PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 537: Answer and Explanation

Question: 537

The rates to book a private tour with a company are shown below.

Private Tour Rates

(maximum of 24 participants)

Price of tour ($)	Number of participants
50	up to 2
100	more than 2 and no more than 4
150	more than 4 and no more than 6
200	more than 6 and no more than 12
225	more than 12 and no more than 18
250	more than 18 and no more than 24

Which graph best represents the relationship between the number of participants and the total charge of the tour, in dollars?

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. D

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

The question asks for the graph that best represents data in a table. Pick a piece of information from the table and use it to eliminate graphs in the answer choices. The graphs all look similar for small numbers of participants, so try a large number. If there are 20 participants, the price of the tour is $250. The numbers for Tour participants are listed along the horizontal axis in each answer, so find 20 on that axis. From this point, trace up to find the intersection with the graph, using the answer sheet as a straight edge if necessary. For (A), it is on the gridline for $300. This does not match the target value of $250, so eliminate (A). For (B), it is on the gridline for $250, so keep (B), but check the remaining answers just in case. For (C) and (D), there is no price indicated for 20 tour participants, so eliminate (C) and (D). The correct answer is (B).