SATs Algebraic Expressions & Equations 2

Question 1

If 3(x − 4) = 2x + 1, what is the value of x?

Accepted Answer

13

Answer

Distributing gives 3x − 12 = 2x + 1, so x = 13.

Question 2

Which expression is equivalent to 4x² − 9?

Accepted Answer

(2x + 3)(2x − 3)

Answer

4x² − 9 is a difference of squares: (2x)² − 3² = (2x + 3)(2x − 3).

Question 3

A store sells pens for $1.50 each and notebooks for $3.00 each. Maria spent $18 buying a total of 8 items. How many pens did she buy?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

Setting up p + n = 8 and 1.5p + 3n = 18, solving gives p = 4.

Question 4

What is the value of the expression 2a² − 3b when a = −3 and b = 4?

Accepted Answer

6

Answer

2(−3)² − 3(4) = 2(9) − 12 = 18 − 12 = 6.

Question 5

If (x + 5)(x − 2) = 0, what are the solutions for x?

Accepted Answer

x = −5 and x = 2

Answer

Setting each factor to zero: x + 5 = 0 gives x = −5, and x − 2 = 0 gives x = 2.

SATs (Standard Assessment Test) Practice Test