PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 477: Answer and Explanation

Question: 477

Which of the following values is 6 less than 5 times itself?

• A. 1
• B.
• C. 5
• D. 6

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks for the value of a number with certain properties. Start by translating the English into math. Use x for value. The question states that one of the following values is 6 less than 5 times itself. The phrase 5 times itself can be translated as 5x. The correct answer will be 6 less than 5x, which can be written as 5x – 6. All together the equation can be written as x = 5x – 6. Solve for x by first subtracting 5x from both sides to get –4x = –6. Then divide both sides by –4 to get and reduce to . The negative signs cancel to get . The correct answer is (B).