℎ, in meters, of a softball 𝑡 seconds after it is
launched by a machine from ground level can be written in the form ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 𝑏2 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 are positive
constants. In this equation, 𝑏 represents the time, in seconds, at which the softball reaches its maximum height of 𝑐
meters above the ground. It's given that this softball reaches a maximum height of 51.84 meters above the ground at 1.8
seconds; therefore, 𝑏 = 1.8 and 𝑐 = 51.84. Substituting 1.8 for 𝑏 and 51.84 for 𝑐 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 𝑏2 + 𝑐 yields
ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84. It's also given that this softball hits the ground at 3.6 seconds; therefore, ℎ = 0 when 𝑡 = 3.6.
2 2
Substituting 0 for ℎ and 3.6 for 𝑡 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84 yields 0 = - 𝑎3.6 - 1.8 + 51.84, which is equivalent
to 0 = - 𝑎1.82 + 51.84, or 0 = - 3.24𝑎 + 51.84. Adding 3.24𝑎 to both sides of this equation yields 3.24𝑎 = 51.84. Dividing
both sides of this equation by 3.24 yields 𝑎 = 16. Substituting 16 for 𝑎 in the equation ℎ = - 𝑎𝑡 - 1.82 + 51.84 yields
2 2
ℎ = - 16𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84. Therefore, ℎ = - 16𝑡 - 1.8 + 51.84 represents the height above ground ℎ, in meters, of this
softball 𝑡 seconds after it is launched.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the maximum height is 3.6 meters above the ground at
0 seconds, not 51.84 meters above the ground at 1.8 seconds.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a situation where the maximum height is 51.84 meters above the ground
at 0 seconds, not 1.8 seconds.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4a0d0399
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 4a0d0399

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

ID: 4a0d0399 Answer

Correct Answer: -324

Rationale
The correct answer is -324. It's given that the function 𝑓 is defined by 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants. It's also
given that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 has a y-intercept at 0, - 323. It follows that 𝑓0 = - 323. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and -323 for 𝑓𝑥
in 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 yields -323 = 𝑎0 + 𝑏, or -323 = 1 + 𝑏. Subtracting 1 from each side of this equation yields -324 = 𝑏.
Therefore, the value of 𝑏 is -324.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 768b60d2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 768b60d2

For the exponential function , the value of is , where is a constant. Of the following equations that define the
function , which equation shows the value of as the coefficient or the base?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 768b60d2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Each of the given choices is an equation of the form 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏𝑥 - 𝑘 , where 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑘 are constants. For
an equation of this form, the coefficient, 𝑎, is equal to the value of the function when the exponent is equal to 0, or when
𝑥
𝑥 = 𝑘. It follows that in the equation 𝑓𝑥 = 331.5 , the coefficient, 33, is equal to the value of 𝑓0. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this
0
equation yields 𝑓0 = 331.5 , which is equivalent to 𝑓0 = 331, or 𝑓0 = 33. Thus, the value of 𝑐 is 33 and the equation
𝑥
𝑓𝑥 = 331.5 shows the value of 𝑐 as the coefficient.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation shows the value of 𝑓-1, not 𝑓0, as the coefficient.

Choice C is incorrect. This equation shows the value of 𝑓1, not 𝑓0, as the coefficient.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation shows the value of 𝑓2, not 𝑓0, as the coefficient.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e53add44
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: e53add44

The function S above models the annual salary, in dollars, of an employee n

years after starting a job, where a is a constant. If the employee’s salary
increases by 4% each year, what is the value of a ?

A. 0.04

B. 0.4

C. 1.04

D. 1.4

ID: e53add44 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. A model for a quantity S that increases by a certain percentage per time period n is an exponential

function in the form , where I is the initial value at time for r% annual increase. It’s given that
the annual increase in an employee’s salary is 4%, so . The initial value can be found by substituting 0 for n in the
given function, which yields . Therefore, . Substituting these values for r and I into the form of

the exponential function yields , or .

Therefore, the value of a in the given function is 1.04.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect and may result from incorrectly representing the annual increase in the exponential
function.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f2f3fa00
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear equations

in one variable and
systems of equations
in two variables

ID: f2f3fa00

During a 5-second time interval, the average acceleration a, in meters per second
squared, of an object with an initial velocity of 12 meters per second is defined

by the equation , where vf is the final velocity of the object in

meters per second. If the equation is rewritten in the form vf = xa + y, where x
and y are constants, what is the value of x ?

