PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 41: Answer and Explanation

Question: 41

If , what is the value of x?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks for the value of the variable x in the given equation. Since the question asks for a specific value and the answers contain numbers in increasing order, plug in the answers. Begin by labeling the answers as x and starting with (C). Plug x = into the equation and work the steps of the question. The equation becomes: . This simplifies to + 4 = 5. Since will not simplify to a whole number, the left side of the equation cannot add up to a whole number and will not equal 5. Eliminate (C). Next, try (D). Plug x = into the equation to get . This simplifies to + 2 = 5, or 3 + 2 = 5. This is true. Since (D) works, stop here. The correct answer is (D).