PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 552: Answer and Explanation

Question: 552

A video arcade charges a set $5 charge to purchase a game card and then charges $0.50 for each video game played. What expression gives the relationship between the number of games played, G, and the total amount of dollars spent using the game card, T

• A. T = 5G - 0.50
• B. T = 4.50G + 5
• C. T = 0.50G - 2.5
• D. T = 0.50G + 5

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) There will be a $5 charge no matter how many games are played. So the $5 should be represented as a constant. For each game played, there is an additional $0.50 fee. Since G represents the number of games played, the total cost is 0.50G + 5 dollars. This can be expressed as T = 0.50G +5. Alternatively, you could make up a number of games played and the total dollars spent. Then find which of the equations gives an identical result.