Quick Answer
SAT margin of error questions test interval construction, plausible values, sample size, precision, bias, confidence, and population projections.
What Should You Know?
- Interval = estimate ± margin of error.
- Margin of error is half the interval width.
- The point estimate is the midpoint.
- Larger random samples generally reduce margin of error.
- A smaller margin means greater precision.
- Margin of error does not measure systematic bias.
In This Guide
Start With SAT Math Topic-Wise Practice
Connect margin of error practice with weekly score planning.
Download the SAT Prep Guide E-Book
Organize margin of error and data-analysis practice with a clear weekly plan.
Download SAT Prep Guide E-BookWhat Does the SAT Test in Margin of Error Questions?
Students may need to build an interval, find a midpoint, compare precision, or explain what margin of error does and does not measure.
| Skill | Questions | Main Trap |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | Q1-Q15 | Using one direction only |
| Plausible values | Q16-Q30 | Skipping endpoints |
| Precision | Q31-Q40 | Confusing width and margin |
| Advanced | Q41-Q70 | Ignoring bias |
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How Are Basic Margin of Error Questions Solved?
Build intervals and identify midpoint, width, and margin.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 1
A survey estimates a population percentage at 52% with a margin of error of 3 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 49% to 55%
B) 52% to 55%
C) 49% to 52%
D) 3% to 52%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 49% to 55%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 52-3=49 and 52+3=55.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 2
A survey estimates a population percentage at 41% with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 37% to 45%
B) 41% to 45%
C) 37% to 41%
D) 4% to 41%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 37% to 45%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 41-4=37 and 41+4=45.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 3
A survey estimates a population percentage at 68% with a margin of error of 5 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 63% to 73%
B) 68% to 73%
C) 63% to 68%
D) 5% to 68%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 63% to 73%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 68-5=63 and 68+5=73.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 4
A survey estimates a population percentage at 35% with a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 33% to 37%
B) 35% to 37%
C) 33% to 35%
D) 2% to 35%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 33% to 37%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 35-2=33 and 35+2=37.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 5
A survey estimates a population percentage at 74% with a margin of error of 6 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 68% to 80%
B) 74% to 80%
C) 68% to 74%
D) 6% to 74%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 68% to 80%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 74-6=68 and 74+6=80.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 6
A survey estimates a population percentage at 28% with a margin of error of 3 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 25% to 31%
B) 28% to 31%
C) 25% to 28%
D) 3% to 28%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 25% to 31%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 28-3=25 and 28+3=31.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 7
A survey estimates a population percentage at 63% with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 59% to 67%
B) 63% to 67%
C) 59% to 63%
D) 4% to 63%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 59% to 67%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 63-4=59 and 63+4=67.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 8
A survey estimates a population percentage at 47% with a margin of error of 5 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 42% to 52%
B) 47% to 52%
C) 42% to 47%
D) 5% to 47%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 42% to 52%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 47-5=42 and 47+5=52.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 9
A survey estimates a population percentage at 55% with a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 53% to 57%
B) 55% to 57%
C) 53% to 55%
D) 2% to 55%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 53% to 57%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 55-2=53 and 55+2=57.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
EASY
Question 10
A survey estimates a population percentage at 81% with a margin of error of 7 percentage points. Which interval represents the estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 74% to 88%
B) 81% to 88%
C) 74% to 81%
D) 7% to 81%
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 74% to 88%
Subtract and add the margin of error: 81-7=74 and 81+7=88.
SAT trap: Margin of error extends in both directions.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
MEDIUM
Question 11
What does margin of error describe?
Which choice is correct?
A) Expected sampling uncertainty
B) Wording bias
C) Population size
D) Number of questions
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Expected sampling uncertainty
It describes uncertainty from using a random sample.
SAT trap: It does not measure systematic bias.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
MEDIUM
Question 12
Which change generally reduces margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) Smaller sample
B) Larger random sample
C) Leading wording
D) Voluntary response
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) Larger random sample
Larger random samples are generally more precise.
SAT trap: A larger biased sample can still be misleading.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
MEDIUM
Question 13
An estimate is 60 with margin of error 8. What is the interval width?
