SAT Linear Equations in One Variable

Linear equations in one variable test the mechanics of isolating a variable: distributing, combining like terms, and undoing operations in the right order. Most errors come from unwinding a parenthesis in the wrong sequence.

Practise this skill freeHow the SAT is structured
MathAlgebra128 questions
The trap on this skill

Not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing.

How this skill behaves

What 128 questions on it look like

89% of these questions can appear in the harder second module. On a section-adaptive test that matters: this is a skill that keeps mattering after a strong first module, not one you leave behind.

43% of the bank for this skill is rated hard, so it rewards practice past the point where the basic form feels comfortable.

medium46%
hard43%
easy11%

Difficulty mix across the 128 questions in this skill.

From the bank

Three real linear equations in one variable questions

Each one explains the credited answer and why every other option fails.

Algebra · medium

For a ticket plan used by ticketbooth shaded crate mapping invoice, the equation 5(x + 4) - 9 = 46 has one solution. What is the value of x?

  1. A11
  2. B7correct
  3. C6
  4. D37
Why B is correct — and why the others are not

Add 9 to both sides to get 5(x + 4) = 55. Divide by 5: x + 4 = 11, so x = 7. This matches the evidence or condition involving Linear equations in one variable. A final check is identifying the constant term before interpreting the model.

A. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

C. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

D. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

Algebra · hard

For a ticket plan used by readingnook open frame packing entry card, the equation 7(x + 6) - 4 = 94 has one solution. What is the value of x?

  1. A14
  2. B7
  3. C8correct
  4. D90
Why C is correct — and why the others are not

Add 4 to both sides to get 7(x + 6) = 98. Divide by 7: x + 6 = 14, so x = 8. The final step answers the prompt as it applies to Linear equations in one variable. A final check is confirming that the selected expression has the same domain.

A. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

B. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

D. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

Algebra · easy

For a ticket plan used by mailroom indoor planter folding setup note, the equation 3(x + 4) - 5 = 43 has one solution. What is the value of x?

  1. A16
  2. B11
  3. C38
  4. D12correct
Why D is correct — and why the others are not

Add 5 to both sides to get 3(x + 4) = 48. Divide by 3: x + 4 = 16, so x = 12. The key support is the way the item treats Linear equations in one variable. A final check is tracking whether the prompt asks for a value or an expression.

A. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

B. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

C. This value results from not undoing the addition inside the parentheses after dividing

128 questions on this skill, free to start.

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FAQ

Linear Equations in One Variable questions

What order should I undo operations in?

The reverse of how they were applied — undo addition and subtraction outside the parentheses before dividing, and check the parenthesis last.

Do these appear in the harder module?

Yes, in harder forms — more steps, fractions and variables on both sides, rather than a different kind of question.
Last reviewed 2026-08-28. Format and scoring facts sourced to College Board. Question counts describe the PrepScore bank, not the exam.
Same domain
Systems of Linear Equations135 questionsLinear Equations in Two Variables127 questionsLinear Modeling / Word Problems124 questionsLinear Functions90 questions

Practise linear equations in one variable until the trap stops working.

Real Digital SAT questions, the reasoning on every option, and a mistake bank that only clears when you get it right.

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