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.

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\(\frac{5x^2+75x-80}{x^2-1} = ?\)
\(\frac{5x+75}{ x-1}\)
\(\frac{x+16}{ x+1} \)
\(\frac{5x+80}{ x+1}\)
\(\frac{x+15}{ x-1}\)
Show answer and explanation
C
First, find the factors of numerator and denominator of the expression. Then simplify.
\(\frac{5x^2+75x-80}{x^2-1}=\frac{5(x^2+15x-16)}{(x-1)(x+1)}\)
\(\frac{5(x+16)(x-1)}{ (x-1)(x+1)}=\frac{5(x+16)}{ (x+1)} \)
\(=\frac{(5x+80)}{ (x+1)} \)
If \(x^2 + 6x – r\) is divisible by \((x – 5)\), what is the value of \(r\)?
\(55\)
\(56\)
\(57\)
\(58\)
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 \((x-5)\).
If a parabola with equation \(y=ax^2+5x+10\), where a is constant passes through point \((2, 12)\), what is the value of \(a^2\)?
\(-2\)
\(2\)
\(-4\)
\(4\)
Show answer and explanation
D
Plug in the values of \(x\) and \(y\) in the equation of the parabola. Then:
\(12=a(2)^2+5(2)+10→12=4a+10+10→12=4a+20\)
\(→4a=12-20=-8→a=\frac{-8}{4}=-2→a^2=(-2)^2=4\)
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:
\(y – 3x = 50\)
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:
\(→3x=17-5→x=\frac{12}{3} x=4\)
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.
\(\frac{100x^2 y^4}{4x^2 y^4}=\frac{100}{4}=\frac{50}{2}=25\)
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:
\(\frac{y_{2} – y_{1}}{x_{2} – x_{1}}=\frac{6-2}{3-(-1)}=\frac{4}{4} \space or\space 1\)
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?
\(6x – 80\)
\(80 + 6x\)
\(80 – 6x\)
\(80 – x\)
Show answer and explanation
C
The amount of petrol consumed after \(x\) hours is: \(6 × x = 6x\)
Petrol remaining after \(x\) hours driving: \(80 – 6x\)
\(5\) less than twice a positive integer is \(83\). What is the integer?
\(39\)
\(41\)
\(42\)
\(44\)
Show answer and explanation
D
Let \(x\) be the integer. Then:
\(2x – 5 = 83\)
Add 5 both sides: \(2x = 88\)
Divide both sides by \(2:\) \(x = 44\)
The following graph shows the mark of six students in mathematics. What is the mean (average) of the marks?

\(15\)
\(14.5\)
\(14\)
\(13.5\)
Show answer and explanation
B
\(mean) = \frac{sum \space of \space terms}{number \space of \space terms}=\frac{9+12+15+16+19+16+14.5}{7}=14.5\)
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