Answer the question they asked: the SAT math trap

Short answer: Before you bubble, reread the last line. Circle exactly what it asks for.

The trap, in one question

Tempting answer: 5  (that's x, not 2x − 3)

Correct answer: 7  (x = 5, so 2(5) − 3 = 7)

How to spot it in 3 seconds

Before you bubble, reread the last line. Circle exactly what it asks for.

FAQ

What is the answer the question they asked trap on the SAT?

Example: If 3x + 5 = 20, what is the value of 2x − 3? The tempting answer is 5 (that's x, not 2x − 3); the correct answer is 7 (x = 5, so 2(5) − 3 = 7).

How do you avoid the answer the question they asked trap?

Before you bubble, reread the last line. Circle exactly what it asks for.

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