PSAT Multiple-Choice Math Questions
Your standard run-of-the-mill multiple-choice questions are one of two types you'll see on the PSAT Math section (the other type is the grid-in), but although you've seen the format before, the PSAT math strategies for solving these may be new. So check them out!
Question Set-Up
Each question offers you a problem that you must solve, and five answer choices below it.
Skills Tested
These are designed to test your ability to reason mathematically, to understand basic math terminology, and to recall basic mathematic formulas and principles – i.e. factoring polynomials, determining slope, working with sets and sequences, etc. Brush up on your Geometry, Statistics, Algebra and the like.
Answer These Questions First
Because these math questions actually have choices, as opposed to the PSAT Math grid-in questions, these are the easiest ones to answer and require less time. So, answer them first. At the very worst, you can guess and you’ll have at least a shot at getting the answer right.
The Questions Get More Difficult As You Proceed
As you answer them in order, which you will if you’re test-savvy, they will become increasingly more difficult. So it’s good to get your feet wet on the first ones, because you’ll have an easier time getting them right. (Getting them right = higher PSAT score.)
PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Example
A 19-liter mixture consists by volume of 1 part juice to 18 parts water. If x liters of juice and y liters of water are added to this mixture to make a 54-liter mixture consisting by volume of 1 part juice to 2 parts water, what is the value of x ?
(A) 17
(B) 18
(C) 27
(D) 35
(E) 36
(A) 17 is the correct answer.
