PSAT/NMSQT ANSWER EXPLANATIONS n MATH: MODULE 1

Math
Module 1
(27 questions)

QUESTION 1
Choice C is correct. It’s given that 3 teaspoons is equivalent to 1 tablespoon.
Therefore, 44 tablespoons is equivalent to (44 tablespoons) ( 3 teaspoons
1 tablespoon ), or
132

Choice A is incorrect. This is equivalent to approximately 15.66 tablespoons,

not 44 tablespoons. Choice B is incorrect. This is equivalent to approximately
29.33 44 tablespoons. Choice D is incorrect. This is equivalent
to approximately 58.66 tablespoons, not 44 tablespoons.

QUESTION 2
1
Choice D is correct. It’s given that f ( x ) = . Substituting 3 for x in this equation
6x
1 1 1
f (3) = f (3) = . Therefore, when x = 3, the value of f ( x ) .
6(3) 18 18

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of f ( x ) when x = 0.5 . Choice B is incorrect.

This is the value of f ( x ) when x = 1 Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of f ( x )
when x = 1.5.

QUESTION 3
Choice C is correct. It’s given that x = 40 . Adding 6 to both sides of this equation
yields x + 6 = 40 + 6, or x + 6 = 46 T x + 6 is 46.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of x - 6, not x + 6 . Choice B is incorrect.

This is the value of x , not x + 6 . Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of x + 24,
not x + 6 .

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QUESTION 4
23
Choice A 23% of 100 by 100,
100
which yields ( )100 , or 23.
23
100

Choice B T 46% 23%, of 100. Choice C T

23% 100 23% 100. Choice D T 23% greater
than 100 23% of 100.

QUESTION 5
Choice D is correct. The given expression shows addition of two like terms.
Therefore, the given expression is equivalent to (50 + 5) x 2 55x 2 .

Choice A T (50)(5) x 2 , not (50 + 5) x 2 .

Choice B T (505 ) x 2 (50 + 5) x 2.
Choice C T (50 - 5) x 2 (50 + 5) x 2 .

QUESTION 6
The correct answer is 370 . It’s given that the population density of Cedar County
is 230 people per square mile and the county has a population of 85,100 people.
Based on the population density, it follows that the area of Cedar County is
(85,100 people)(1230 people )
square mile
, or 370 square miles.

QUESTION 7
The correct answer is -9 . Since w is in the denominator of a fraction in the given
equation, w can’t be equal to 0. Since w isn’t equal to 0, multiplying both sides of
the given equation by w yields an equivalent equation, -54 = 6w . Dividing both
sides of this equation by 6 yields -9 = w . Therefore, -9 is the solution to the
given equation.

QUESTION 8
Choice B is correct. An equation defining a linear function can be written in
the form f ( x ) = mx + b , where m and b are constants, m is the slope of the
graph of y = f ( x ) in the xy-plane, and (0, b ) is the y-intercept of the graph. It’s
given that for the function f , the graph of y = f ( x ) in the xy-plane has a slope
of 3. Therefore, m = 3. It’s also given that this graph passes through the point
(0, - 8). Therefore, the y-intercept of the graph is (0, - 8), and it follows that
b = -8. Substituting 3 for m and -8 for b f ( x ) = mx + b yields
f ( x ) = 3 x - 8 . Thus, the equation that defines f f ( x ) = 3x - 8 .

Choice A y = f ( x ) in the xy-plane

passes through the point (0, 0) (0, - 8). Choice C is incorrect. For this
y = f ( x ) in the xy-plane passes through the point (0, 5), not
(0, - 8 ). Choice D y = f ( x ) in the
xy-plane passes through the point (0, 11), not (0, - 8).

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QUESTION 9
Choice A is correct. The perimeter of a triangle is the sum of the lengths of its
three sides. The triangle shown has side lengths x , y , and z . It’s given that the
triangle has a perimeter of 22 units. Therefore, x + y + z = 22. If x = 9 units and
y = 7 units, the value of z , in units, can be found by substituting 9 for x and 7 for
y in the equation x + y + z = 22, which yields 9 + 7 + z = 22 16 + z = 22.
Subtracting 16 from both sides of this equation yields z = 6 . Therefore, if x = 9
units and y = 7 units, the value of z , in units, is 6 .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of y , in units, not the value of z , in units.
Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of x , in units, not the value of z , in units.
Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of x + y , in units, not the value of z , in units.

