Showing 90 of 90 questions

Page 1
  1. Easy

    Which expression is equivalent to (3x²)(4x³)?

    1. 7x⁵
    2. 12x⁵
    3. 12x⁶
    4. 7x⁶

    Explanation

    Multiply coefficients: 3 × 4 = 12. Add exponents: x² · x³ = x⁵. Result: 12x⁵.

  2. Medium

    Which is equivalent to (x + 4)(x − 3)?

    1. x² + x + 12
    2. x² − x − 12
    3. x² + x − 12
    4. x² − 7x − 12

    Explanation

    FOIL: x² − 3x + 4x − 12 = x² + x − 12.

  3. Medium

    Which shows the complete factorization of x² − 9?

    1. (x + 3)²
    2. (x − 3)²
    3. (x + 3)(x − 3)
    4. x(x − 9)

    Explanation

    Difference of squares: a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b). So x² − 9 = (x + 3)(x − 3).

  4. Hard

    Which expression is equivalent to (x² + 5x + 6)/(x + 2), where x ≠ −2?

    1. x + 2
    2. x + 3
    3. x − 3
    4. x² + 3x

    Explanation

    Factor the numerator: (x + 3)(x + 2). Cancel (x + 2): result is x + 3.

  5. Medium

    Which expression is equivalent to 4x² − 12x + 9?

    1. (2x + 3)²
    2. (2x − 3)²
    3. (4x − 3)(x − 3)
    4. (4x + 3)(x − 3)

    Explanation

    (2x − 3)² = 4x² − 12x + 9. Check: (2x)² = 4x², 2(2x)(−3) = −12x, (−3)² = 9. ✓

  6. Hard

    Which is equivalent to (2x³ − 6x)/(2x), where x ≠ 0?

    1. x² − 6
    2. 2x² − 3
    3. x² − 3
    4. x³ − 3

    Explanation

    Divide each term: 2x³/2x − 6x/2x = x² − 3.

  7. Medium

    What is (3x² + 2x − 1) + (x² − 5x + 4)?

    1. 4x² + 7x + 3
    2. 4x² − 3x + 3
    3. 4x² − 3x − 3
    4. 2x² − 3x + 3

    Explanation

    Combine like terms: (3+1)x² + (2−5)x + (−1+4) = 4x² − 3x + 3.

  8. Easy

    Which is equivalent to (x + 2)²?

    1. x² + 4
    2. x² + 2x + 4
    3. x² + 4x + 4
    4. x² − 4x + 4

    Explanation

    (x + 2)² = x² + 2(x)(2) + 4 = x² + 4x + 4.

  9. Easy

    What are the solutions to x² − 5x + 6 = 0?

    1. x = 1 and x = 6
    2. x = 2 and x = 3
    3. x = −2 and x = −3
    4. x = 2 and x = −3

    Explanation

    Factor: (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0. So x = 2 or x = 3.

  10. Medium

    What are the solutions to x² + 4x − 5 = 0?

    1. x = 1 and x = −5
    2. x = −1 and x = 5
    3. x = 5 and x = −1
    4. x = 2 and x = −5

    Explanation

    Factor: (x + 5)(x − 1) = 0. So x = −5 or x = 1.

  11. Medium

    For the equation x² − 6x + 9 = 0, how many distinct real solutions are there?

    1. 0
    2. 1
    3. 2
    4. 3

    Explanation

    Discriminant D = 36 − 36 = 0. One repeated solution: x = 3.

  12. Hard

    The equation x² + bx + 16 = 0 has exactly one real solution. What is a possible value of b?

    1. −4
    2. 4
    3. 8
    4. 16

    Explanation

    D = b² − 64 = 0 → b² = 64 → b = ±8. Both 8 and −8 work; 8 is listed.

  13. Medium

    What is the vertex of y = x² − 4x + 7?

    1. (2, 3)
    2. (−2, 3)
    3. (2, −3)
    4. (4, 7)

    Explanation

    h = −(−4)/(2·1) = 2. k = 4 − 8 + 7 = 3. Vertex: (2, 3).

  14. Hard

    For what value of c does x² + 6x + c = 0 have no real solutions?