Which choice is correct?
A) 8
B) 16
C) 52
D) 68
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 16
The interval is 52 to 68, which has width 16.
SAT trap: Margin of error is half the width.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
MEDIUM
Question 14
A confidence interval is 44 to 56. What is the point estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 6
B) 44
C) 50
D) 56
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) 50
The midpoint is (44+56)/2=50.
SAT trap: Average the endpoints.
MARGIN OF ERROR BASICS
MEDIUM
Question 15
A confidence interval is 72 to 82. What is the margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) 5
B) 10
C) 72
D) 77
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 5
The interval width is 10, so the margin of error is 5.
SAT trap: Use half the full width.
Build Stronger SAT Statistics Skills
Connect margin of error with sample statistics and percentages.
How Are Plausible Values and Endpoints Tested?
Check interval membership and calculate endpoints.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 16
An estimate is 48% with a margin of error of 4 points. Is 53% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) No
The interval is 44% to 52%. The value 53% is outside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 17
An estimate is 48% with a margin of error of 4 points. Is 45% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Yes
The interval is 44% to 52%. The value 45% is inside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 18
An estimate is 62% with a margin of error of 5 points. Is 58% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Yes
The interval is 57% to 67%. The value 58% is inside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 19
An estimate is 62% with a margin of error of 5 points. Is 69% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) No
The interval is 57% to 67%. The value 69% is outside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 20
An estimate is 35% with a margin of error of 3 points. Is 32% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Yes
The interval is 32% to 38%. The value 32% is inside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 21
An estimate is 35% with a margin of error of 3 points. Is 39% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) No
The interval is 32% to 38%. The value 39% is outside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 22
An estimate is 71% with a margin of error of 6 points. Is 76% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Yes
The interval is 65% to 77%. The value 76% is inside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 23
An estimate is 71% with a margin of error of 6 points. Is 64% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) No
The interval is 65% to 77%. The value 64% is outside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 24
An estimate is 54% with a margin of error of 2 points. Is 56% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Yes
The interval is 52% to 56%. The value 56% is inside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
PLAUSIBLE VALUES
MEDIUM
Question 25
An estimate is 54% with a margin of error of 2 points. Is 51% a plausible population value?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for a biased sample
D) Cannot be checked
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) No
The interval is 52% to 56%. The value 51% is outside the interval.
SAT trap: Construct the interval before judging the value.
ENDPOINTS AND MIDPOINTS
MEDIUM
Question 26
An estimate is 57 with a margin of error of 4. What is the lower endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 51
B) 53
C) 55
D) 57
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 53
The lower endpoint is 57-4=53.
SAT trap: Subtract for the lower endpoint and add for the upper endpoint.
ENDPOINTS AND MIDPOINTS
MEDIUM
Question 27
An estimate is 57 with a margin of error of 4. What is the upper endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 59
B) 61
C) 63
D) 57
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 61
The upper endpoint is 57+4=61.
SAT trap: Subtract for the lower endpoint and add for the upper endpoint.
ENDPOINTS AND MIDPOINTS
MEDIUM
Question 28
An estimate is 66 with a margin of error of 7. What is the lower endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 57
B) 59
C) 61
D) 66
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 59
The lower endpoint is 66-7=59.
SAT trap: Subtract for the lower endpoint and add for the upper endpoint.
ENDPOINTS AND MIDPOINTS
MEDIUM
Question 29
An estimate is 66 with a margin of error of 7. What is the upper endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 71
B) 73
C) 75
D) 66
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 73
The upper endpoint is 66+7=73.
SAT trap: Subtract for the lower endpoint and add for the upper endpoint.
ENDPOINTS AND MIDPOINTS
MEDIUM
Question 30
An estimate is 43 with a margin of error of 5. What is the lower endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 36
B) 38
C) 40
D) 43
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 38
The lower endpoint is 43-5=38.
SAT trap: Subtract for the lower endpoint and add for the upper endpoint.
How Do Sample Size and Precision Affect Margin of Error?
Compare interval widths and sample sizes.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 31
Survey A samples 100 people and Survey B samples 1,000 people using the same random method. Which likely has the smaller margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) Survey A
B) Survey B
C) Equal
D) Cannot be determined
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) Survey B
The larger random sample is generally more precise.