QUESTION 10
Choice A T h (-2) can be found by substituting -2 for
x in the equation defining h . Substituting -2 for x in h ( x ) = 3 x - 7 yields
h (-2) = 3(-2)- 7 , or h (-2) = -13 T h (-2) is -13.

Choice B T h (-1) h (-2). 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 11
Choice C is correct. The tangent of an acute angle in a right triangle is defined as
the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the length of the shorter
side adjacent to the angle. In the triangle shown, the length of the side opposite
the angle with measure x o is 26 units and the length of the side adjacent to the
26
angle with measure x o is 7 units. Therefore, the value of tan x o .
7
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 12
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the scatterplot shows the relationship between
two variables, x and y , and a line of best fit is shown. For the line of best fit
shown, for each increase in the value of x by 1, the corresponding value of y
increases by a constant rate. It follows that the relationship between the variables
x and y has a positive linear trend. A line in the xy-plane that passes through the
d -b
(a , b ) (c, d ) c-a
. The line of best fit shown passes

approximately through the points (0, 0.25) (4, 2). It follows that the slope of
2-0.25
this line is approximately , which is equivalent to 0.4375. Therefore, of the
4-0
given choices, 0.44 is closest to the slope of the line of best fit shown.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the slope of a line of best fit for a relationship
between x and y that has a negative, rather than a positive, linear trend. Choice B

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is incorrect. This is the slope of a line of best fit for a relationship between x and
y that has a negative, rather than a positive, linear trend. Choice D is incorrect
and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

QUESTION 13
The correct answer is 9. It’s given that the y-intercept of the graph of
12 x + 2 y = 18 in the xy-plane is (0, y ). Substituting 0 for x in the equation
12 x + 2 y = 18 12(0) + 2 y = 18, or 2 y = 18. Dividing both sides of this
equation by 2 yields y = 9 . Therefore, the value of y is 9.

QUESTION 14
The correct answer is 241. For a certain animal, it’s given that a model predicts
the animal weighed 241 pounds when it 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 f ( x ) = a + bx , where f ( x ) is the predicted weight, in pounds, of the animal
x a and b are 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.

QUESTION 15
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the graph shows the height above ground, in
meters, of a ball x seconds after the ball was launched upward from a platform.
In the graph shown, the x-axis represents time, in seconds, and the y-axis
represents the height of the ball above ground, in meters. It follows that for the
(1.0, 4.8), 1.00 represents the time, in seconds, after the ball was
launched upward from a platform and 4.80 represents the height of the ball
above ground, in meters. Therefore, the best interpretation of the marked point
(1.0, 4.8) is 1.00 second after being launched, the ball’s height above ground is
4.80

Choice B 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 16
Choice A is correct. It’s given that based on a random sample from a population,
the estimated mean value for a certain variable for the population is 20.5, with an
associated margin of error of 1. This means that it is plausible that the actual
20.5 -1 20.5 + 1.
Therefore, the most appropriate conclusion is that it is plausible that the actual
mean value of the variable for the population is between 19.5 21.5.

Choice B is incorrect. The estimated mean value and associated margin of

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

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incorrect. The estimated mean value and associated margin of error describe
only plausible values for the actual mean value of the variable, not all the possible
values of the variable, so this is not an appropriate conclusion. Choice D is
incorrect. Since 20.5
random sample, the actual mean value of the variable may not be exactly 20.5.
Therefore, this is not an appropriate conclusion.

QUESTION 17
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the equation 7m = 5(n + p ) relates the positive
numbers m , n , and p . Dividing both sides of the given equation by 5 yields
7m 7m
= n + p. Subtracting p from both sides of this equation yields - p = n , or
5 5
7m 7m
n= - p . It follows that the equation n= -p correctly gives n in terms of m
5 5
and p .

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 18
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 = (15w )(w ) 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 19
Choice B is correct. Adding the first equation to the second equation in the given
system yields ( x + 2 y ) + ( x - 2 y ) = 6 + 4 ( x + x ) + (2y - 2y ) = 10 . Combining like
terms in this equation yields 2 x = 10. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2
yields x = 5. Thus, the value of x is 5 .

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

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of 2x , not x .

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QUESTION 20
The correct answer is 19 . The minimum value of a data set is the least value in
the data set. The frequency refers to the number of times a value occurs. The
given table shows that for this data set, the value 19 occurs 7 times, the value
21 occurs 1 time, the value 23 occurs 7 times, and the value 25 occurs 4 times.
Therefore, of the values 19 , 21, 23, and 25 given in the data set, the minimum
value of the data set is 19 .

