PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 291: Answer and Explanation

Question: 291

A certain vacuum cleaner is priced at $450 at a local appliance store. The same model of vacuum cleaner sells online for of the price at the appliance store. At a department store, the same model vacuum cleaner sells for of the appliance store's price. How many dollars more is the price of the vacuum cleaner at the department store than at the online retailer?

• A. 90
• B. 135
• C. 180
• D. 225

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Solving Equations

Strategic Advice: Begin by determining what you are being asked to find—the difference between the online retailer's price and the department store's price. Next, use the information you're given—the price at the appliance store, as well as fractions that represent the prices at the other two retailers.

Getting to the Answer: To answer this question, determine the price of the vacuum cleaner at each retailer. Online, the vacuum cleaner sells for of the price at the appliance store, or . The department store sells the vacuum cleaner for the price of the appliance store, so the department store's price is . Now that you know the price of the vacuum cleaner at each store, simply subtract: 540 - 315 = 225, which is (D).