    1. c = 8
    2. c = 9
    3. c = 10
    4. c = 36

    Explanation

    D = 36 − 4c < 0 → c > 9. The only choice greater than 9 is c = 10.

  15. Medium

    What are the solutions to 2x² − 8 = 0?

    1. x = ±1
    2. x = ±2
    3. x = ±4
    4. x = 2 only

    Explanation

    2x² = 8 → x² = 4 → x = ±2.

  16. Hard

    A quadratic equation has solutions x = 3 and x = −1. Which could be the equation?

    1. x² + 2x − 3 = 0
    2. x² − 2x − 3 = 0
    3. x² − 2x + 3 = 0
    4. x² + 2x + 3 = 0

    Explanation

    (x − 3)(x + 1) = x² + x − 3x − 3 = x² − 2x − 3 = 0.

  17. Medium

    What is the value of x if √(x + 5) = 4?

    1. 3
    2. 9
    3. 11
    4. 21

    Explanation

    Square both sides: x + 5 = 16 → x = 11.

  18. Hard

    What is the positive solution to (x − 2)/(x + 1) = 3/5?

    1. 5
    2. 5.5
    3. 6.5
    4. 7

    Explanation

    Cross-multiply: 5(x − 2) = 3(x + 1) → 5x − 10 = 3x + 3 → 2x = 13 → x = 6.5.

  19. Medium

    The system y = x² and y = x + 2 has how many solutions?

    1. 0
    2. 1
    3. 2
    4. 3

    Explanation

    x² = x + 2 → x² − x − 2 = 0 → (x − 2)(x + 1) = 0. Two solutions: x = 2 and x = −1.

  20. Hard

    Where does y = x² + 1 intersect y = 2x + 1? What are the x-values?

    1. x = 1 and x = 2
    2. x = 0 and x = 2
    3. x = −1 and x = 2
    4. x = 0 and x = 1

    Explanation

    x² + 1 = 2x + 1 → x² − 2x = 0 → x(x − 2) = 0 → x = 0 or x = 2.

  21. Hard

    The parabola y = x² − 4 and the line y = −x + 2 intersect at two points. What is the sum of their x-coordinates?

    1. −1
    2. 1
    3. 5
    4. −5

    Explanation

    x² − 4 = −x + 2 → x² + x − 6 = 0 → (x + 3)(x − 2) = 0. x-values: −3 and 2. Sum = −1.

  22. Medium

    Where does y = x² intersect y = 4?

    1. x = 2 only
    2. x = ±1
    3. x = ±2
    4. x = ±4

    Explanation

    x² = 4 → x = ±2.

  23. Hard

    The system y = x² + 3x and y = kx has solutions at x = 0 and x = 4. What is k?

    1. 4
    2. 5
    3. 7
    4. 9

    Explanation

    x² + 3x = kx → x(x + 3 − k) = 0. For x = 4: 4 + 3 − k = 0 → k = 7.

  24. Medium

    How many x-intercepts does the parabola y = x² − 2x − 3 have?

    1. 0
    2. 1
    3. 2
    4. 3

    Explanation

    D = 4 + 12 = 16 > 0, so two x-intercepts. Factor: (x − 3)(x + 1) = 0 → x = 3 and x = −1.

  25. Easy

    If f(x) = x² + 2, what is f(3)?

    1. 7
    2. 9
    3. 11
    4. 13

    Explanation

    f(3) = 3² + 2 = 9 + 2 = 11.

  26. Medium

    The function f(x) = 2 · (1.5)^x models a population. What is the initial population (at x = 0)?

    1. 1
    2. 1.5
    3. 2
    4. 3

    Explanation

    f(0) = 2 · (1.5)⁰ = 2 · 1 = 2.

  27. Medium

    A parabola opens downward and has vertex at (3, 5). Which equation could represent it?

    1. y = (x − 3)² + 5
    2. y = −(x + 3)² + 5
    3. y = −(x − 3)² + 5
    4. y = (x + 3)² − 5

    Explanation

    Vertex form with vertex (h, k) = (3, 5) and opening downward (negative a): y = −(x − 3)² + 5.

