Question ID 535fa6e6

Question ID 535fa6e6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 535fa6e6

Davio bought some potatoes and celery. The potatoes cost per pound, and the celery cost per pound. If
Davio spent in total and bought twice as many pounds of celery as pounds of potatoes, how many pounds of
celery did Davio buy?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 535fa6e6 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. Let 𝑝 represent the number of pounds of potatoes and let 𝑐 represent the number of pounds of
celery that Davio bought. It’s given that potatoes cost $ 0.69 per pound and celery costs $ 0.99 per pound. If Davio
spent $ 5.34 in total, then the equation 0.69𝑝 + 0.99𝑐 = 5.34 represents this situation. It’s also given that Davio bought
twice as many pounds of celery as pounds of potatoes; therefore, 𝑐 = 2𝑝. Substituting 2𝑝 for 𝑐 in the equation
0.69𝑝 + 0.99𝑐 = 5.34 yields 0.69𝑝 + 0.99(2𝑝) = 5.34, which is equivalent to 0.69𝑝 + 1.98𝑝 = 5.34, or 2.67𝑝 = 5.34. Dividing
both sides of this equation by 2.67 yields 𝑝 = 2. Substituting 2 for 𝑝 in the equation 𝑐 = 2𝑝 yields 𝑐 = 2(2), or 𝑐 = 4.
Therefore, Davio bought 4 pounds of celery.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of potatoes, not the number of pounds of celery, Davio bought.

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 27f5fff3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Systems of two

linear equations in
two variables

ID: 27f5fff3

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

A. Zero

B. Exactly one

C. Exactly two

D. Infinitely many

ID: 27f5fff3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. A solution to a system of equations must satisfy each equation in the system. It follows that if an
ordered pair (𝑥, 𝑦) is a solution to the system, the point (𝑥, 𝑦) lies on the graph in the xy-plane of each equation in the
Choice A is correct. A solution to a system of equations must satisfy each equation in the system. It follows that if an

(8, 2). It follows that if a new graph of three linear equations is created using the system of equations shown and the
system. The only point that lies on each graph of the system of two linear equations shown is their intersection point

graph of 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = − 16, this system has either zero solutions or one solution, the point (8, 2). Substituting 8 for 𝑥 and 2
for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = − 16 yields 8 + 4(2) = − 16, or 16 = − 16. Since this equation is not true, the point (8, 2)
does not lie on the graph of 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = − 16. Therefore, (8, 2) is not a solution to the system of three equations. It follows
that there are zero solutions to this system.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5907e072
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear functions

ID: 5907e072

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

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5907e072 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓(𝑥) = 30. Substituting 0 for 𝑥 and 30 for 𝑓(𝑥) in the given function yields
30 = 0 + 𝑏, or 30 = 𝑏. Therefore, the value of 𝑏 is 30.

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

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

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID a9c04a21
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: a9c04a21

What is the solution to the

equation ?

A. 1

B. 1.5

C. 2

D. 4

ID: a9c04a21 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. Subtracting 3 from both sides of the given equation yields . Dividing both sides by 2 results
in .

Choices A and B are incorrect and may result from computational errors. Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of .

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8a1544f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8a1544f1

What is the equation of the line shown

in the xy-plane above?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 8a1544f1 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale
Choice B is correct. Any line in the xy-plane can be defined by an equation in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope
of the line and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. From the graph, the y-intercept of the line is (0, 3).
Therefore, b = 3. The slope of the line is the change in the value of y divided by the change in the value of x for any two

points on the line. The line shown passes through (0, 3) and (1, 0), so , or m = –3. Therefore, the equation
of the line is y = –3x + 3.

Choices A and C are incorrect because the equations given in these choices represent a line with a positive slope.
However, the line shown has a negative slope. Choice D is incorrect because the equation given in this choice

represents a line with slope of . However, the line shown has a slope of –3.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 70774aa4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

one variable

ID: 70774aa4

If , what is the value of ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 70774aa4 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that 5𝑥 = 20. Multiplying both sides of this equation by 3 yields 15𝑥 = 60. Therefore, the
value of 15𝑥 is 60.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 8b2a2a63
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Algebra Linear equations in

two variables

ID: 8b2a2a63

The y-intercept of the graph of in the xy-plane is . What is the value of ?

ID: 8b2a2a63 Answer

Correct Answer: -32

Rationale

The correct answer is −32. It’s given that the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = − 6𝑥 − 32 is (0, 𝑦). Substituting 0 for 𝑥 in this
equation yields 𝑦 = − 6(0) − 32, or 𝑦 = − 32. Therefore, the value of 𝑦 that corresponds to the y-intercept of the graph of
𝑦 = − 6𝑥 − 32 in the xy-plane is −32.

