Grid-ins, or student-produced response questions, require you to solve a problem and enter your answer.

Here are some general hints for answering Student-Produced Response questions, also called Grid-Ins.

Since answer choices aren't given, a calculator may be helpful in avoiding careless mistakes on these questions.


It's suggested that you write your answer in the boxes above the grid to avoid errors in gridding.


The grid can hold only four places and can accommodate only positive numbers and zero.


Do not worry about which column to begin gridding the answer. As long as the answer is gridded completely, you will receive credit.


Unless a problem indicates otherwise, an answer can be entered on the grid either as a decimal or as a fraction.


You don't have to reduce fractions like 3/24 to their lowest terms.


Convert all mixed numbers to improper fractions before gridding the answer.


If the answer is a repeating decimal, you must grid the most accurate value the grid will accommodate.


Some questions may have more than one right answer.


You don't lose any points for a wrong answer.


Know the gridding rules before taking the test.

You may use a calculator on the math sections.
Students are strongly encouraged to take a calculator to the PSAT/NMSQT, whether or not they plan to use it.

Take a calculator you are comfortable using. Don't buy a new one just for the test.
Don't try to use the calculator on every question. No question requires one.
Decide how to solve each problem before deciding whether to use a calculator.
Practice sample questions with a calculator on hand.

Approved calculators:

four-function calculator
scientific calculator
graphing calculator

pocket organizer
hand-held or laptop computer
electronic writing pad or pen input device
calculator with a QWERTY (typewriter-like) keypad
calculator with paper tape
calculator that makes noises or "talks"
calculator that requires an outlet
Students will not be allowed to share calculators with other students.

question 1 of 7

One out of 5 residents of Central Village was born in that village. If its population is 12,000, what is the total number of its residents who were not born in Central Village?
(from the October 1996 test)

Correct Answer: 9600

Explanation: One of the first things you should notice about this problem is that you are asked to find the number of residents who were NOT born in Central Village. If 1 out of 5 residents, or 1/5 of the total population, was born in the village, this means that 4 out of 5 residents, or 4/5 of the total population, were not born in the village.

Therefore,

question 2 of 7


(from the October 14, 1997 test)

Correct Answer: 300
Explanation:

question 3 of 7

How many different three-digit numbers between 100 and 1,000 have 5 as the tens digit?
(from the October 18, 1997 test)