  28. Hard

    What is the minimum value of f(x) = 3x² − 12x + 7?

    1. −7
    2. −5
    3. 3
    4. 7

    Explanation

    Vertex x = 12/(2·3) = 2. f(2) = 12 − 24 + 7 = −5.

  29. Medium

    If f(x) = 2^x, what is f(5)?

    1. 10
    2. 16
    3. 25
    4. 32

    Explanation

    2⁵ = 32.

  30. Hard

    The function f(x) = a · 2^x passes through (0, 4) and (3, 32). What is a?

    1. 2
    2. 3
    3. 4
    4. 8

    Explanation

    f(0) = a · 1 = a = 4. Verify: f(3) = 4 · 8 = 32. ✓

  31. Medium

    For f(x) = −x² + 6x − 5, what is the maximum value?

    1. 3
    2. 4
    3. 5
    4. 6

    Explanation

    Vertex x = −6/(2 · −1) = 3. f(3) = −9 + 18 − 5 = 4.

  32. Hard

    If f(x) = x² − 4 and g(x) = 2x + 1, what is f(g(2))?

    1. 17
    2. 19
    3. 21
    4. 25

    Explanation

    g(2) = 2(2) + 1 = 5. f(5) = 25 − 4 = 21.

  33. Easy

    If f(x) = 3x − 2, what is f(4)?

    1. 8
    2. 9
    3. 10
    4. 11

    Explanation

    f(4) = 3(4) − 2 = 12 − 2 = 10.

  34. Medium

    If g(x) = x² − 3x + 2, what is g(−1)?

    1. 4
    2. 5
    3. 6
    4. 7

    Explanation

    g(−1) = (−1)² − 3(−1) + 2 = 1 + 3 + 2 = 6.

  35. Medium

    If f(x) = 2x + 1, what is f(f(2))?

    1. 9
    2. 10
    3. 11
    4. 12

    Explanation

    f(2) = 5. f(f(2)) = f(5) = 2(5) + 1 = 11.

  36. Hard

    The graph of y = f(x) is shifted 3 units up and 2 units to the left. Which equation represents the new function?

    1. y = f(x − 2) + 3
    2. y = f(x + 2) + 3
    3. y = f(x − 2) − 3
    4. y = f(x + 3) + 2

    Explanation

    Shifting left by 2 replaces x with (x + 2); shifting up by 3 adds 3. Result: y = f(x + 2) + 3.

  37. Medium

    If h(x) = f(x) + 5 and f(3) = 7, what is h(3)?

    1. 10
    2. 11
    3. 12
    4. 14

    Explanation

    h(3) = f(3) + 5 = 7 + 5 = 12.

  38. Hard

    For f(x) = x³ − x, the equation f(−x) = f(x) holds for which values of x?

    1. x = 0 only
    2. x = 0 and x = 1
    3. x = 0, x = 1, and x = −1
    4. x = ±1 only

    Explanation

    f(−x) = −x³ + x = −f(x). So f(−x) = f(x) only when f(x) = 0: x³ − x = 0 → x(x−1)(x+1) = 0 → x = 0, ±1.

  39. Medium

    If f(x) = |x − 3|, what is f(−1)?

    1. 2
    2. 3
    3. 4
    4. 5

    Explanation

    f(−1) = |−1 − 3| = |−4| = 4.

  40. Hard

    The function g(x) = 2f(x − 1) is a transformation of f(x). Which transformations are applied?

    1. Shift left 1 and vertical stretch by 2
    2. Shift right 1 and vertical stretch by 2
    3. Shift right 1 and vertical shrink by 2
    4. Shift left 1 and vertical shrink by 2

    Explanation

    Replacing x with (x − 1) shifts the graph right by 1. Multiplying by 2 stretches it vertically by a factor of 2.

  41. Easy

    Which is equivalent to (5x²)(−2x⁴)?

    1. −10x⁶
    2. −10x⁸
    3. 3x⁶
    4. 10x⁶

    Explanation

    Multiply coefficients: 5 × (−2) = −10. Add exponents: x² · x⁴ = x⁶. Result: −10x⁶.

  42. Easy

    What is the fully factored form of x² + 7x + 12?

