Bluebook SAT Test SAT Word Problems Practice 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pool is filled by two hoses. Hose A fills it in 8 hours and Hose B in 12 hours. How long does it take with both hoses running together?
- 4.0 hours
- 4.8 hours (Correct answer)
- 5.0 hours
- 5.5 hours
Correct answer: 4.8 hours
Combined rate = 1/8 + 1/12 = 5/24. Time = 24/5 = 4.8 hours.
Question 2: A jacket's price was reduced by 30%, and then the reduced price was increased by 20%. What is the overall percent change?
- −16% (Correct answer)
- −14%
- −10%
- −6%
Correct answer: −16%
Start at $100. After 30% decrease: $70. After 20% increase: $84. Net change = −16%.
Question 3: The length of a rectangle is increased by 25% and the width is decreased by 20%. By what percent does the area change?
- 0% (Correct answer)
- −5%
- 5%
- −2%
Correct answer: 0%
New area = (1.25l)(0.80w) = 1.00lw. The area is unchanged, so the change is 0%.
Question 4: A boat travels 48 miles downstream in 3 hours and the same distance upstream in 4 hours. What is the speed of the current in mph?
- 2 (Correct answer)
- 3
- 4
- 6
Correct answer: 2
Downstream speed = 16 mph; upstream speed = 12 mph. Current = (16 − 12)/2 = 2 mph.
Question 5: In 5 years, Maria will be twice as old as she was 4 years ago. How old is Maria now?
- 11
- 13 (Correct answer)
- 15
- 17
Correct answer: 13
x + 5 = 2(x − 4) → x + 5 = 2x − 8 → x = 13.
Question 6: A 10-pound nut mix costing $6/lb blends cashews ($8/lb) with peanuts ($3/lb). How many pounds of cashews are in the mix?
- 4
- 5
- 6 (Correct answer)
- 7
Correct answer: 6
8c + 3(10 − c) = 60 → 5c = 30 → c = 6 pounds of cashews.
Question 7: A triangle has a base of 14 cm and a height that is 3 cm less than the base. What is the area in square centimeters?
- 66
- 70
- 77 (Correct answer)
- 84
Correct answer: 77
Height = 14 − 3 = 11 cm. Area = (1/2)(14)(11) = 77 sq cm.
Bluebook SAT Test SAT Word Problems Practice 4
A pool is filled by two hoses.
Hose A fills it in 8 hours and Hose B in 12 hours.
How long does it take with both hoses running together?