Question Difficulty: Easy

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 = − . Since 𝑦 is a positive integer, the value of 𝑦
2
33
isn't − . Adding 14 to both sides of the equation 𝑦 − 14 = 0 yields 𝑦 = 14. Substituting 14 for 𝑦 in the equation 𝑥𝑦 = 462
2
yields 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 7f2524bf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Nonlinear functions

ID: 7f2524bf

350
300
250
200
Value (dollars)
150
100
50
x
O 4 8 12 16 20 24
Number of months
after purchase

The graph shown gives the estimated value, in dollars, of a tablet as a function of the number of months since it was
purchased. What is the best interpretation of the y-intercept of the graph in this context?

A. The estimated value of the tablet was when it was purchased.

B. The estimated value of the tablet months after it was purchased was .

C. The estimated value of the tablet had decreased by in the months after it was purchased.

D. The estimated value of the tablet decreased by approximately each year after it was purchased.

ID: 7f2524bf Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. It's given that the graph shown gives the estimated value 𝑦, in dollars, of a tablet as a function of the
number of months since it was purchased, 𝑥. The y-intercept of a graph is the point at which the graph intersects the y-
axis, or when 𝑥 is 0. The graph shown intersects the y-axis at the point (0, 225). It follows that 0 months after the tablet
was purchased, or when the tablet was purchased, the estimated value of the tablet was 225 dollars. Therefore, the best
interpretation of the y-intercept is that the estimated value of the tablet was $ 225 when it was purchased.

Choice B is incorrect. The estimated value of the tablet 24 months after it was purchased was $ 50, not $ 225.

Choice C is incorrect. The estimated value of the tablet had decreased by $ 225 − $ 50, or $ 175, not $ 225, in the 24
months after it was purchased.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID e312081b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Advanced Math Equivalent

expressions

ID: e312081b

Which of the following is equivalent to

the given expression?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: e312081b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. Using the associative and commutative properties of addition, the given expression
can be rewritten as . Adding these like terms results in .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from adding . Choice C is incorrect and may result from adding
. Choice D is incorrect and may result from adding .

Question Difficulty: Easy

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
 𝑓(𝑥)
Choice A is correct. It's given that the table shows values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values of 𝑔(𝑥), where 𝑔(𝑥) =
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
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where 𝑚 represents the slope and 𝑏 represents the y-coordinate of the y-intercept (0, 𝑏) of the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in the xy-plane. The slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) can be found using two points, (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), that are
𝑦 − 𝑦1
on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), and the formula 𝑚 = 2 . Since the table shows values of 𝑥 and their corresponding values
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
𝑓(𝑥)
of 𝑔(𝑥), substituting values of 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) in the equation 𝑔(𝑥) = can be used to define function 𝑓. Using the first
𝑥+3
𝑓(−27) 𝑓(−27)
pair of values from the table, 𝑥 = − 27 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 3, yields 3 = , or 3 =
−27 + 3 −24
equation by −24 yields −72 = 𝑓(−27), so the point (−27, − 72) is on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). Using the second pair of
. Multiplying each side of this

𝑓(−9) 𝑓(−9)
values from the table, 𝑥 = − 9 and 𝑔(𝑥) = 0, yields 0 = , or 0 = . Multiplying each side of this equation by −6
−9 + 3 −6
yields 0 = 𝑓(−9), so the point (−9, 0) is on the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). Substituting (−27, − 72) and (−9, 0) for (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) and
𝑦 − 𝑦1 0 − (−72)
(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 ), respectively, in the formula 𝑚 = 2 yields 𝑚 = , or 𝑚 = 4. Substituting 4 for 𝑚 in the equation
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 −9 − (−27)
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 yields 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 + 𝑏. Since 0 = 𝑓(−9), substituting −9 for 𝑥 and 0 for 𝑓(𝑥) in the equation 𝑓(𝑥) = 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 = 𝑓(𝑥). Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) is (0, 36).

Choice B is incorrect. 12 is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥).

Choice C is incorrect. 4 is the slope of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

Choice D is incorrect. −9 is the x-coordinate of the x-intercept of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

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
8𝑥(𝑥 − 7) − 3(𝑥 − 7)
. The three terms in this expression have a common factor of (𝑥 − 7). Since it's given
2(𝑥 − 7)
rewritten as

that 𝑥 > 7, 𝑥 can't be equal to 7, which means (𝑥 − 7) can't be equal to 0. Therefore, each term in the expression,
8𝑥(𝑥 − 7) − 3(𝑥 − 7) 8𝑥 − 3
, can be divided by (𝑥 − 7), which gives
2(𝑥 − 7) 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 1adb39f0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Two-variable data:

and Data Analysis Models and
scatterplots

ID: 1adb39f0

The scatterplot shows the relationship between two variables, x and y. A line of
best fit for the data is also shown. Which of the following is closest to the
difference between the y-coordinate of the data point with and the y-
value predicted by the line of best fit at ?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 5

D. 12

ID: 1adb39f0 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is correct. The data point with has a y-coordinate of 12. The y-value predicted by the line of best fit at
is approximately 11. The difference between the y-coordinate of the data point and the y-value predicted by the
line of best fit at is , or 1.

