PSAT Math : How to find f(x)

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Math

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Example Questions

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Example Question #25 : Algebraic Functions

 

Quantity A                  Quantity B  

                               

Possible Answers:

Quantity B is greater

The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Quantity A is greater

Quantity A and Quantity B are equal

Correct answer:

Quantity A and Quantity B are equal

Explanation:

Since , then we have that 

and

.

Thus, the two quantities are equal. 

Example Question #26 : Algebraic Functions

If the average of two numbers is \dpi{100} \small 3y and one of the numbers is \dpi{100} \small y+z, what is the other number, in terms of \dpi{100} \small y and \dpi{100} \small z?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 4y-z

\dpi{100} \small 3y+z

\dpi{100} \small 5y-z

\dpi{100} \small y+z

\dpi{100} \small 5y+z

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 5y-z

Explanation:

The average is the sum of the terms divided by the number of terms. Here you have \dpi{100} \small y+z and the other number which you can call \dpi{100} \small x. The average of \dpi{100} \small x and \dpi{100} \small y+z is \dpi{100} \small 3y. So \dpi{100} \small 3y=\frac{(x+y+z)}{2}

Multiply both sides by 2.

Solve for \dpi{100} \small x=5y-z.

Example Question #22 : Algebraic Functions

Alice is twice as old as Tom, but four years ago, she was three years older than Tom is now. How old is Tom now?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 3

\dpi{100} \small 21

\dpi{100} \small 13

\dpi{100} \small 9

\dpi{100} \small 7

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 7

Explanation:

The qustion can be broken into two equations with two unknows, Alice age \dpi{100} \small (A) and Tom's age \dpi{100} \small (T).

\dpi{100} \small A=2T

\dpi{100} \small A-4=T+3

\dpi{100} \small 2T-4=T+3

\dpi{100} \small T=7

Example Question #121 : Algebraic Functions

A jet goes from City 1 to City 2 at an average speed of 600 miles per hour, and returns along the same path at an average speed if 300 miles per hour. What is the average speed, in miles per hour, for the trip?

Possible Answers:

350miles/hour

300miles/hour

500miles/hour

450miles/hour

400miles/hour

Correct answer:

400miles/hour

Explanation:

Chose a number for the distance between City 1 and 2; 1800 works well, as it is a multiple of 600 and 300.

Now, find the time for each trip, the total distance, and the total time.

 

Now we can find the average speed by dividing the total distance by the total time.

Example Question #21 : How To Find F(X)

Find .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Plug 5 into first:

Now, plug this answer into :

Example Question #21 : How To Find F(X)

If  and , what is ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Plug g(x) into f(x) as if it is just a variable. This gives f(g(x)) = 3(x– 12) + 7.

Distribute the 3: 3x– 36 + 7 = 3x– 29

Example Question #121 : Algebraic Functions

f(x) = 4x + 17

Solve f(x) for the equation above for x = 3.

Possible Answers:

32

26

12

19

29

Correct answer:

29

Explanation:

The correct answer is 29. We plug in 3 into the equation above and solve for x. So we find that f(x) = 4(3) + 17. 12 + 17 = 29

Example Question #101 : How To Find F(X)

For which value of  are the following two functions equal?

  

Possible Answers:

3

2

5

6

4

Correct answer:

4

Explanation:

It is important to follow the order of operations for this equation and find a solution that satisfies both F(x) and G(x).

Recall the order of operations is PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.

The correct answer is 4 because 

F(x) = 2x + 3+ (9x/3) = 2(4) + 34 + ((9 * 4)/3) = 101, and

G(x) = (((24 + 44)/2) - 4 * 4) – 5(4) + 1 = 101.  

 

 

 

Example Question #31 : How To Find F(X)

The function  is defined as . What is  ?

Possible Answers:

18

24

36

-36

56

Correct answer:

24

Explanation:

Substitute -1 for  in the given function.

If you didn’t remember the negative sign, you will have calculated 36. If you remembered the negative sign at the very last step, you will have calculated -36; however, if you did not remember that  is 1, then you will have calculated 18.

Example Question #161 : How To Find F(X)

If the function  is created by shifting  up four units and then reflecting it across the x-axis, which of the following represents  in terms of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We can take each of the listed transformations of  one at a time. If  is to be shifted up by four units, increase every value of  by 4. 

Next, take this equation and reflect it across the x-axis. If we reflect a function across the x-axis, then all of its values will be multiplied by negative one. So,  can be written in the following way:

Lastly, distribute the negative sign to arrive at the final answer.

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