Algebraic expressions — SHSAT practice questions

Algebraic expressions on the SHSAT Mathematics section involve writing, simplifying, and using expressions and equations with letters for unknown values. Students must apply the distributive property to a sum of products, turn a verbal rule about two sequence terms into an equation for one term in terms of the other, and pick an ordered pair that satisfies both an equation and an inequality. Questions are multiple choice, using a word problem or paired conditions, and ask for the matching equation, point, or total. Traps include reversing one more than twice, treating an inequality as an equation, and distributing to only one factor. Choices are rival equations, ordered pairs, or totals.

Section: Mathematics 57 questions on the paper
102 practice questions in the app

Sample questions

Question 1

In a sequence, let $s$ represent the 6th term and $t$ represent the 12th term. The 12th term is 1 more than twice the 6th term. Which equation expresses $t$ in terms of $s$ ?

A $t=2s+1$
B $t=2s-1$
C $t=s+2$
D $t=2(s+1)$

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Answer: A — $t=2s+1$

Twice the 6th term is $2s$ . Adding 1 gives $t=2s+1$ .

Question 2

A school store needs $18\times47+18\times53$ units restocked. Using the distributive property, what is the total?

A900
B $1{,}764$
C $1{,}800$
D $2{,}000$

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Answer: C — $1{,}800$

Factor out 18: $18(47+53)=18\times100=1{,}800$ .

Question 3

Which point $(x,y)$ satisfies both $x+y=9$ and $x>-1$ ?

A $(-2,11)$
B $(1,9)$
C $(1,8)$
D $(-1,8)$

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Answer: C — $(1,8)$

Test both conditions. Only $(1, 8)$ has coordinate sum 9 and an x-coordinate greater than -1.

Practice 102 Algebraic expressions questions in the app

Algebraic expressions — SHSAT practice questions

Sample questions

More SHSAT topics

Mathematics