QUESTION 21
The correct answer is -2 . It’s given that a number x is at most 17 less than 5
times the value of y x £ 5 y -17. Substituting 3 for y in this inequality yields
x £ 5(3)-17 x £-2 . Thus, if the value of y is 3, the greatest possible value of
x is -2 .

QUESTION 22
Choice C is correct. The left-hand side of the given equation can be factored as
(5x + 3)( x - 8). Therefore, the given equation, 5x 2 - 37x - 24 = 0 , can be written
as (5 x + 3)( x - 8) = 0 A
5 x + 3 = 0 and x - 8 = 0. Subtracting 3
3
5 x + 3 = 0 yields 5 x = -3. Dividing both sides of this equation by 5 yields x = - .
5
Adding 8 x - 8 = 0 yields x = 8. Therefore, the two
3
solutions to the given equation, 5 x 2 - 37x - 24 = 0 - and 8. It follows that 8
5
is the positive solution to the given equation.

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 23
Choice B is correct. In the figure shown, the angle measuring y o is congruent to
its vertical angle formed by lines s and m , so the measure of the vertical angle is
also y o. The vertical angle forms a same-side interior angle pair with the angle
measuring x o . It’s given that lines r and s are parallel. Therefore, same-side
interior angles in the figure are supplementary, which means the sum of the
measure of the vertical angle and the measure of the angle measuring x o 180o,
or x + y = 180 . Subtracting x from both sides of this equation yields y = 180 - x .
Substituting 180 - x for y y < 65 yields 180 - x < 65. Adding x
180 < 65 + x . Subtracting 65 from both
115 < x x > 115. Thus, if y < 65, it must be true
that x > 115.

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

Choice C is incorrect. x + y must be equal to, not less than, 180. Choice D is
incorrect. x + y must be equal to, not greater than, 180.

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QUESTION 24
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the graph of y = g ( x ) is produced by
translating the graph of y = f ( x ) 3 units down and 4 units to the right in the
xy-plane. Therefore, function g can be defined by an equation in the form
a-19
g ( x ) = f ( x - 4) - 3 f is defined by the equation f ( x ) = + 5, where
x
a-19
a S x - 4 for x in the equation f ( x ) = + 5 yields
x
a-19 a-19
(
f x -4 = )x -4
+ 5. Substituting
x -4
(
+ 5 for f x - 4 )
a-19
( ) (
g x = f x -4 -3 ) ( )
g x =
x -4
+5-3 ( ) = ax--194 + 2. Therefore, the
g x
a-19
( )
equation that defines function g is g x =
x -4
+ 2.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation defines a function whose graph is produced

by translating the graph of y = f ( x ) 3 units down and 4 units to the left, not
3 4 units to the right. Choice C is incorrect. This equation defines
a function whose graph is produced by translating the graph of y = f ( x ) 4 units
to the left, not 3 units down and 4 units to the right. Choice D is incorrect. This
equation defines a function whose graph is produced by translating the graph of
y = f ( x ) 4 units to the right, not 3 units down and 4 units to the right.

QUESTION 25
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
2
can be written in the form h = -a (t - b ) + 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 b = 1.8 and c = 51.84 S 1.8 for b and 51.84
2 2
for c in the equation h = -a (t - b ) + c yields h = -a (t -1.8) + 51.84 . It’s also
3.6 seconds; therefore, h = 0 when
2
t = 3.6. Substituting 0 for h 3.6 for t in the equation h = -a (t -1.8) + 51.84
2 2
yields 0 = -a (3.6 -1.8) + 51.84 0 = -a (1.8) + 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.
2
Substituting 16 for a h = -a (t -1.8) + 51.84 yields
2 2
h = -16(t -1.8) + 51.84 T h = -16(t -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

3.6 meters above the ground at 0 seconds, not 51.84 meters above the
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
1.8 seconds. Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation
errors.

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QUESTION 26
Choice D I ABC , the measure of angle B 90o
BD is an altitude of the triangle. Therefore, the measure of angle BDC is 90o .
It follows that angle B is congruent to angle D and angle C is congruent to
C ABC is similar to triangle
AC BC
BDC . Since triangles ABC BDC = . It’s also
AB BD
given AB is 15 AC is 23 greater than the
length of AB T AC is 15 + 23, or 38. Substituting 15
AC BC 38 BC
AB and 38 AC in the equation = yields = T
AB BD 15 BD
BC 38
.
BD 15
BD
Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of . Choice B is incorrect and may result
BC
from conceptual or calculation errors. Choice C is incorrect and may result from
conceptual or calculation errors.

