SAT Word Problems Practice Flashcards

A train travels at 60 miles per hour for 2.5 hours and then at 80 miles per hour for 1.5 hours. What is the total distance, in miles, the train traveled?

Answer: 270

Total distance = (60 × 2.5) + (80 × 1.5) = 150 + 120 = 270 miles.

A store sells notebooks for $3 each and pens for $1.50 each. Maria buys a total of 10 items and spends exactly $21. How many notebooks did she buy?

Answer: 4

Let n = notebooks; n + p = 10 and 3n + 1.5p = 21. Substituting p = 10 − n gives 1.5n = 6, so n = 4.

A solution is 20% salt by weight. How many grams of salt must be added to 200 grams of this solution to make it 25% salt?

Answer: 13⅓

Initial salt = 40 g. Setting (40 + x)/(200 + x) = 0.25 gives 0.75x = 10, so x = 13⅓ grams.

The sum of three consecutive even integers is 78. What is the largest of the three integers?

Answer: 28

Let the integers be n, n+2, n+4; then 3n + 6 = 78, so n = 24, and the largest is 24 + 4 = 28.

Carlos is 4 times as old as his daughter. In 6 years, he will be 3 times as old as she will be. How old is Carlos now?

Answer: 48

Let daughter's age = d; Carlos = 4d. In 6 years: 4d + 6 = 3(d + 6) → d = 12. Carlos = 48.

A rectangle's length is 3 more than twice its width. If its perimeter is 48 cm, what is the width in centimeters?

Answer: 7

Let width = w; length = 2w + 3. 2(w + 2w + 3) = 48 → 6w + 6 = 48 → w = 7.

A car depreciates in value by 15% each year. If it is currently worth $20,000, what will its approximate value be after 2 years?

Answer: $14,450

After year 1: $20,000 × 0.85 = $17,000. After year 2: $17,000 × 0.85 = $14,450.