Question a-x-b-

1.4 Systems of Two Linear Equations - Graphical solution of two lines
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a x + b y = 72

6 x + 2 b y = 56

In the given system of equations, a and b are constants. The graphs of these equations in the xy-plane intersect at the point 4,y. What is the value of a ?

A.

3

B.

4

C.

6

D.

14

a x + b y = 72 6 x + 2 b y = 56 In

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Systems of Two Linear Equations — Graphical solution of two lines. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the graphs of the given system of equations intersect at the point 4,y. Therefore, 4,y is the solution to the given system. Multiplying the first equation in the given system by - 2 yields - 2 a x - 2 b y = - 144 . Adding this equation to the second equation in the system yields -2a+6x+-2b+2by=-144+56, or -2a+6x=-88. Since 4,y is the solution to the system, the value of a can be found by substituting 4 for x in this equation, which yields -2a+64=-88. Dividing both sides of this equation by 4 yields - 2 a + 6 = - 22 . Subtracting 6 from both sides of this equation yields - 2 a = - 28 . Dividing both sides of this equation by - 2 yields a = 14 .

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.