QUESTION 27
The correct answer is -7. For a quadratic function defined by an equation of the
2
f ( x ) = a ( x - h) + k , where a , h , and k are constants and a > 0, the function
reaches its minimum when x = h . In the given function, a = 1, h = -7, and k = 4.
Therefore, the value of x for which f ( x ) reaches its minimum is -7.

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Math
Module 2
(27 questions)

QUESTION 1
Choice C is correct. The median of a data set represented in a box plot is given by
the vertical line within the box. In the given box plot, the vertical line within the box
occurs at 5 . Therefore, the median of this data set is 5 .

Choice A is incorrect. This is the minimum value of the data set. Choice B is
incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect. This is the
maximum value of the data set.

QUESTION 2
Choice D is correct. The x-intercept of the graph shown is the point ( x , y ) on the
graph where y = 0 . At y = 0 , the corresponding value of x is 4. Therefore, the
x-intercept of the graph shown is (4, 0).

Choice A is incorrect. This is the x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane that

intersects the x-axis at x = -5, not x = 4 . Choice B is incorrect. This is the
x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane that intersects the x-axis at x = 5, not x = 4 .
Choice C is incorrect. This is the x-intercept of a graph in the xy-plane that
intersects the x-axis at x = -4, not x = 4 .

QUESTION 3
Choice B is correct. It’s given that Henry uses his $60.00 gift card to buy
3 $7.50 each. Therefore, Henry spends 3($7.50) $22.50
$60.00 gift card to buy 3 movies. After buying 3 $60.00 gift card,
Henry has a gift card balance of $60.00 - $22.50 $37.50. It’s also given that
Henry spends the rest of his gift card balance on renting movies for $1.50 each.
$37.50
Therefore, Henry can rent , or 25, movies.
$1.50

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.

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QUESTION 4
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the graphs of the given equations intersect
at the point ( x , y ) in the xy I ( x , y ) represents a solution
to the system consisting of the given equations. The first equation given is
x = 49 . Substituting 49 for x in the second equation given, y = x + 9
y = 49 + 9 y = 7+9 y = 16. It follows that the graphs
of the given equations intersect at the point (49, 16). Therefore, the value of y is
16 .

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 5
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the cherry pitting machine pits 12 pounds
12 pounds of cherries
of cherries in 3 T . If the
3 minutes
number of minutes it takes the machine to pit 96 pounds of cherries is
represented by x , the value of x can be calculated by solving the equation
12 pounds of cherries 96 pounds of cherries 12 96 96
= = , or 4= .
3 minutes x minutes 3 x x

Multiplying each side of this equation by x 4 x = 96. Dividing each side of

this equation by 4 yields x = 24 . Therefore, it takes the machine 24 minutes to pit
96 pounds of cherries.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of minutes it takes the machine to pit 32,
not 96 Choice B is incorrect. This is the number of minutes it
takes the machine to pit 60, not 96 Choice D is incorrect.
This is the number of minutes it takes the machine to pit 144, not 96, pounds of

QUESTION 6
The correct answer is 54. Dividing both sides of the given equation by 2 yields
x = 6. Multiplying both sides of this equation by 9 9 x = 54 . Thus, the value
9x is 54.

QUESTION 7
1
The correct answer is 1 . It’s given that line k is defined by y = x + 1. It’s
4 4
also given that line j is parallel to line k in the xy-plane. A line in the xy-plane
y = mx + b has a slope of m
and a y-intercept of (0, b ). Therefore, the slope of line k is 1 . Since parallel lines
4
have equal slopes, the slope of line j is 1 . Note that 1/4 and .25 are examples of
4
ways to enter a correct answer.

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QUESTION 8
Choice B is correct. If a data set contains an odd number of data values, the
median is represented by the middle data value in the list when the data values
are listed in ascending or descending order. Since the data set shown has 7 data
values and is in ascending order, it follows that the median is the fourth data value
in the list, or 8. If a data set contains an even number of data values, the median
is between the two middle data values when the values are listed in ascending or
descending order. Since each of the choices consists of a data set with 6 data
values in ascending order, it follows that the median is between the third and
fourth data value. The third and fourth data values in choice B are 8 and 8. Thus,
choice B represents a data set with a median of 8. Since the median of the data
set shown is 8 and choice B represents a data set with a median of 8, it follows
that choice B represents a data set that has the same median as the data set
shown.

