SAT · Math —

Heart of Algebra appeared 17 times across 1 year — 100% of Math. This question is from Interpreting Linear Functions.

Year 2023 Total
Questions 17 17

In a factory, the number of units manufactured in a month follows the linear function N = 231D, where N is the number of units produced in the month and D is the number of days elapsed in the month. Which of the following represents 231 in the above equation?

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

N = mD

where m represents the rate of unit production per day.

Core Logic

Evaluate N for successive values of D: For D = 1, N = 231. For D = 2, N = 462.

Each elapsed day adds 231 units to total production.

Step 1: Conclusion

Thus, 231 represents the number of units manufactured each day of the month (Option C).

Pattern Recognition

Linear multiplier of time variable arrow represents daily rate.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

Reference Study Guides

More Heart of Algebra Previous-Year Questions — Page 2

Q sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Linear Equations and Inequalities
The following graphs represent a system of linear equations. The lines shown are parallel. How many solutions will this system of equations have?
Linear Equations and Inequalities diagram for Q7 - SAT 2023
A graph showing two parallel lines that never intersect.
  • A. No solution
  • B. One solution
  • C. Infinite solutions
  • D. Because we are not given the equations of the lines, it is impossible to know.

Solution

Related Formula

Parallel lines have the same slope (m₁ = m₂) but different y-intercepts (b₁ ≠ b₂).

Core Logic

Parallel lines never cross or intersect at any point in the plane.

Since the solution of a system is defined as the set of all intersection points, parallel lines yield zero intersection points.

Step 1: Conclusion

Therefore, the system has no solution.

Pattern Recognition

Parallel lines arrow zero intersections arrow no solution.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

Q sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Linear Equations and Inequalities
Which of the following graphs demonstrates a system of linear equations with no solution? i.
Linear Equations and Inequalities diagram for Q8 - SAT 2023
Four distinct coordinate sub-graphs labeled i, ii, iii, iv showing different line pairs.
ii.
Linear Equations and Inequalities diagram for Q8 - SAT 2023
Four distinct coordinate sub-graphs labeled i, ii, iii, iv showing different line pairs.
iii.
Linear Equations and Inequalities diagram for Q8 - SAT 2023
Four distinct coordinate sub-graphs labeled i, ii, iii, iv showing different line pairs.
iv.
Linear Equations and Inequalities diagram for Q8 - SAT 2023
Four distinct coordinate sub-graphs labeled i, ii, iii, iv showing different line pairs.
Linear Equations and Inequalities diagram for Q8 - SAT 2023
Four distinct coordinate sub-graphs labeled i, ii, iii, iv showing different line pairs.
  • A. i & ii
  • B. ii & iv
  • C. iii & iv
  • D. ii & iii

Solution

Related Formula

A system of linear equations has no solution if and only if the lines are parallel.

Core Logic

Examine each graph for parallel lines:

  • Graph i shows perpendicular lines (one vertical, one horizontal).
  • Graph ii shows two horizontal parallel lines.
  • Graph iii shows two vertical parallel lines.
  • Graph iv shows intersecting lines.
Step 1: Conclusion

Since graphs ii and iii depict parallel lines, both systems have no solution. Hence, option D is correct.

Pattern Recognition

Identify parallel orientation in multi-graph sets arrow both represent no solution systems.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

Q sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Systems of Linear Inequalities
A man buys a apples and g oranges, each costing 80 cents and 60 cents respectively. If the man buys less than 18 fruits and spends less than $12, which of the following is the correct inequality representing the above information?
  • A. a + g = 18 4a + 3g = 60
  • B. a + g < 18 4a + 3g < 60
  • C. a + g ≤ 18 4a + 3g ≤ 60
  • D. a + g ≤ 18 4a + 3g = 60

Solution

Related Formula
Total Cost (cents) = 80a + 60g < 1200

since 12 = 1200cents.

Core Logic

Fruit quantity condition: buys 'less than 18 fruits'

Core Logic

Fruit quantity condition: buys 'less than 18 fruits' $\rightarrow a + g < 18.

Cost condition: spends 'less than

Cost condition: spends 'less than $\12' arrow 80a + 60g < 1200.

Simplify the cost inequality by dividing all terms by 20:

(80a)/(20) + (60g)/(20) < (1200)/(20) 4a + 3g < 60
Step 1: Conclusion

The system of inequalities is a + g < 18 and 4a + 3g < 60 (Option B).

Pattern Recognition

'Less than' strictly means <, not ≤. Convert dollars to cents before simplifying.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

Q5 sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Systems of Linear Inequalities
Samantha bought M&Ms from the store. She is told that the amount of sweet M&Ms and the amount of bitter M&Ms is represented by the following system of inequalities, where s is the number of sweet M&Ms and b is the number of bitter M&Ms: s + b ≥ 25 5s - 10b < 2 Which of the following solutions, in the format (s, b) could be a possible solution for the number of M&Ms in Samantha's bag?
  • A. (6, 10)
  • B. (2, 30)
  • C. (1, 1)
  • D. (50, 10)

Solution

Related Formula

For a coordinate pair (s, b) to be a valid solution to a system of inequalities, it must satisfy all given inequalities simultaneously.

Core Logic

Test the ordered pair (2, 30) where s = 2 and b = 30:

First inequality:

2 + 30 = 32 ≥ 25 (True)

Second inequality:

5(2) - 10(30) = 10 - 300 = -290 < 2 (True)
Step 1: Conclusion

Since both statements evaluate to true for (2, 30), option B is a valid solution.

Pattern Recognition

System of inequalities question arrow plug and check given options to find which makes both true.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

Q9 sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Solving Linear Equations
If a + 2b + 3c = 24 and 3a + 2b + c = 36, what is the value of (a + b + c)?
  • A. 8
  • B. 12
  • C. 15
  • D. 60

Solution

Related Formula

For symmetric linear systems, adding equations directly often isolates the required expression (a + b + c) without solving for individual variables.

Core Logic

Given equations:

a + 2b + 3c = 24 (1) 3a + 2b + c = 36 (2)

Add (1) and (2) together:

(a + 3a) + (2b + 2b) + (3c + c) = 24 + 36 4a + 4b + 4c = 60
Step 1: Solve for (a + b + c)

Factor out 4:

4(a + b + c) = 60

Divide by 4: a + b + c = 15

Thus, the correct answer is C.

Pattern Recognition

Symmetric coefficients arrow add equations directly to avoid tedious multi-variable elimination.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

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