Choices B and C are incorrect and may result from incorrectly reading the scatterplot. Choice D is incorrect. This is the
y-coordinate of the data point at .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3f5398a6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Ratios, rates,

and Data Analysis proportional
relationships, and
units

ID: 3f5398a6

For a person m miles from a flash of lightning, the length of the time interval
from the moment the person sees the lightning to the moment the person hears
the thunder is k seconds. The ratio of m to k can be estimated to be 1 to 5.
According to this estimate, the person is how many miles from a flash of
lightning if the time interval is 25 seconds?

A. 10

B. 9

C. 6

D. 5

ID: 3f5398a6 Answer

Rationale

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the ratio of m to k is estimated to be 1 to 5. Therefore, when , the relationship

between these ratios can be expressed by the proportion . Multiplying both sides of this equation by 25 yields
.

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID b4912cc5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Ratios, rates,

and Data Analysis proportional
relationships, and
units

ID: b4912cc5

The population density of Iceland, in people per square kilometer of land area,
increased from 2.5 in 1990 to 3.3 in 2014. During this time period, the land area
of Iceland was 100,250 square kilometers. By how many people did Iceland’s
population increase from 1990 to 2014?

A. 330,825

B. 132,330

C. 125,312

D. 80,200

ID: b4912cc5 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is correct. The increase in Iceland’s population can be found by multiplying the increase in population density,
in people per square kilometer, by the area, in square kilometers. It’s given that the population density of Iceland was 2.5
people per square kilometer in 1990 and 3.3 people per square kilometer in 2014. The increase in population density
can be found by subtracting 2.5 from 3.3, which yields 0.8. It’s given that the land area of Iceland was 100,250 square
kilometers. Thus, the increase in population is , or 80,200.

Alternate approach: It’s given that the population density of Iceland, in people per square kilometer of land area, in 1990
was 2.5. Since the land area of Iceland was 100,250 square kilometers, it follows that the population of Iceland in 1990
was , or 250,625. Similarly, the population of Iceland in 2014 was , or 330,825. The
population increase is the difference in the population from 1990 to 2014, or , which yields 80,200.
Therefore, Iceland’s population increased by 80,200 from 1990 to 2014.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the population of Iceland in 2014. Choice B is incorrect and may result from dividing 3.3 by
2.5, instead of subtracting 2.5 from 3.3. Choice C is incorrect and may result from dividing the population of Iceland in
1990 by 2.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c7e73ece
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving Inference from

and Data Analysis sample statistics
and margin of error

ID: c7e73ece
Views on Nuclear Energy
Use
Response Frequency

Strongly
56
favor

Somewhat
214
favor

Somewhat
104
oppose

Strongly
37
oppose

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

ID: c7e73ece Answer

Rationale

The correct answer is 94. Of those interviewed, “strongly favor” or “somewhat favor” the use of nuclear
The correct answer is 94. Of those interviewed, “strongly favor” or “somewhat favor” the use of nuclear
energy, and interviewees “somewhat oppose” or “strongly oppose” the use of nuclear energy. The
difference between the sizes of the two surveyed groups is . The proportion of this difference among

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

is , which to the nearest million is 94.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f890dc20
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Problem-Solving One-variable data:

and Data Analysis Distributions and
measures of center
and spread

ID: f890dc20

What is the median of the seven

data values shown?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 4

D. 9

ID: f890dc20 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. When a data set has an odd number of values, the median can be found by ordering the values from
least to greatest and determining the value in the middle. Since the values are already presented in order from least to
greatest and there are 7 values, the median is the fourth value in the list. Therefore, the median is 3.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the mode. Choice C is incorrect. This is the mean. Choice D is incorrect. This is the range.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 93f48423
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume

Trigonometry

ID: 93f48423

What is the area, in square inches, of a rectangle with a length of inches and a width of inches?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 93f48423 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The area, 𝐴, of a rectangle is given by the formula 𝐴 = 𝓁𝑤, where 𝓁 represents the length of the
rectangle and 𝑤 represents its width. It’s given that the rectangle has a length of 7 inches and a width of 6 inches.
Substituting 7 for 𝓁 and 6 for 𝑤 in the formula 𝐴 = 𝓁𝑤 yields 𝐴 = (7)(6), or 𝐴 = 42. Thus, the area, in square inches, of the
rectangle is 42.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the sum, not the product, of the length and width of the rectangle.

