16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumGreatest value satisfying a two-part budget

Algebra practice question

A student has $42 and buys 3 notebooks at $8 each. Pens cost $2 each. What is the greatest number of pens the student can buy with the remaining money?

Answer: 9

After the notebooks, 42 − 24 = $18 remains. 2p ≤ 18 gives p ≤ 9.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 10
10 pens would cost $20, more than the $18 left.
If you answered 12
12 comes from subtracting 8 once instead of 24.
If you answered 21
21 spends the whole $42 on pens, forgetting the notebooks.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.