Choice A is incorrect. This list represents a data set with a median of 6 , not 8.
Choice C is incorrect. This list represents a data set with a median of 10 , not 8.
Choice D is incorrect. This list represents a data set with a median of 10 , not 8.

QUESTION 9
Choice D I
89% of the height of the parallelogram. Since h is the height of the parallelogram,
it follows that the length of the base of the parallelogram can be represented by
89
the expression h , or 0.89h .
100
Choice A T 8,900% , not 89% , of the height
of the parallelogram. Choice B T 8.9%
89% , of the height of the parallelogram. Choice C is incorrect. This expression
890% 89% , of the height of the parallelogram.

QUESTION 10
Choice A is correct. It’s given that for a camping trip a group bought x one-liter
bottles of water and y three-liter bottles of water. Since the group bought x one-
liter bottles of water, the total number of liters bought from x one-liter bottles
of water is represented as 1x , or x . Since the group bought y three-liter bottles
of water, the total number of liters bought from y three-liter bottles of water is
represented as 3y . It’s given that the group bought a total of 240 liters; thus, the
equation x + 3 y = 240 represents this situation.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice C is incorrect
and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect. This equation
represents a situation where the group bought x three-liter bottles of water and
y one-liter bottles of water, for a total of 240 liters of water.

QUESTION 11
Choice C is correct. Each of the given choices gives three values of x : 0, 1, and
2 . Substituting 0 for x in the given equation yields y = -4(0) + 40, or y = 40.

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Therefore, when x = 0, the corresponding value of y for the given equation is 40.
Substituting 1 for x in the given equation yields y = -4(1) + 40, or y = 36.
Therefore, when x = 1, the corresponding value of y for the given equation is 36.
Substituting 2 for x in the given equation yields y = -4(2) + 40 , or y = 32.
Therefore, when x = 2, the corresponding value of y for the given equation is 32.
Choice C gives three values of x , 0, 1, and 2 , and their corresponding values of y ,
40, 36, and 32, respectively, for the given equation.

Choice A is incorrect. This table gives three values of x and their corresponding
values of y for the equation y = -4 x . Choice B is incorrect. This table gives three
values of x and their corresponding values of y for the equation y = 4 x + 40.
Choice D is incorrect. This table gives three values of x and their corresponding
values of y for the equation y = 4 x .

QUESTION 12
Choice D is correct. Since the shaded region shown represents solutions to an
inequality, an ordered pair ( x , y ) is a solution to the inequality if it’s represented by
a point in the shaded region. Of the given choices, only (4, 0) is represented by a
point in the shaded region. Therefore, (4, 0) is a solution to the inequality.

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 13
The correct answer is 84. The sum of the measures of the interior angles of a
triangle is 180o. It’s given that in triangle JKL, the measures of ∠ K ∠ L are
each 48o . Adding the measures, in degrees, of ∠ K ∠ L gives 48 + 48, or 96.
T ∠ J , in degrees, is 180 - 96, or 84.

QUESTION 14
The correct answer is 99. In the given system of equations, the second equation
is x + 8 = 11. Subtracting 8 from both sides of this equation yields x = 3. In the
given system of equations, the first equation is y = x 2 + 14 x + 48 . Substituting
2
3 for x in this equation yields y = (3) + 14(3) + 48 y = 99. Therefore, the
solution to the given system of equations is ( x , y ) = (3, 99). Thus, the value of y is
99.

QUESTION 15
Choice A is correct. It’s given that the cleaning service cleans both offices and
homes, where f is the number of offices and h is the number of homes the
cleaning service can clean per day. Therefore, the expression f + h represents
the number of places the cleaning service can clean per day. It’s also given
that the cleaning service can clean at most 14 places per day. Since f + h
represents the number of places the cleaning service can clean per day and
the service can clean at most 14 places per day, it follows that the inequality
f + h £ 14

45 PSAT/NMSQT PRACTICE TEST #1 ANSWER EXPLANATIONS

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 PSAT/NMSQT ANSWER EXPLANATIONS n MATH: MODULE 2

Choice B is incorrect. This inequality represents a cleaning service that cleans

at least 14 places per day. Choice C is incorrect. This inequality represents
a cleaning service that cleans at most 14 more offices than homes per day.
Choice D is incorrect. This inequality represents a cleaning service that cleans at
least 14 more offices than homes per day.