    1. (x + 2)(x + 6)
    2. (x + 3)(x + 4)
    3. (x + 1)(x + 12)
    4. (x − 3)(x − 4)

    Explanation

    Find two numbers that multiply to 12 and add to 7: 3 and 4. So (x + 3)(x + 4).

  43. Easy

    If f(x) = x² − 1, what is f(−3)?

    1. 6
    2. 7
    3. 8
    4. 9

    Explanation

    f(−3) = (−3)² − 1 = 9 − 1 = 8.

  44. Medium

    What is the solution to x² = 3x + 18?

    1. x = 6 and x = −3
    2. x = −6 and x = 3
    3. x = 6 and x = 3
    4. x = −6 and x = −3

    Explanation

    x² − 3x − 18 = 0 → (x − 6)(x + 3) = 0 → x = 6 or x = −3.

  45. Medium

    Which expression is equivalent to (2x + 3)(2x − 3)?

    1. 4x² − 9
    2. 4x² + 9
    3. 4x² − 6x + 9
    4. 4x² + 12x + 9

    Explanation

    Difference of squares: (a + b)(a − b) = a² − b². (2x)² − 3² = 4x² − 9.

  46. Medium

    The graph of y = (x − 2)² + 5 has its vertex at which point?

    1. (−2, 5)
    2. (2, 5)
    3. (2, −5)
    4. (5, 2)

    Explanation

    In vertex form y = (x − h)² + k, the vertex is (h, k). Here h = 2 and k = 5, so vertex is (2, 5).

  47. Medium

    What are the solutions to 3x² − 27 = 0?

    1. x = ±1
    2. x = ±3
    3. x = ±9
    4. x = 3 only

    Explanation

    3x² = 27 → x² = 9 → x = ±3.

  48. Medium

    The polynomial p(x) = x³ − 4x is evaluated at x = 2. What is p(2)?

    1. 0
    2. 2
    3. 4
    4. 8

    Explanation

    p(2) = 2³ − 4(2) = 8 − 8 = 0.

  49. Medium

    Which expression equals (x² − 4x + 4)/(x − 2) for x ≠ 2?

    1. x + 2
    2. x − 2
    3. x² − 2
    4. x + 4

    Explanation

    Factor the numerator: (x − 2)². Divide by (x − 2): result is x − 2.

  50. Medium

    An exponential function f(x) = 3 · 2^x. What is f(4)?

    1. 24
    2. 36
    3. 48
    4. 12

    Explanation

    f(4) = 3 · 2⁴ = 3 · 16 = 48.

  51. Hard

    What is the discriminant of 2x² − 5x + 3 = 0, and how many real solutions does it have?

    1. D = 1; two real solutions
    2. D = 25; two real solutions
    3. D = −1; no real solutions
    4. D = 0; one real solution

    Explanation

    D = b² − 4ac = 25 − 4(2)(3) = 25 − 24 = 1 > 0. Two distinct real solutions.

  52. Hard

    What is the sum of the roots of 2x² − 8x + 6 = 0?

    1. 2
    2. 3
    3. 4
    4. 6

    Explanation

    By Vieta's formulas, sum of roots = −b/a = −(−8)/2 = 4.

  53. Hard

    For f(x) = −2(x + 1)² + 8, what is the maximum value and where does it occur?

    1. Maximum of 8 at x = −1
    2. Maximum of 8 at x = 1
    3. Maximum of −1 at x = 8
    4. Maximum of 6 at x = 0

    Explanation

    The parabola opens downward (a = −2 < 0). Vertex is at (−1, 8), so maximum value is 8, occurring at x = −1.

  54. Hard

    How many solutions does the system y = x² − 2x + 3 and y = x + 1 have?

    1. 0
    2. 1
    3. 2
    4. 3

    Explanation

    Set equal: x² − 2x + 3 = x + 1 → x² − 3x + 2 = 0. D = 9 − 8 = 1 > 0, so two distinct real solutions: (x − 1)(x − 2) = 0 → x = 1 or x = 2.

  55. Hard

    Which equation has roots x = 5 and x = −2?