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

Choice D is incorrect. This is twice the area, in square inches, of the rectangle.

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5252e606
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume

Trigonometry

ID: 5252e606

The side length of a square is . What is the area, , of the square?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5252e606 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The area 𝐴, in square centimeters (cm2 ), of a square with side length 𝑠, in cm, is given by the
formula 𝐴 = 𝑠2 . It’s given that the square has a side length of 55 cm. Substituting 55 for 𝑠 in the formula 𝐴 = 𝑠2 yields
𝐴 = 552 , or 𝐴 = 3,025. Therefore, the area, in cm2 , of the square is 3,025.

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

Choice B is incorrect. This is the perimeter, in cm, of the square, not its area, in cm2 .

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

Question Difficulty: Easy

Question ID 5afbdc8e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume

Trigonometry

ID: 5afbdc8e

What is the length of one side of a square that has the same
area as a circle with radius 2 ?

A. 2

B.

C.

D.

ID: 5afbdc8e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is correct. The area A of a circle with radius r is given by the formula . Thus, a circle with radius 2 has

area , which can be rewritten as . The area of a square with side length s is given by the formula .

Thus, if a square has the same area as a circle with radius 2, then . Since the side length of a square must be a

positive number, taking the square root of both sides of gives . Using the properties of square roots,

can be rewritten as , which is equivalent to . Therefore, .

Choice A is incorrect. The side length of the square isn’t equal to the radius of the circle. Choices B and D are incorrect
and may result from incorrectly simplifying the expression .

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 983412ea
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Area and volume

Trigonometry

ID: 983412ea

A right square prism has a height of units. The volume of the prism is cubic units. What is the length, in units,
of an edge of the base?

ID: 983412ea Answer

Correct Answer: 12

Rationale

The correct answer is 12. The volume, 𝑉, of a right square prism can be calculated using the formula 𝑉 = 𝑠2 ℎ, where 𝑠
represents the length of an edge of the base and ℎ represents the height of the prism. It’s given that the volume of the
prism is 2,016 cubic units and the height is 14 units. Substituting 2,016 for 𝑉 and 14 for ℎ in the formula 𝑉 = 𝑠2 ℎ yields
2,016 = (𝑠2 )(14). Dividing both sides of this equation by 14 yields 144 = 𝑠2 . Taking the square root of both sides of this
equation yields two solutions: − 12 = 𝑠 and 12 = 𝑠. The length can't be negative, so 12 = 𝑠. Therefore, the length, in units,
of an edge of the base is 12.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a4c0547f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Math Geometry and Right triangles and

Trigonometry trigonometry

ID: a4c0547f

In triangle , angle is a right angle and the length of is units. If , what is the perimeter, in
units, of triangle ?

A.

B.

C.

D.

ID: a4c0547f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is correct. It's given that angle 𝑍 in triangle 𝑋𝑌𝑍 is a right angle. Thus, side 𝑌𝑍 is the leg opposite angle 𝑋 and
side 𝑋𝑍 is the leg adjacent to angle 𝑋. The tangent of an acute angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the length of the leg
𝑌𝑍 12
opposite the angle to the length of the leg adjacent to the angle. It follows that tan𝑋 = . It's given that tan𝑋 =
𝑋𝑍 35
12 𝑌𝑍 12 24
and
the length of side 𝑌𝑍 is 24 units. Substituting for tan𝑋 and 24 for 𝑌𝑍 in the equation tan𝑋 = =
35 𝑋𝑍 35 𝑋𝑍
Multiplying both sides of this equation by 35(𝑋𝑍) yields 12(𝑋𝑍) = 24(35), or 12(𝑋𝑍) = 840. Dividing both sides of this
yields .

equation by 12 yields 𝑋𝑍 = 70. The length 𝑋𝑌 can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that if a
right triangle has legs with lengths of 𝑎 and 𝑏 and a hypotenuse with length 𝑐, then 𝑎2 + 𝑏 = 𝑐2 . Substituting 70 for 𝑎 and
2

24 for 𝑏 in this equation yields 702 + 242 = 𝑐2 , or 5,476 = 𝑐2 . Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields
±74 = 𝑐. Since the length of the hypotenuse must be positive, 74 = 𝑐. Therefore, the length of 𝑋𝑌 is 74 units. The
perimeter of a triangle is the sum of the lengths of all sides. Thus, (74 + 70 + 24) units, or 168 units, is the perimeter of
triangle 𝑋𝑌𝑍.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This would be the perimeter, in units, for a right triangle where the length of side 𝑌𝑍 is 12 units, not
24 units.

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

Question Difficulty: Hard