Question 2-x-y-

1.3 Linear Equations in Two Variables - Writing equations from data/points
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2 x + y = 37

In triangle Q R S , sides Q R and R S each have a length of x centimeters and side SQ has a length of y centimeters. The given equation represents this situation. Which of the following is the best interpretation of 37 in this context?

A.

The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides Q R and SQ

B.

The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides Q R and R S

C.

The sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of the three sides of the triangle

D.

The length, in centimeters, of one of the two sides of equal length

2 x + y = 37 In triangle Q R S , sides Q R and

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Linear Equations in Two Variables — Writing equations from data/points. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice C is correct. It's given that in triangle QRS, sides QR and RS each have a length of x centimeters. Therefore, the expression 2 x represents the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of sides QR and RS. It's also given that side SQ has a length of y centimeters. Therefore, the expression 2x+y represents the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of sides QR, RS, and SQ. Since 2x+y is the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of the three sides of the triangle and 2x+y=37, it follows that 37 is the sum of the lengths, in centimeters, of the three sides of the triangle.

Choice A is incorrect. The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides QR and SQ is x - y , not 37 .

Choice B is incorrect. The difference, in centimeters, between the lengths of sides QR and RS is x-x, or 0 , not 37 .

Choice D is incorrect. The length, in centimeters, of one of the two sides of equal length is x , not 37 .