PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 65: Answer and Explanation

Question: 65

A shipping company pays a driver a fixed fee for each delivery, and deducts a separate fee daily for the use of the company's delivery truck. The driver's net pay in dollars, P, for one day is given by the equation P = 8d - 40, where d is the number of deliveries made in one day. What does the number 40 most likely represent?

• A. The amount, in dollars, that the company deducts for use of the delivery truck
• B. The amount, in dollars, that the driver is paid for each delivery
• C. The average number of deliveries per hour made by the driver
• D. The total number of deliveries made per day by the driver

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

The question asks for the meaning of a number in context. Start by reading the full question, which asks for the meaning of the number 40. Then label the parts of the equation with the information given. The question states that P is the driver's net pay and d is the number of deliveries. Notice that the 40 is being subtracted from the rest of the equation, which means that there is a $40 reduction in the driver's net pay. Look for other information in the question that suggests some type of reduction. The only information on any type of reduction is that the shipping company deducts a separate fee daily for the use of the company's delivery truck. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the 40 represents this fee. Choice (A) matches this description. The correct answer is (A).