10 Most Common PSAT Math Questions

10 Most Common PSAT Math Questions

Preparing for the PSAT Math test? Want a preview of the most common mathematics questions on the PSAT Math test? If so, then you are in the right place.

The mathematics section of PSAT can be a challenging area for many test-takers, but with enough patience, it can be easy and even enjoyable!

Preparing for the PSAT Math test can be a nerve-wracking experience. Learning more about what you’re going to see when you take the PSAT can help to reduce those pre-test jitters. Here’s your chance to review the 10 most common PSAT Math questions to help you know what to expect and what to practice most. Try these 10 most common PSAT Math questions to hone your mathematical skills and to see if your math skills are up to date on what’s being asked on the exam or if you still need more practice.

Make sure to follow some of the related links at the bottom of this post to get a better idea of what kind of mathematics questions you need to practice.

The Absolute Best Book to Ace the PSAT Math Test

Original price was: $27.99.Current price is: $17.99.
Satisfied 142 Students

10 Sample PSAT Math Practice Questions

Q1

\(\frac{5x^2+75x-80}{x^2-1} = ?\)

A

\(\frac{5x+75}{ x-1}\)

B

\(\frac{x+16}{ x+1} \)

C

\(\frac{5x+80}{ x+1}\)

D

\(\frac{x+15}{ x-1}\)

Show answer and explanation

C
First, find the factors of numerator and denominator of the expression. Then simplify.
\(\frac{5x^2+75x-80}{x^2-1}=\frac{5(x^2+15x-16)}{(x-1)(x+1)}\)
\(\frac{5(x+16)(x-1)}{ (x-1)(x+1)}=\frac{5(x+16)}{ (x+1)} \)
\(=\frac{(5x+80)}{ (x+1)} \)

Q2

If \(x^2 + 6x – r\) is divisible by \((x – 5)\), what is the value of \(r\)?

A

\(55\)

B

\(56\)

C

\(57\)

D

\(58\)

Show answer and explanation

A
If \(r=55→ \frac{x^2+6x-55}{x-5}\) = \(\frac{(x+11)(x-5)}{x-5}\) \(= x + 11\)
For all other options, the numerator expression is not divisible by \((x-5)\).

Q3

If a parabola with equation \(y=ax^2+5x+10\), where a is constant passes through point \((2, 12)\), what is the value of \(a^2\)?

A

\(-2\)

B

\(2\)

C

\(-4\)

D

\(4\)

Show answer and explanation

D
Plug in the values of \(x\) and \(y\) in the equation of the parabola. Then:
\(12=a(2)^2+5(2)+10→12=4a+10+10→12=4a+20\)
\(→4a=12-20=-8→a=\frac{-8}{4}=-2→a^2=(-2)^2=4\)

Q4

In the following equation, what is the value of \(y – 3x\)?
\(\frac{y}{4} = x – \frac{2}{5}x + 10\) _________


Show answer and explanation

50
\(\frac{y}{4} = x – \frac{2}{5}x + 10 \)
Multiply both sides of the equation by \(5\). Then:
\(5×\frac{y}{4} = 5× (x – \frac{2}{5}x + 10)\)
\(→y=5x-2x+50→y=3x+50\)
Now, subtract \(3x\) from both sides of the equation. Then:
\(y – 3x = 50\)

Q5

What is the value of \(x\) in the following equation?
\(\frac{x^2-9}{x+3}+2(x+4)=17\) __________


Show answer and explanation

4
First, factorize the numerator and simplify.
\(\frac{(x-3)(x+3)}{x+3}+2x+8=17\)
\(→x-3+2x+8=15→3x+5=17\)
Subtract \(5\) from both sides of the equation. Then:
\(→3x=17-5→x=\frac{12}{3} x=4\)

Q6

If \(x≠0\), what is the value of \(\frac{(10xy^2)^2}{(2xy^2 )^2}\) ? _________



Show answer and explanation

25
\(\frac{100x^2 y^4}{4x^2 y^4}\)
Remove \(x^2 y^4\) from both numerator and denominator.
\(\frac{100x^2 y^4}{4x^2 y^4}=\frac{100}{4}=\frac{50}{2}=25\)

Q7

What is the slope of a line containing the reflected points of \(A(2,-1)\) and \(B(6,3)\) over the line \(y = x\)? _________


Show answer and explanation

1
Remember that, the reflection of the point \((x,y)\) over the line \(y=x\) is the point \((y,x)\). Then:
The reflected point of \(A(2,-1)\), is \((-1,2)\)
The reflected point of \(B(6,3)\) is point \((3,6)\)
Therefore, the slope of the reflected line is:
\(\frac{y_{2} – y_{1}}{x_{2} – x_{1}}=\frac{6-2}{3-(-1)}=\frac{4}{4} \space or\space 1\)

Q8

If a car has \(80\)-liter petrol and after one hour driving the car use \(6\)-liter petrol, how much petrol will remain after \(x\)-hours driving?

A

\(6x – 80\)

B

\(80 + 6x\)

C

\(80 – 6x\)

D

\(80 – x\)

Show answer and explanation

C

The amount of petrol consumed after \(x\) hours is: \(6 × x = 6x\)
Petrol remaining after \(x\) hours driving: \(80 – 6x\)

Q9

\(5\) less than twice a positive integer is \(83\). What is the integer?

A

\(39\)

B

\(41\)

C

\(42\)

D

\(44\)

Show answer and explanation

D
Let \(x\) be the integer. Then:
\(2x – 5 = 83\)
Add 5 both sides: \(2x = 88\)
Divide both sides by \(2:\) \(x = 44\)

Q10

The following graph shows the mark of six students in mathematics. What is the mean (average) of the marks?

A

\(15\)

B

\(14.5\)

C

\(14\)

D

\(13.5\)

Show answer and explanation

B
\(mean) = \frac{sum \space of \space terms}{number \space of \space terms}=\frac{9+12+15+16+19+16+14.5}{7}=14.5\)

Best PSAT Math Prep Resource for 2026

College Entrance Tests

Looking for the best resource to help you succeed on the PSAT Math test?

The Best Books to Ace the PSAT Math Test

Original price was: $29.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 57 Students
Original price was: $29.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 145 Students
Original price was: $29.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 130 Students
Original price was: $29.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 75 Students
Original price was: $29.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 198 Students
Original price was: $29.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 136 Students
Original price was: $79.99.Current price is: $51.99.
Satisfied 188 Students
Original price was: $20.99.Current price is: $13.64.
Satisfied 105 Students
Original price was: $20.99.Current price is: $16.99.
Satisfied 129 Students
Original price was: $20.99.Current price is: $13.64.
Satisfied 183 Students
Original price was: $20.99.Current price is: $13.64.
Satisfied 244 Students
Original price was: $27.99.Current price is: $17.99.
Satisfied 189 Students

Related to This Article

What people say about "10 Most Common PSAT Math Questions - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?

No one replied yet.

Leave a Reply

X
44% OFF

Limited time only!

Save Over 44%

Take It Now!

SAVE $28

It was $64.99 now it is $36.99

The Most Comprehensive PSAT Math 2023 Preparation Bundle: Includes PSAT Math Prep Books, Workbooks, and Practice Tests