ID: f2f3fa00 Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 5. The given equation can be rewritten in the form , like so:

It follows that the value of x is 5 and the value of y is 12.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b4a6ed81
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: b4a6ed81

The expression is equivalent to , where is a constant. What is the value of ?

ID: b4a6ed81 Answer

Correct Answer: 6

Rationale
The correct answer is 6. Applying the distributive property to the expression 𝑟𝑦4 15𝑦 - 9 yields 15𝑟𝑦5 - 9𝑟𝑦4 . Since
90𝑦5 - 54𝑦4 is equivalent to 𝑟𝑦4 15𝑦 - 9, it follows that 90𝑦5 - 54𝑦4 is also equivalent to 15𝑟𝑦5 - 9𝑟𝑦4 . Since these
expressions are equivalent, it follows that corresponding coefficients are equivalent. Therefore, 90 = 15𝑟 and -54 = -9𝑟.
Solving either of these equations for 𝑟 will yield the value of 𝑟. Dividing both sides of 90 = 15𝑟 by 15 yields 6 = 𝑟.
Therefore, the value of 𝑟 is 6.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9654add7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 9654add7

The revenue , in dollars, that a company receives from sales of a product is

given by the function f above, where x is the unit price, in dollars, of the product.
The graph of in the xy-plane intersects the x-axis at 0 and a. What does
a represent?

A. The revenue, in dollars, when the unit price of the product is $0

B. The unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in maximum revenue

C. The unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in a revenue of $0

D. The maximum revenue, in dollars, that the company can make

ID: 9654add7 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. By definition, the y-value when a function intersects the x-axis is 0. It’s given that the graph of the
function intersects the x-axis at 0 and a, that x is the unit price, in dollars, of a product, and that , where , is
the revenue, in dollars, that a company receives from the sales of the product. Since the value of a occurs when ,a
is the unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in a revenue of $0.

Choice A is incorrect. The revenue, in dollars, when the unit price of the product is $0 is represented by , when .
Choice B is incorrect. The unit price, in dollars, of the product that will result in maximum revenue is represented by the x-
coordinate of the maximum of f. Choice D is incorrect. The maximum revenue, in dollars, that the company can make is
represented by the y-coordinate of the maximum of f.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4618501a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 4618501a

A conservation scientist implemented a program to reduce the population of a certain species in an area. The given
function estimates this species' population years after , where . Which of the following is the best
interpretation of in this context?

A. The estimated percent decrease in the population for this species and area every years after

B. The estimated percent decrease in the population for this species and area each year after

C. The estimated population for this species and area years after

D. The estimated initial population for this species and area in

ID: 4618501a Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale
0
Choice D is correct. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in the given equation yields 𝑓0 = 3,0000.75 , which is equivalent to 𝑓0 = 3,0001,
or 𝑓0 = 3,000. It’s given that the function estimates the species’ population 𝑥 years after 2008, so it follows that the
estimated population of the species is 3,000 in 2008. Therefore, the best interpretation of 3,000 in this context is the
estimated initial population for this species and area in 2008.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect. The estimated percent decrease in the population for this species and area each year after 2008 is
25%, not 3,000.

8
Choice C is incorrect. The estimated population for this species and area 8 years after 2008 is 3,0000.75 , or
approximately 300, not 3,000.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 34847f8a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: 34847f8a

The equation above is true for all , where r and t are positive
constants. What is the value of rt ?

A.

B. 15

C. 20

D. 60

ID: 34847f8a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale
Choice C is correct. To express the sum of the two rational expressions on the left-hand side of the equation as the single
rational expression on the right-hand side of the equation, the expressions on the left-hand side must have the same

denominator. Multiplying the first expression by results in , and multiplying the second expression

by results in , so the given equation can be rewritten as

, or . Since the
two rational expressions on the left-hand side of the equation have the same denominator as the rational expression on
the right-hand side of the equation, it follows that . Combining like terms on the left-hand
side yields , so it follows that and . Therefore, the value of is .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from an error when determining the sign of either r or t. Choice B is incorrect and
may result from not distributing the 2 and 3 to their respective terms in

. Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

Question Difficulty: Hard