PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 381: Answer and Explanation

Question: 381

Last year, a farmer had 350 acres planted in corn and 160 acres planted in soybeans. This year, the farmer reduced the acreage planted in corn by 20 percent and reduced the acreage planted in soybeans by 15 percent. By approximately what percent did the farmer reduce the total acreage planted in corn and soybeans?

• A. 16.4%
• B. 16.9%
• C. 17.5%
• D. 18.4%

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Percent Change

Getting to the Answer: To find the total percent reduction in total acreage, first find the total actual reduction in acreage. For corn, that's (0.20 × 350) = 70 acres; for soybeans, it's 0.15(160) = 24 acres. Therefore, the total change in acreage planted in corn and soybeans is 70 + 24 = 94 acres. The total number of acres planted in corn and soybeans was 350 + 160 = 510 acres. Use this information to apply the percent change formula:

(D) is correct.