June SAT Math II last minute advice thread

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>Hey guys,
I was thinking this thread could prove useful for those of you cramming all the stuff needed for the test on Saturday. I'm personally prepping with Barron's and I've also tried a sample test from Peterson's... And honestly, I will be glad for like 400 on the real thing :D </p>

<p>Anyways, could someone help me with this question from Barron's?
If a, b and c are real numbers and if a^5 b^3 c^8 = (9a^3 c^8)/(b^-3) then a could equal...
The answer is supposed to be 3, but I don't really get how to figure it out.
Thanks and post your questions/concerns :)</p>

2

<p>Well, since 1/b^(-3) = b^3, what you are given is equivalent to
a^5 b^3 c^8 = 9a^3 b^3 c^8.
Divide both sides by a^3 b^3 c^8, and you are left with a^2 = 9.</p>

3

<p>Ha, somehow I remember this problem. Fleur’s right, the answer would end up being a = +,- 3</p>