SAT Practice2a2fa5ca-6a3d-478f-8ee6-9d4532b76393

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Questions come from the Bluebook question bank. Made by Iskaa303 (Iskander Madikhan).

302520151050Compressive strength (megapascals)control (0% SSA)10% SSA20% SSA40% SSACompressive Strength ofMortar Mixtures After CuringMixtureday 7day 28
  • For each data category, the following bars are shown:
    • day 7
    • day 28
  • The Compressive strength data for the 4 categories are as follows:
    • control (0% SSA):
      • day 7: 22.3 megapascals
      • day 28: 26.0 megapascals
    • 10% SSA:
      • day 7: 24.8 megapascals
      • day 28: 25.4 megapascals
    • 20% SSA:
      • day 7: 18.8 megapascals
      • day 28: 21.5 megapascals
    • 40% SSA:
      • day 7: 12.9 megapascals
      • day 28: 14.8 megapascals

Mollusk shells are mainly composed of calcium carbonate, a chemical compound used in mortar and other construction materials. A research team led by Ariane da Silva Cardoso investigated pulverizing discarded Sururu mussel shells to create a substitute for fine aggregates (such as sand) in mortar mixtures. The team prepared mixtures with Sururu shell aggregate (SSA) replacing varying percentages of sand and then tested the mortars’ compressive strength on days 7 and 28 of curing. Based on their findings, the team recommended SSA substitution in relatively small proportions to avoid compromising strength.

Which choice most effectively uses data from the graph to support the researchers’ recommendation?