PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 190: Answer and Explanation

Question: 190

The solution to which inequality is represented in the graph above?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Heart of Algebra/Inequalities

Getting to the Answer: Don't answer this question too quickly. The shading is below the line, but that does not necessarily mean that the symbol in the equation will be the less than symbol (<). Start by writing the equation of the dashed line shown in the graph in slope-intercept form. Then, use the shading to determine the correct inequality symbol. The slope of the line shown in the graph is and the y-intercept is - 3, so the equation of the dashed line is . The graph is shaded below the boundary line, so use the < symbol. When written in slope-intercept form, the inequality is . The inequalities in the answer choices are given in standard form (Ax + By = C), so rewrite your answer in this form. Don't forget to reverse the inequality symbol if you multiply or divide by a negative number:

Choice (A) is correct.