Here’s today’s ACT algebra question:
If x + 2y = 1, and 2x + y = 5, then x + y = ?
Let’s get to work! Continue reading
Category Archives: Math
SAT Question of the Day Explained – February 21, 2014 – Math
Today’s SAT math question is about this number line:
and these three assertions:
I. AB + CD = AD
II. AB + BC = AD – CD
III. AC – AB = AD – CD
Which of these statements must be true?
ACT Question of the Day Explained – February 19, 2014 – Algebra, Linear Equations
Today’s ACT question of the day is secretly asking if you know the meaning of y = mx + b. We have to figure out which graph looks like y = 3x +1. Yes, you could graph that on your calculator, but if your graph’s scale doesn’t match the scale of the graphs in the test booklet, you might not find the answer that way. Continue reading
SAT Question of the Day Explained – February 18, 2014 – Math
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. Continue reading
ACT Question of the Day Explained – February 15, 2014 – Math, Trapezoids
Today’s ACT question is a flashback to a week ago – working with trapezoids.
SAT Question of the Day Explained – February 15, 2014 – Math, Algebra
Today’s SAT question of the day is a math question that is rated hard. If you work along with me step by step, I think you’ll see that this problem really isn’t so hard after all. In fact, we are even going to discuss two ways to solve it.
Here is the problem: we have a revenue model that is expressed by r(p) = 2,000p – 10p^2. We need to know which of the values in the answer choices will give us the greatest revenue. Continue reading
SAT Question of the Day Explained – February 12, 2014 – Algebra
Today’s SAT question of the day is an easy algebra question and a great chance to review our algebra basics.
#1 rule of algebra on the SAT: answer the right question. Don’t answer a question that isn’t being asked!
So, they want to know what x – y = when (x/y) = 3 and x =12.
ACT Question of the Day Explained – February 11, 2014 – Math, Simplification of Radicals
Today’s ACT question of the day is a math question about simplifying radicals. There’s a lot more practice with radicals where that came from!
All we have to do is simplify √20. Start thinking of the factors of 20…now. Continue reading
SAT Question of the Day Explained – February 9, 2014 – Math, Algebra
Today’s SAT question of the day is an easy algebra question. Here’s the situation:
N * (5/14) = (5/14) * (7/9)
Naturally, they want to know what N equals. Continue reading
ACT Question of the Day Explained – February 7, 2014 – Math, Geometry, Area
Today’s ACT question is about the area of a trapezoid – they were nice enough to give us that formula right in the problem, so it’s a piece of cake! Careful substitution cake with algebra frosting.
The formula they give us is:
a = (1/2)*h*(b1 + b2) (h is the altitude, b1 and b2 are the parallel bases)