QUESTION 16
Choice A is correct. Since 2 is a common factor of each of the terms in the given
expression, the expression can be rewritten as 2( x 2 + 19 x + 5). Therefore, the
factors of the given expression are 2 and x 2 + 19 x + 5. Of these two factors, only
2 is listed as a choice.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is a term of the given expression, not a factor of the
given expression. Choice D is incorrect. This is a term of the given expression, not
a factor of the given expression.

QUESTION 17
Choice B is correct. It’s given that the equation 40 x + 20 y = 160 represents the
number of sweaters, x , and the number of shirts, y , that Yesenia purchased for
$160. If Yesenia purchased 2 sweaters, the number of shirts she purchased
can be calculated by substituting 2 for x in the given equation, which yields
40(2) + 20 y = 160 , or 80 + 20 y = 160 . Subtracting 80 from both sides of this
equation yields 20 y = 80. Dividing both sides of this equation by 20 yields y = 4 .
Therefore, if Yesenia purchased 2 sweaters, she purchased 4 shirts.

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

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of shirts Yesenia purchased if she
purchased 0 sweaters. Choice D is incorrect. This is the price, in dollars, for each

QUESTION 18
Choice C is correct. In the given equation, x represents the number of days
after a new product launched, where 0 £ x £ 20 , and y represents the estimated
stock price, in dollars, for a certain company. Therefore, the best interpretation
of ( x , y ) = (1, 83) in this context is that 1 day after the new product launched, the
company’s estimated stock price is $83.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors. Choice B is incorrect
and may result from conceptual errors. Choice D is incorrect and may result from
conceptual errors.

QUESTION 19
Choice B is correct. For the given linear function f , f ( x ) 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 f ( x ) for the given linear function f .

46 PSAT/NMSQT PRACTICE TEST #1 ANSWER EXPLANATIONS

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 PSAT/NMSQT ANSWER EXPLANATIONS n MATH: MODULE 2

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 20
The correct answer is 27. It’s given that a triangular prism has a volume of
( 3 ) and the volume of a triangular prism is equal to
Bh , where B is the area of the base and h is the height of the prism. Therefore,
216 = Bh . It’s also given that the triangular prism has a height of 8 cm. Therefore,
h = 8. Substituting 8 for h 216 = Bh yields 216 = B (8). Dividing
both sides of this equation by 8 yields 27 = B . Therefore, the area, in cm2, of the
base of the prism is 27.

QUESTION 21
1
T . For the graph shown, x represents time, in seconds, and
2
y represents momentum, in newton-seconds. Therefore, the average rate of
change, in newton-seconds per second, in the momentum of the object between
two x-values is the difference in the corresponding y-values divided by the
difference in the x-values. The graph shows that at x = 2, the corresponding
y-value is 6 . The graph also shows that at x = 6, the corresponding y-value is 8. It
follows that the average rate of change, in newton-seconds per second, from
8-6 2 1
x = 2 to x = 6 is . Note that 1/2 and .5 are
6-2 4 2
examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

QUESTION 22
Choice C is correct. It’s given that the system has infinitely many solutions. A
system of two linear equations has infinitely many solutions when the two linear
equations are equivalent. Dividing both sides of the given equation by 5 yields
-3 x + 5 y = 13. Dividing both sides of choice C by 4 also yields -3 x + 5 y = 13, so
choice C is equivalent to the given equation. Thus, choice C could be the second
equation in the system.

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

QUESTION 23
Choice B is correct. If the bus traveled at an average speed of
55 miles per hour (mph) on the highway for x hours, then the bus traveled
55x I 25 mph
on local roads for y hours, then the bus traveled 25y miles on local roads.
It’s given that the trip was 160 miles. This can be represented by the equation
55 x + 25 y = 160. It’s also given that the trip took 4 hours. This can be

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 PSAT/NMSQT ANSWER EXPLANATIONS n MATH: MODULE 2

represented by the equation x + y = 4 . Therefore, the system consisting of the

55 x + 25 y = 160 and x + y = 4 represents this situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This system of equations represents a situation where

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

QUESTION 24
Choice B I P ¢Q ¢R ¢S ¢ is similar to
PQRS , where P , Q , R , and S correspond to P ¢, Q ¢ , R ¢, and S ¢,
respectively. Since corresponding angles of similar quadrilaterals are congruent, it
follows that the measure of angle P is equal to the measure of angle P ¢. It’s given
that the measure of angle P is 30o T P ¢ is 30o .
1
Choice A T the measure of angle P ¢. Choice C is incorrect and
3
may result from conceptual or calculation errors. Choice D is incorrect. This is
3 P ¢.

