SSAT Middle Level Math : Operations

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : How To Subtract Variables

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #5 : How To Subtract Variables

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to solve for , move to one side of the equation and everything else to the other. To do this, subtract  from both sides.

Example Question #6 : How To Subtract Variables

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The first step is to apply the distributive property. Don't forget to distribute the negative in the second parenthesis!

Next, combine the variables and the numbers. This gives us:

Example Question #141 : Ssat Middle Level Quantitative (Math)

Which of the following phrases can be written as the algebraic expression  ?

Possible Answers:

One fifth less than the product of six and a number

None of the other responses is correct.

One fifth decreased by the product of six and a number

Six less than one fifth of a number

One fifth the product of negative six and a number

Correct answer:

One fifth decreased by the product of six and a number

Explanation:

 is one fifth decreased by  is the product of six and a number.

Consequently,  is "one fifth decreased by the product of six and a number".

Example Question #3 : How To Subtract Variables

Which of the following phrases can be written as the algebraic expression ?

Possible Answers:

Thirteen divided into the difference of a number and nine.

The correct answer is not among the other choices.

Thirteen divided by the difference of a number and nine.

Thirteen divided by the difference of nine and a number.

Thirteen divided into the difference of nine and a number.

Correct answer:

Thirteen divided into the difference of a number and nine.

Explanation:

 is thirteen divided into .

 is the difference of a number and nine.

Therefore, 

 is "thirteen divided into the difference of a number and nine".

Example Question #1 : Expressions & Equations

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #5 : Apply Properties Of Operations To Expand Linear Expressions With Rational Coefficients: Ccss.Math.Content.7.Ee.A.1

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #1 : Expressions & Equations

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This problem is just a matter of grouping together like terms.  Remember that terms like  are treated as though they were their own, different variable:

The only part that might be a little hard is:

If you are confused, think of your number line.  This is like "going back" (more negative) from 15.  Therefore, you ranswer will be:

Example Question #1 : How To Subtract Variables

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This problem really is a trick question.  There are no common terms among any of the parts of the expression to be simplified.  In each case, you have an independent variable or set of variables:  and .  Therefore, do not combine any of the elements!

Example Question #141 : Algebra

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Remember, when there is a subtraction outside of a group, you should add the opposite of each member.  That is:

That is a bit confusing, so let's simplify.  When you add a negative, you subtract:

Now, group your like variables:

Finally, perform the subtractions and get: 

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