SAT trap: Compare sample sizes only when methods are comparable.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 32
Which estimate is more precise?
Which choice is correct?
A) 52% ± 7
B) 52% ± 2
C) Equal
D) Cannot compare
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 52% ± 2
A smaller margin of error means greater precision.
SAT trap: Precision is about interval width.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 33
Survey A reports 40% ± 3 and Survey B reports 40% ± 8. Which interval is narrower?
Which choice is correct?
A) Survey A
B) Survey B
C) Equal
D) Neither
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Survey A
Survey A has the smaller margin of error.
SAT trap: Do not compare only the point estimate.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 34
What usually happens to margin of error when sample size increases?
Which choice is correct?
A) It decreases
B) It increases
C) It becomes negative
D) It becomes the mean
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) It decreases
Larger random samples usually reduce sampling variability.
SAT trap: Larger size does not fix bias.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 35
Which sample likely gives the most precise estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 25
B) 50
C) 200
D) 500
Show full solution
Correct answer: D) 500
The largest random sample generally gives the smallest margin of error.
SAT trap: Sampling design must still be sound.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 36
Which statement is true?
Which choice is correct?
A) Smaller margin means wider interval
B) Larger margin means more precision
C) Smaller margin means more precision
D) Margin and precision are unrelated
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) Smaller margin means more precision
A smaller margin produces a narrower interval.
SAT trap: Precision is not guaranteed accuracy.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 37
Intervals are 45%-55% and 47%-53%. Which is more precise?
Which choice is correct?
A) First
B) Second
C) Equal
D) Cannot tell
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) Second
The second interval is narrower.
SAT trap: Compare widths.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 38
An interval has midpoint 68 and width 12. What is the margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) 6
B) 12
C) 56
D) 74
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 6
Margin of error is half the width.
SAT trap: Do not confuse width with margin.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 39
An interval has endpoints 30 and 42. What is the point estimate?
Which choice is correct?
A) 6
B) 30
C) 36
D) 42
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) 36
The midpoint is (30+42)/2=36.
SAT trap: Average the endpoints.
SAMPLE SIZE AND PRECISION
MEDIUM
Question 40
An interval has endpoints 30 and 42. What is the margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) 6
B) 12
C) 30
D) 36
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 6
The width is 12, so the margin is 6.
SAT trap: Use half the width.
Practice More SAT Data Analysis
Build accuracy with intervals, precision, and survey interpretation.
How Are Bias and Confidence Interpreted?
Separate random sampling uncertainty from systematic bias.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 41
Can margin of error account for leading wording?
Which choice is correct?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only with a large sample
D) Only at 50%
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) No
Margin of error does not correct wording bias.
SAT trap: Separate random uncertainty from bias.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 42
A poll surveys visitors to one website. What concern remains even if the margin is small?
Which choice is correct?
A) Selection bias
B) Negative SD
C) Random assignment
D) Census error
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Selection bias
The sample may not represent the target population.
SAT trap: A narrow biased interval is still misleading.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 43
An estimate is 58% ± 4. Which statement is best?
Which choice is correct?
A) The population is definitely 58%
B) 54%-62% is the interval
C) 4% of answers are wrong
D) The sample is unbiased
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 54%-62% is the interval
Subtract and add 4 points.
SAT trap: Margin is not the error rate of responses.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 44
What does a 95% confidence level mean in repeated sampling?
Which choice is correct?
A) 95% of people are correct
B) About 95% of intervals from the method contain the true parameter
C) The parameter changes
D) The sample is 95% of the population
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) About 95% of intervals from the method contain the true parameter
Confidence describes the long-run performance of the method.
SAT trap: The parameter itself is fixed.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 45
Which result most strongly suggests two percentages differ?
Which choice is correct?
A) Clearly separated intervals
B) Widely overlapping intervals
C) Equal estimates
D) Large margins
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Clearly separated intervals
Separated intervals suggest a meaningful difference.
SAT trap: Exact inference may require more formal analysis.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 46
An unbiased estimate has a large margin of error. What does that imply?
