PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 485: Answer and Explanation

Question: 485

A system of equations is graphed in the xy-plane above. How many solutions does the system have?

• A. None
• B. One
• C. Two
• D. Three

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question asks for the number of solutions to a system of two equations represented on a graph in the xy-plane. Given the two equations of the graph, a solution to the system would be a point that satisfies both equations when it is plugged in. Given a picture of the graphs, the solutions are the intersections of the graphs of the equations. Circle the intersections of the line and the curve on the graph. There are two, near (0.75, 1.5) and (5.25, 10.5). The correct answer is (C).