    1. x² − 3x − 10 = 0
    2. x² + 3x − 10 = 0
    3. x² − 3x + 10 = 0
    4. x² + 7x − 10 = 0

    Explanation

    (x − 5)(x + 2) = x² + 2x − 5x − 10 = x² − 3x − 10 = 0.

  56. Easy

    Simplify: (x³ · x²)/x⁴

    1. x
    2. x⁴

    Explanation

    Numerator: x³ · x² = x⁵. Then x⁵/x⁴ = x¹ = x.

  57. Medium

    Which expression is equivalent to (3x − 2)² ?

    1. 9x² − 4
    2. 9x² + 4
    3. 9x² − 12x + 4
    4. 9x² + 12x + 4

    Explanation

    (3x − 2)² = 9x² − 2(3x)(2) + 4 = 9x² − 12x + 4.

  58. Medium

    The function g(x) = 5 · (0.5)^x. What is g(3)?

    1. 0.5
    2. 0.625
    3. 1.25
    4. 2.5

    Explanation

    g(3) = 5 · (0.5)³ = 5 · 0.125 = 0.625.

  59. Medium

    A quadratic function has x-intercepts at x = −1 and x = 4, and passes through (0, −8). What is the leading coefficient?

    1. −2
    2. 2
    3. −4
    4. 4

    Explanation

    f(x) = a(x + 1)(x − 4). At x = 0: f(0) = a(1)(−4) = −4a = −8 → a = 2. The leading coefficient is 2.

  60. Hard

    What is the product of the roots of x² − 7x + 10 = 0?

    1. 7
    2. 10
    3. −7
    4. −10

    Explanation

    By Vieta's formulas, product of roots = c/a = 10/1 = 10.

  61. Hard

    If f(x) = x² + 4 and g(x) = x − 3, what is g(f(2))?

    1. 3
    2. 4
    3. 5
    4. 6

    Explanation

    f(2) = 4 + 4 = 8. g(8) = 8 − 3 = 5.

  62. Hard

    The equation 4x² + 4x + 1 = 0 has how many distinct real solutions?

    1. 0
    2. 1
    3. 2
    4. 4

    Explanation

    D = 16 − 16 = 0. One repeated solution. (2x + 1)² = 0 → x = −1/2.

  63. Hard

    The graph of y = f(x) is reflected across the x-axis, then shifted up 4 units. Which equation represents the result?

    1. y = f(x) + 4
    2. y = −f(x) − 4
    3. y = −f(x) + 4
    4. y = f(−x) + 4

    Explanation

    Reflecting across the x-axis gives y = −f(x). Shifting up 4 adds 4: y = −f(x) + 4.

  64. Hard

    Solve for x: √(2x − 3) = 5.

    1. 11
    2. 14
    3. 16
    4. 28

    Explanation

    Square both sides: 2x − 3 = 25 → 2x = 28 → x = 14.

  65. Hard

    The parabola y = ax² + bx + c has vertex (1, −4) and passes through (3, 4). What is a?

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4

    Explanation

    Vertex form: y = a(x − 1)² − 4. At (3, 4): 4 = a(4) − 4 → 4a = 8 → a = 2.

  66. Easy

    What is the value of 2³ × 2²?

    1. 16
    2. 32
    3. 64
    4. 128

    Explanation

    Using the product rule: 2³ × 2² = 2^(3+2) = 2⁵ = 32.

  67. Medium

    If f(x) = x² + 3x − 4, what is f(−2)?

    1. −8
    2. −6
    3. −4
    4. 2

    Explanation

    f(−2) = (−2)² + 3(−2) − 4 = 4 − 6 − 4 = −6.

  68. Medium

    For what value of x is the expression (x² − 9) / (x − 3) undefined?

    1. −3
    2. 0
    3. 3
    4. 9

    Explanation

    The expression is undefined when the denominator equals zero: x − 3 = 0, so x = 3.

  69. Hard

    What are the solutions to x² + 4x − 5 = 0?

    1. x = 5 or x = −1
    2. x = −5 or x = 1
    3. x = −5 or x = −1
    4. x = 5 or x = 1

    Explanation

    Factor: (x + 5)(x − 1) = 0. So x = −5 or x = 1.