Which choice is correct?
A) Systematic error
B) Substantial sampling uncertainty
C) Nonrandom sample
D) Small population
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) Substantial sampling uncertainty
Large margin means low precision.
SAT trap: Bias and variability are different.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 47
A convenience sample has a small margin of error. What is the main concern?
Which choice is correct?
A) Low precision
B) Selection bias
C) Too many responses
D) Wide interval
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) Selection bias
Convenience sampling may miss important groups.
SAT trap: Precision cannot repair bias.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 48
Why can two random samples produce different estimates?
Which choice is correct?
A) Sampling variability
B) Negative margin
C) Both are invalid
D) The population disappears
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Sampling variability
Different random samples naturally contain different individuals.
SAT trap: Variation across samples is expected.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 49
What does margin of error primarily address?
Which choice is correct?
A) Random sampling variability
B) Fraud
C) Leading wording
D) Voluntary response
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Random sampling variability
It quantifies uncertainty due to random sampling.
SAT trap: It does not fix systematic errors.
BIAS AND INTERPRETATION
HARD
Question 50
A large voluntary-response poll has a tiny margin of error. What concern remains?
Which choice is correct?
A) Selection bias
B) Negative width
C) Random assignment
D) Zero population
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) Selection bias
Volunteers may differ from nonvolunteers.
SAT trap: Large size cannot eliminate selection bias.
What Do Hard Mixed Margin of Error Questions Look Like?
Combine interval comparisons, projections, and missing values.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 51
A poll reports 46% ± 3 and another reports 51% ± 2. Which statement is correct?
Which choice is correct?
A) The intervals overlap
B) They do not overlap
C) They are identical
D) Neither can be formed
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) The intervals overlap
The intervals are 43%-49% and 49%-53%, meeting at 49%.
SAT trap: Calculate both intervals.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 52
An interval is 102 to 118. If the estimate rises by 5 and the margin stays the same, what is the new interval?
Which choice is correct?
A) 102 to 123
B) 107 to 123
C) 97 to 113
D) 110 to 126
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 107 to 123
Shift both endpoints up by 5.
SAT trap: A shift does not change interval width.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 53
An estimate is 80 and the lower endpoint is 72. What is the margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) 4
B) 8
C) 72
D) 152
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 8
80-72=8.
SAT trap: Use the distance to either endpoint.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 54
An interval has midpoint 64 and margin 9. What is the upper endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 55
B) 64
C) 73
D) 128
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) 73
64+9=73.
SAT trap: Add the margin for the upper endpoint.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 55
An estimate is 37% ± 5. How many of 10,000 people correspond to the lower endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 3,200
B) 3,700
C) 4,200
D) 5,000
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 3,200
The lower endpoint is 32%; 0.32×10,000=3,200.
SAT trap: Use the endpoint percentage.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 56
An estimate is 37% ± 5. How many of 10,000 people correspond to the upper endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 3,200
B) 3,700
C) 4,200
D) 5,000
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) 4,200
The upper endpoint is 42%; 0.42×10,000=4,200.
SAT trap: Use the upper endpoint.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 57
Survey A is 60% ± 4 and Survey B is 55% ± 3. Which value lies in both intervals?
Which choice is correct?
A) 51%
B) 56%
C) 60%
D) 64%
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 56%
The overlap is 56%-58%.
SAT trap: Find the intersection.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 58
An interval has endpoints 18 and 30. Both endpoints increase by 4. What happens to margin of error?
Which choice is correct?
A) Increases by 4
B) Decreases by 4
C) Stays 6
D) Becomes 12
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) Stays 6
The width remains 12.
SAT trap: Shifting does not change width.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 59
A similar survey uses a much larger random sample. What is most reasonable?
Which choice is correct?
A) Larger margin
B) Smaller margin
C) Same margin always
D) Negative margin
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) Smaller margin
A much larger random sample generally improves precision.
SAT trap: All else should be comparable.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 60
A point estimate is 25 and interval width is 14. What is the interval?
Which choice is correct?
A) 11 to 39
B) 18 to 32
C) 25 to 39
D) 7 to 21
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) 18 to 32
The margin is 7, so 25±7.
