Home / Topics / Models

FOCUSED PRACTICE

SAT slope and linear models practice

Connect a table or a word problem to a line. Keep rate, starting value, and units separate.

The idea to remember

In y = mx + b, m is the change in y for each one-unit increase in x, and b is the value when x is zero.

A worked example

A table contains (2, 11) and (5, 23). The slope is (23 - 11)/(5 - 2) = 4. Substitute either point to find b = 3. The model is y = 4x + 3.

A common trap

The first y-value in a table is not the intercept unless its x-value is zero.

For a longer walkthrough, read Read SAT tables, slopes, and growth models with confidence.

YOUR FREE PRACTICE SPACE

Let’s work through it.

No account. No paywall.

32 original exercises. Each topic has 8. Short sets sample available questions without repeats within a session. No time limit.

Your completed sessions will appear here on this device.

All 8 questions, with explanations

Work on paper or read at your own pace. Open each explanation after choosing an answer. These are the same original questions used in the interactive tool.

  1. 1. A linear function has values f(1) = 10 and f(4) = 19. What is its slope?

    1. 3
    2. 4
    3. 9
    4. 7
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. 3

    Slope is change in output divided by change in input: (19 - 10)/(4 - 1) = 9/3 = 3. The output rises 3 units for each one-unit increase in input.

  2. 2. A rental service charges a fixed fee plus $3 per hour. A 4-hour rental costs $19. What is the fixed fee, in dollars?

    1. 19
    2. 3
    3. 31
    4. 7
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. 7

    The hourly part costs 3 × 4 = 12. Subtract it from the total: 19 - 12 = 7. In C = 3h + 7, the fixed fee is the vertical intercept.

  3. 3. A linear function has values f(2) = 16 and f(5) = 28. What is its slope?

    1. 12
    2. 8
    3. 4
    4. 5
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. 4

    Slope is change in output divided by change in input: (28 - 16)/(5 - 2) = 12/3 = 4. The output rises 4 units for each one-unit increase in input.

  4. 4. A rental service charges a fixed fee plus $4 per hour. A 5-hour rental costs $28. What is the fixed fee, in dollars?

    1. 48
    2. 8
    3. 28
    4. 4
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: B. 8

    The hourly part costs 4 × 5 = 20. Subtract it from the total: 28 - 20 = 8. In C = 4h + 8, the fixed fee is the vertical intercept.

  5. 5. A linear function has values f(3) = 24 and f(6) = 39. What is its slope?

    1. 5
    2. 6
    3. 15
    4. 9
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: A. 5

    Slope is change in output divided by change in input: (39 - 24)/(6 - 3) = 15/3 = 5. The output rises 5 units for each one-unit increase in input.

  6. 6. A rental service charges a fixed fee plus $5 per hour. A 6-hour rental costs $39. What is the fixed fee, in dollars?

    1. 39
    2. 5
    3. 69
    4. 9
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: D. 9

    The hourly part costs 5 × 6 = 30. Subtract it from the total: 39 - 30 = 9. In C = 5h + 9, the fixed fee is the vertical intercept.

  7. 7. A linear function has values f(4) = 34 and f(7) = 52. What is its slope?

    1. 18
    2. 10
    3. 6
    4. 7
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: C. 6

    Slope is change in output divided by change in input: (52 - 34)/(7 - 4) = 18/3 = 6. The output rises 6 units for each one-unit increase in input.

  8. 8. A rental service charges a fixed fee plus $6 per hour. A 7-hour rental costs $52. What is the fixed fee, in dollars?

    1. 94
    2. 10
    3. 52
    4. 6
    Show answer and explanation

    Answer: B. 10

    The hourly part costs 6 × 7 = 42. Subtract it from the total: 52 - 42 = 10. In C = 6h + 10, the fixed fee is the vertical intercept.

Scope reference: College Board’s section overview. Questions are independently authored and are not official exam material.

Explore another skill →