Grade: Grade 6 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Algebra Readiness SAT: Algebra ACT: Math

Question Types

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Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT use specific question formats for algebra. Recognizing these types helps you approach each problem with the right strategy.

The Four Main Question Types

1. Evaluate Questions

These ask you to find the value of an expression when given specific values for variables.

Example: If x = 3, what is the value of 2x + 5?

Strategy: Substitute the given value and calculate.

2. Solve Questions

These ask you to find the unknown value that makes an equation true.

Example: Solve for n: n + 7 = 15

Strategy: Use inverse operations to isolate the variable.

3. Simplify Questions

These ask you to rewrite an expression in a simpler form.

Example: Simplify: 3x + 2x + 4

Strategy: Combine like terms.

4. Translate Questions

These give you a word problem and ask you to write or identify the correct equation.

Example: A number increased by 6 equals 14. Which equation represents this?

Strategy: Match words to math operations (increased = addition).

Examples

Example 1: Evaluate Type

Problem: If y = 4, what is the value of 3y - 2?

Solution:

  1. Replace y with 4: 3(4) - 2
  2. Multiply: 12 - 2
  3. Subtract: 10

Answer: 10

Example 2: Solve Type

Problem: What value of m makes this true? m - 8 = 12

Solution:

  1. Add 8 to both sides: m - 8 + 8 = 12 + 8
  2. Simplify: m = 20

Answer: m = 20

Example 3: Simplify Type

Problem: Simplify: 5a + 3 + 2a - 1

Solution:

  1. Group like terms: (5a + 2a) + (3 - 1)
  2. Combine: 7a + 2

Answer: 7a + 2

Example 4: Translate Type

Problem: "Five times a number, decreased by 3, is 22." Write the equation.

Solution:

  1. "Five times a number" = 5n
  2. "decreased by 3" = - 3
  3. "is 22" = = 22

Answer: 5n - 3 = 22

Practice

Identify the question type and solve each problem.

1. If x = 5, what is 4x + 3?

Type: Evaluate

2. Solve for p: p + 12 = 25

Type: Solve

3. Simplify: 6b + 4b - 2

Type: Simplify

4. "A number divided by 4 equals 9." Write the equation.

Type: Translate

5. What value of k makes 3k = 18 true?

Type: Solve

6. If a = 2 and b = 3, find the value of 2a + 3b.

Type: Evaluate

7. Simplify: 8 + 3c + 5 - c

Type: Simplify

8. "Twice a number plus 7 is 21." Which equation matches?
A) 2n + 7 = 21
B) 2(n + 7) = 21
C) n + 7 = 21
D) 2n = 21 + 7

Type: Translate

9. Solve: w - 5 = 17

Type: Solve

10. If t = 6, evaluate: 2t - 4 + t

Type: Evaluate

Check Your Understanding

1. What is the first step when you see an "evaluate" question?

2. How do "solve" questions differ from "simplify" questions?

3. In a translate question, what math operation does "decreased by" represent?

4. Why is it helpful to identify the question type before solving?

Next Steps

  • Practice identifying question types quickly (aim for under 5 seconds)
  • Create flashcards with keyword clues for each type
  • Move on to the Timed Drill lesson to build speed