SAT trap: Use half the width.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 61
A survey estimate is 64% ± 6. Which value is outside the interval?
Which choice is correct?
A) 58%
B) 62%
C) 70%
D) 72%
Show full solution
Correct answer: D) 72%
The interval is 58%-70%.
SAT trap: Check endpoints carefully.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 62
A confidence interval is 84 to 96. If its width doubles but midpoint stays fixed, what is the new interval?
Which choice is correct?
A) 78 to 102
B) 84 to 108
C) 72 to 96
D) 90 to 102
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 78 to 102
Original midpoint is 90 and margin is 6. Doubling width doubles margin to 12.
SAT trap: Keep the midpoint fixed.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 63
Two estimates have the same point estimate. One has twice the margin of error. Which is more precise?
Which choice is correct?
A) The one with larger margin
B) The one with smaller margin
C) Equal
D) Cannot tell
Show full solution
Correct answer: B) The one with smaller margin
A smaller margin gives a narrower interval.
SAT trap: Precision depends on width.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 64
A 48% estimate has lower endpoint 43%. What is the upper endpoint?
Which choice is correct?
A) 48%
B) 51%
C) 53%
D) 58%
Show full solution
Correct answer: C) 53%
The margin is 5 points, so upper endpoint is 53%.
SAT trap: Intervals are symmetric around the estimate.
HARD MIXED MARGIN OF ERROR
HARD
Question 65
A poll is 57% ± 4. Which entire-number count interval fits a population of 1,000?
Which choice is correct?
A) 530 to 610
B) 570 to 610
C) 530 to 570
D) 40 to 570
Show full solution
Correct answer: A) 530 to 610
The percent interval is 53%-61%, corresponding to 530-610 people.
SAT trap: Convert both endpoints.
What Do Student-Produced Responses Look Like?
Enter the requested endpoint, midpoint, margin, or count.
STUDENT-PRODUCED RESPONSE
MEDIUM
Question 66
An estimate is 72 with margin 6. What is the lower endpoint?
Enter your answer.
Show full solution
Correct answer: 66
72-6=66.
SAT trap: Enter only the requested numerical value.
STUDENT-PRODUCED RESPONSE
MEDIUM
Question 67
An interval is 40 to 52. What is the margin of error?
Enter your answer.
Show full solution
Correct answer: 6
The width is 12, so the margin is 6.
SAT trap: Enter only the requested numerical value.
STUDENT-PRODUCED RESPONSE
MEDIUM
Question 68
An estimate is 58% with margin 4. What is the upper endpoint?
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Correct answer: 62
58+4=62.
SAT trap: Enter only the requested numerical value.
STUDENT-PRODUCED RESPONSE
MEDIUM
Question 69
An interval is 31 to 47. What is the point estimate?
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population projections.Correct answer: 39
The midpoint is 39.
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STUDENT-PRODUCED RESPONSE
MEDIUM
Question 70
A survey is 45% ± 3. Using the upper endpoint, how many of 2,000 people are represented?
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Correct answer: 960
The upper endpoint is 48%; 0.48×2,000=960.
SAT trap: Enter only the requested numerical value.
Common SAT Margin of Error Mistakes
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Using margin as full width | Full width is twice the margin |
| Extending one way only | Subtract and add the margin |
| Ignoring bias | Evaluate sampling design separately |
Two-Week Study Plan
| Days | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Q1-Q15 |
| 4-6 | Q16-Q30 |
| 7-10 | Q31-Q45 |
| 11-14 | Q46-Q70 and review |
Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Margin of Error Practice Questions
Is margin of error tested on the Digital SAT?
Yes. It may appear in sample-statistics and survey questions.
How do I calculate an interval?
Subtract and add the margin of error to the point estimate.
How do I find margin of error from an interval?
Find half the interval width.
What does a smaller margin mean?
It means the estimate is more precise.
Does a small margin prove no bias?
No. Margin of error does not account for selection or wording bias.
How does sample size affect margin?
Larger random samples generally reduce it.
What is a plausible population value?
A value inside the stated interval.
How many questions should I practice?
Practice intervals, precision, sample size, bias, and projections.
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