Today’s SAT question of the day is an algebra question that’s rated hard – but I don’t think you’ll agree with the rating!

The question:

If x + 2x is 5 more than y + 2y, then x – y =

Step 1: translation.We need to translate from English into algebra.

x + 2x = 5 + y + 2y

Step 2: do algebra! We can combine terms:

3x = 5 + 3y

Step 3: make our equation like theirs.  They are looking for something equal to x – y, so we need to find x – y.

3x – 3y = 5

3(x – y) = 5

x – y = 5/3

Step 4: choose D, collect your point, and move on to the next question.