Question a-tota

1.3 Linear Equations in Two Variables - Writing equations from data/points
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A total of 364 paper straws of equal length were used to construct two types of polygons: triangles and rectangles. The triangles and rectangles were constructed so that no two polygons had a common side. The equation 3 x + 4 y = 364 represents this situation, where x is the number of triangles constructed and y is the number of rectangles constructed. What is the best interpretation of x,y=24,73 in this context?

A.

If 24 triangles were constructed, then 73 rectangles were constructed.

B.

If 24 triangles were constructed, then 73 paper straws were used.

C.

If 73 triangles were constructed, then 24 rectangles were constructed.

D.

If 73 triangles were constructed, then 24 paper straws were used.

A total of 364 paper straws of equal length were used to construct two types of

Medium-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 A is correct. It's given that 364 paper straws of equal length were used to construct triangles and rectangles, where no two polygons had a common side. It's also given that the equation 3x+4y=364 represents this situation, where x is the number of triangles constructed and y is the number of rectangles constructed. The equation x,y=24,73 means that if x=24, then y=73. Substituting 24 for x and 73 for y in 3x+4y=364 yields 324+473=364, or 364=364, which is true. Therefore, in this context, the equation x,y=24,73 means that if 24 triangles were constructed, then 73 rectangles were constructed. 

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual errors.