  70. Hard

    If f(x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = x², what is f(g(3))?

    1. 7
    2. 13
    3. 19
    4. 37

    Explanation

    First, g(3) = 3² = 9. Then f(9) = 2(9) + 1 = 19.

  71. Easy

    Which of the following is equivalent to x⁶ · x⁻²?

    1. x⁴
    2. x⁸
    3. x¹²

    Explanation

    Using the product rule of exponents: x⁶ · x⁻² = x^(6+(−2)) = x⁴.

  72. Easy

    If g(x) = x² − 2x + 1, what is g(0)?

    1. −2
    2. −1
    3. 0
    4. 1

    Explanation

    g(0) = 0² − 2(0) + 1 = 0 − 0 + 1 = 1.

  73. Easy

    What is the simplified form of √48?

    1. 4√3
    2. 6√2
    3. 4√6
    4. 12√2

    Explanation

    √48 = √(16 × 3) = √16 · √3 = 4√3.

  74. Medium

    Which of the following is a factor of x² + 7x + 12?

    1. (x + 2)
    2. (x + 3)
    3. (x − 4)
    4. (x − 6)

    Explanation

    Factor: x² + 7x + 12 = (x + 3)(x + 4). So (x + 3) is a factor.

  75. Medium

    What is the vertex of the parabola y = (x − 3)² + 5?

    1. (−3, 5)
    2. (3, −5)
    3. (3, 5)
    4. (5, 3)

    Explanation

    In vertex form y = (x − h)² + k, the vertex is (h, k). Here h = 3 and k = 5, so the vertex is (3, 5).

  76. Medium

    If h(x) = 2x² − 8, for what values of x does h(x) = 0?

    1. x = ±1
    2. x = ±2
    3. x = ±4
    4. x = ±8

    Explanation

    2x² − 8 = 0 → 2x² = 8 → x² = 4 → x = ±2.

  77. Medium

    Which expression is equivalent to (3x² + 2x − 1) − (x² − 4x + 5)?

    1. 2x² − 2x + 4
    2. 2x² + 6x − 6
    3. 4x² − 2x + 4
    4. 2x² + 6x + 4

    Explanation

    Distribute the negative: 3x² + 2x − 1 − x² + 4x − 5 = 2x² + 6x − 6.

  78. Medium

    What is the range of f(x) = x² + 3 for all real values of x?

    1. y ≥ 0
    2. y ≥ 3
    3. y > 3
    4. all real numbers

    Explanation

    Since x² ≥ 0 for all real x, f(x) = x² + 3 ≥ 0 + 3 = 3. The minimum value is 3, achieved at x = 0.

  79. Medium

    Simplify: (x³y²)(x²y⁴)

    1. x⁵y⁶
    2. x⁶y⁶
    3. x⁵y⁸
    4. x⁶y⁸

    Explanation

    Multiply by adding exponents: x^(3+2) · y^(2+4) = x⁵y⁶.

  80. Medium

    What is the discriminant of 2x² − 4x + 2 = 0, and how many real solutions does it have?

    1. Discriminant = 0; one real solution
    2. Discriminant = 8; two real solutions
    3. Discriminant = −8; no real solutions
    4. Discriminant = 16; two real solutions

    Explanation

    Discriminant = b² − 4ac = (−4)² − 4(2)(2) = 16 − 16 = 0. A discriminant of 0 means exactly one real solution.

  81. Hard

    The graph of f(x) = x² − 6x + 8 crosses the x-axis at x = a and x = b. What is the value of a + b?

    1. 4
    2. 6
    3. 8
    4. 14

    Explanation

    By Vieta's formulas, for x² + bx + c = 0 the sum of roots = −b. Here the sum of roots = −(−6) = 6.

  82. Hard

    What is the solution set of x² − x − 12 > 0?

    1. −3 < x < 4
    2. x < −3 or x > 4
    3. x < 4
    4. x > −3

    Explanation

    Factor: (x − 4)(x + 3) > 0. The expression is positive when both factors are positive (x > 4) or both negative (x < −3).

  83. Hard

    If f(x) = x² and g(x) = 2x − 1, what is (f ∘ g)(3)?

