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Original practice · Math

SAT Student-Produced Response: Enter an Exact Fraction

Solve an original linear equation and practice entering its fractional or decimal answer without answer choices.

Reviewed

Before you start

Practice linear equations with an original problem, a complete solution and a transfer check. Try the problem before reading the worked answer.

The original problem

What is the solution of 6x + 5 = 20? Enter a number rather than selecting an answer choice.

Answer: 5/2 or 2.5

Isolate the variable term

Subtract 5 from both sides: 6x = 15.

Divide and simplify

x = 15/6 = 5/2 = 2.5.

Check and enter the answer

6(2.5) + 5 = 20. Either 5/2 or 2.5 represents the exact solution and fits in the positive-answer field.

A second method or independent check

Divide the original equation by 6 first: x + 5/6 = 20/6. Subtract 5/6 to get x = 15/6 = 5/2. Both transformations preserve the equality.

Why tempting answers fail

  • 15 is the value of 6x, not x.
  • Do not enter the mixed-number notation “2 1/2”; use 5/2 or 2.5.
  • Do not enter “x = 2.5” in the numeric answer field.

Try a transfer problem

Solve 8x − 3 = 9. Give an exact fraction or decimal.

Answer: 3/2 or 1.5

Add 3: 8x = 12. Divide by 8: x = 12/8 = 3/2 = 1.5. Substitution gives 8(1.5) − 3 = 9.

What to practice next

If this was difficult, return to linear equations practice and identify the precise step to improve. These are original PeakSAT teaching examples, not official College Board questions or calibrated score predictions. For official adaptive test practice, use Bluebook (opens in a new tab).

Sources

  1. College Board: SAT Math contentsatsuite.collegeboard.org

Sources are linked for reference; they do not endorse PeakSAT. How we prepare our guides