October 4  2025 DSAT – Test 10A: Sample Questions & Full Analysis

Expert Breakdown of the October 2025 Digital SAT (Test 10A)

Welcome to the allsatpapers.com expert analysis! As specialists in official test materials, we know that success on the Digital SAT comes from practicing with real, official exams. The October 4, 2025 DSAT (Test 10A) is a prime example of the test's current format. It provides crucial insights into the types of questions, vocabulary, and mathematical reasoning skills that the College Board is currently assessing.

This post will provide a deep dive into this specific test, quoting key passages that customers often search for to identify the exam they need. Let's analyze what makes Test 10A a vital study tool.

Section 1: Reading & Writing Module 1 (Key Passages)

The first R&W module is designed to set your baseline. As requested, we have quoted the first two questions in full, as these are the most common passages users search for to identify this test.

Section 1: Reading & Writing Module 2 (Adaptive) Analysis

This module's difficulty adapts based on your performance in Module 1. The questions become more complex, testing more nuanced vocabulary and text structures. Here are some key passages from Module 2 of Test 10A.

Section 2: Math Module 1 Analysis

The first math module on Test 10A is very straightforward and focuses on foundational skills. It is designed to be accessible and quickly assess core competencies.

Core Concepts on Display

• One-Step Equations (Question 1): The module starts with $7x = 28$. This is a basic test of solving for $x$. $x = 28 / 7 = 4$.
• Linear Functions (Question 2): A simple substitution. The equation is $p = 15n$. The question asks for the value of $p$ when $n = 6$. $p = 15(6) = 90$.
• Data Analysis (Question 3): A simple bar graph reading. "How many more... comedy than drama?" The graph shows 25 for comedy and 15 for drama. The answer is $25 - 15 = 10$.
• Geometry (Question 12): A parallel lines problem. Two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. An exterior angle is $33^\circ$. The corresponding interior angle is also $33^\circ$. This angle and the angle $x$ form a straight line, making them supplementary. $x + 33 = 180$. Solving gives $x = 147$.
• Function Definition (Question 16): A table shows $x=0, y=100$ and $x=5, y=0$. This is a linear function. The y-intercept (at $x=0$) is 100. The slope is $(0 - 100) / (5 - 0) = -100 / 5 = -20$. The function is $f(x) = -20x + 100$.

Section 2: Math Module 2 (Adaptive) Analysis

This module is significantly more difficult than the first, a classic feature of the adaptive DSAT. It tests complex, multi-step problems that require a deep understanding of algebra and functions.

Advanced Applications

• Quadratic Equations (Question 7): $x^2 - 10x + 21 = 0$. This requires factoring. You need two numbers that multiply to 21 and add to -10. These are -3 and -7. The factored form is $(x - 3)(x - 7) = 0$. The solutions are $x=3$ and $x=7$. The question asks for the sum of the solutions: $3 + 7 = 10$.
• Finding the Equation of a Parabola (Question 12): This question shows a graph of a parabola with x-intercepts at -3 and 2, and a y-intercept at -12.
  1. Use the x-intercepts (roots) to write the factored form: $y = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)$.
  2. $y = a(x - (-3))(x - 2) \rightarrow y = a(x + 3)(x - 2)$.
  3. Use the y-intercept $(0, -12)$ to find $a$. Plug in $x=0$ and $y=-12$.
  4. $-12 = a(0 + 3)(0 - 2)$
  5. $-12 = a(3)(-2) \rightarrow -12 = -6a$
  6. $a = 2$.
  7. The full equation is $f(x) = 2(x + 3)(x - 2)$.
• Quadratic Formula (Question 19): "What is the positive solution to... $x^2 + 2x - 10 = 0$?" This cannot be factored easily.
  1. Use the quadratic formula: $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$
  2. $x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 - 4(1)(-10)}}{2(1)}$
  3. $x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{4 + 40}}{2} = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{44}}{2}$
  4. The question asks for the positive solution: $\frac{-2 + \sqrt{44}}{2}$.
  5. Simplify the radical: $\sqrt{44} = \sqrt{4 \times 11} = 2\sqrt{11}$.
  6. $x = \frac{-2 + 2\sqrt{11}}{2} = -1 + \sqrt{11}$.
• Discriminant (Question 21): "The equation $3x^2 - 8x + k = 0$ has no real solutions... what is the least possible integer value for k?"
  1. "No real solutions" means the discriminant ($b^2 - 4ac$) must be less than 0.
  2. Here, $a = 3$, $b = -8$, and $c = k$.
  3. $(-8)^2 - 4(3)(k) < 0$
  4. $64 - 12k < 0 \rightarrow 64 < 12k$
  5. $64/12 < k \rightarrow 16/3 < k$
  6. $5.33... < k$. Since $k$ must be an integer, the least possible value is 6.

Overall Difficulty and Analysis of Test 10A

After a comprehensive review of all four modules, here is our expert assessment of the October 4, 2025 (10A) DSAT:

• Overall Difficulty: Medium-Hard.
• Reading & Writing: This section is of Medium difficulty. The passages in both modules are very direct and clearly structured. Module 1 focuses on simple "Main Purpose" questions. Module 2 introduces more nuanced passages (like the Edith Wharton text) and scientific contrasts (the jellyfish), but the logic remains very clear and traceable. The vocabulary is standard for the DSAT.
• Math: This section is Hard. This test has one of the most extreme difficulty jumps between modules. Module 1 is exceptionally easy, filled with one-step equations and basic data retrieval. Module 2, however, is a significant challenge. It is "back-loaded" with advanced algebra, requiring mastery of the quadratic formula, radical simplification, discriminants, and complex function manipulation (like the half-life problem). This test would be very difficult for a student not aiming for a 700+ in math.

Why This Practice Test is Essential For Your Prep

DSAT Test 10A (October 4, 2025) is a perfect example of the DSAT's adaptive nature. It clearly shows the test's emphasis on:

• Text Structure: The R&W questions consistently reward students who can identify a passage's structure (e.g., "compare/contrast," "present and explain," "clarify a misconception").
• Algebra Mastery: The Math section is not just about calculation; it's about knowing which algebraic tool to use. The hard module (M2) requires you to be fluent in factoring, the quadratic formula, and the discriminant, and to know when to use each one.
• Multi-Step Problem Solving: The hardest math questions combine multiple concepts. The parabola question (M2 Q12) is a perfect example, blending graphical analysis (finding intercepts) with algebra (solving for $a$).

Studying with an official past paper like Test 10A is the single best way to build the skills and pattern recognition needed to excel on test day. Analyzing your mistakes on this exam will show you exactly what to focus on in your remaining prep time.