    1. 10
    2. 25
    3. 35
    4. 49

    Explanation

    (f ∘ g)(3) = f(g(3)). First g(3) = 2(3) − 1 = 5. Then f(5) = 5² = 25.

  84. Hard

    Which of the following equations has no real solutions?

    1. x² − 5x + 6 = 0
    2. x² + 4x + 4 = 0
    3. x² + 2x + 5 = 0
    4. x² − 9 = 0

    Explanation

    For x² + 2x + 5 = 0, the discriminant = 2² − 4(1)(5) = 4 − 20 = −16 < 0, so there are no real solutions.

  85. Hard

    If 4^x = 64, what is the value of x?

    1. 2
    2. 3
    3. 4
    4. 8

    Explanation

    64 = 4³, so 4^x = 4³ → x = 3.

  86. Hard

    A population of bacteria doubles every 3 hours. Starting with 500 bacteria, which expression gives the population after t hours?

    1. 500 · 2^t
    2. 500 · 2^(t/3)
    3. 500 · 3^(t/2)
    4. 500 · t²

    Explanation

    The population doubles every 3 hours, so after t hours it has doubled t/3 times: P(t) = 500 · 2^(t/3).

  87. Hard

    What is the minimum value of f(x) = 2x² − 8x + 9?

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 9

    Explanation

    Complete the square: f(x) = 2(x² − 4x) + 9 = 2(x − 2)² − 8 + 9 = 2(x − 2)² + 1. The minimum is 1 at x = 2.

  88. Hard

    Which of the following is equivalent to (x² − 9) / (x + 3) for x ≠ −3?

    1. x + 3
    2. x − 3
    3. x² − 3
    4. x + 9

    Explanation

    Factor the numerator: (x² − 9) = (x + 3)(x − 3). Cancel (x + 3): the expression simplifies to x − 3.

  89. Hard

    If log₂(x) = 5, what is the value of x?

    1. 10
    2. 16
    3. 25
    4. 32

    Explanation

    log₂(x) = 5 means 2⁵ = x. So x = 32.

  90. Hard

    The function f(x) = x³ − 4x is graphed in the xy-plane. How many x-intercepts does it have?

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4

    Explanation

    Set f(x) = 0: x³ − 4x = x(x² − 4) = x(x − 2)(x + 2) = 0. The solutions are x = 0, 2, −2 — three x-intercepts.

Page 1

How to practice SAT Math Advanced Math questions

Advanced Math is tied with Algebra as the largest domain on the Digital SAT — expect quadratics, exponentials, polynomials, and function notation on nearly every form. The questions below reward two habits: recognizing which form of a quadratic answers the question fastest, and knowing when to factor versus when to reach for the quadratic formula. Expand any question to see the full solution path, and pay attention to the intermediate steps, not just the final choice.

Study tips for Advanced Math

  • Try factoring before the quadratic formula — most SAT quadratics factor cleanly, and factoring is faster and less error-prone.
  • Let the question pick the form: vertex form for a maximum or minimum, factored form for the roots, standard form for the y-intercept.
  • Plug the answer choices back in when solving feels slow. On a multiple-choice quadratic, testing values is often quicker than isolating x.
  • Graph tricky functions in Desmos to confirm the number of solutions or intersections before committing to an answer.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Dividing only the square-root term by 2a in the quadratic formula instead of the entire numerator (−b ± √…).
  • Reading the vertex of y = a(x − h)² + k with the wrong sign — (x − 3)² has its vertex at x = +3.
  • Confusing exponential growth and decay: b > 1 is growth, 0 < b < 1 is decay.

Advanced Math practice: frequently asked questions

What makes Advanced Math harder than Algebra?

The relationships are nonlinear, so a single equation can have zero, one, or two solutions. Recognizing how many solutions to expect — often from the discriminant — is half the battle.

How often do quadratics appear?

Almost every test includes multiple quadratic questions across factoring, the quadratic formula, and vertex form. It is the single highest-value sub-skill in this domain.

Is a calculator allowed on these questions?

Yes — the entire Digital SAT Math section allows the built-in Desmos calculator, which is especially powerful for graphing nonlinear functions.