QUESTION 25
Choice B is correct. It’s given that f ( x ) = 2 x + 244 represents the perimeter,
in centimeters (cm), of a rectangle with a 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 of x cm and a fixed width of w cm can be given by the function
f ( x ) = 2 x + 2w . Therefore, 2 x + 2w = 2 x + 244 . Subtracting 2x from both sides
of this equation yields 2w = 244. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2 yields
w = 122 . Therefore, the width, in cm, of the rectangle is 122.

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 26
Choice B is correct. Functions f and g are both exponential functions with a
base of 0.40 . Since 0.40 is less than 1, functions f and g are both decreasing
exponential functions. This means that f ( x ) g ( x ) decrease as x increases.
S f (x ) g ( x ) decrease as x increases, the maximum value of each
function occurs at the least value of x for which the function is defined. It’s given
that functions f and g are defined for x ³ 0. Therefore, the maximum value of
each function occurs at x = 0. Substituting 0 for x in the equation defining
0+3 3
f yields f (0) = 33(0.4) f (0) = 33(0.4) f (0) = 2.112.
x +3
Therefore, the maximum value of f is 2.112 . Since the equation f ( x ) = 33(0.4)
doesn’t display the value 2.112 , the equation defining f doesn’t display the
maximum value of f . Substituting 0 for x in the equation defining g yields

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 PSAT/NMSQT ANSWER EXPLANATIONS n MATH: MODULE 2

0-2
g (0) = 33(0.16)(0.4) , which can be rewritten as g (0) = 33(0.16) ( )1
0.42
g (0) = 33(0.16) ( 0.16
1
) g (0) = 33 . Therefore, the maximum
x -2
value of g is 33 S g ( x ) = 33(0.16)(0.4) displays the value 33,
the equation defining g displays the maximum value of g . Thus, only equation II
displays, as a constant or coefficient, the maximum value of the function it
defines.

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 27
1
The correct answer is . Let p and q represent the solutions to the given
16
equation. Then, the given equation can be rewritten as 64( x - p )( x - q ) = 0 , or
64 x 2 - 64( p + q ) + pq = 0 . Since this equation is equivalent to the given equation,
it follows that -(16a + 4b ) = -64( p + q ). Dividing both sides of this equation
16a +4 b 1
by -64 yields
64
(4a + b) = p + q . Therefore, the sum of the
= p + q , or
16
1
solutions to the given equation, p + q, is equal to (4a + b ). Since it’s given that
16
the sum of the solutions to the given equation is k (4a + b ), where k is a constant,
1
it follows that k = . Note that 1/16, .0625, 0.062, and 0.063 are examples of
16
ways to enter a correct answer.

Alternate approach: The given equation can be rewritten as

64 x 2 - 4(4a + b ) x + ab = 0 , where a and b are positive constants. Dividing
ab
both sides of this equation by 4 16 x 2 -(4a + b ) x + = 0 . The solutions
4
for a quadratic equation in the form Ax + Bx + C = 0 , where A, B , and C are
2

-B + B 2 -4 AC
x= and
2A
-B - B 2 -4 AC
x = . It follows that the sum of the solutions to a quadratic equation in
2A
2 -B + B 2 -4 AC -B - B 2 -4 AC
the form Ax + Bx + C = 0 is +
2A 2A
-B +-B + B 2 -4 AC - B 2 -4 AC -2B B
, or - . In the equation
2A 2A A
ab ab
( 4
)
16 x 2 - 4a + b x + = 0 , A = 16 B = -(4a + b ), and C =
4
. Substituting 16 for A
B -(4 a +b) 1
( )
and - 4a + b for B in -
A
-
16 16
(4a + b).
1
Thus, the sum of the solutions to the given equation is (4a + b). Since it’s given16
that the sum of the solutions to the given equation is k (4a + b ), where k is a
1
constant, it follows that k =
16

49 PSAT/NMSQT PRACTICE TEST #1 ANSWER EXPLANATIONS

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