PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 503: Answer and Explanation

Question: 503

If and x ≠ –2, what is the value of x?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 9
• D. 27

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The question asks for the value of x. 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 start with (B), 3. The equation becomes , which simplifies to . This is not true, so eliminate (B). To make the numerator larger and the denominator smaller, a smaller number is needed, so check 2, the value in (A). The equation becomes , which simplifies to . This is true, so stop here. The correct answer is (A).