Question the-ex

2.4 Equivalent Expressions - Simplifying polynomials
0:00

The expression 90 y 5 - 54 y 4 is equivalent to ry415y-9, where r is a constant. What is the value of r ?

Enter your answer:

The expression 90 y 5 - 54 y 4 is equivalent to r y 4 15

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Equivalent Expressions — Simplifying polynomials. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 6 . Applying the distributive property to the expression ry415y-9 yields 15ry5-9ry4. Since 90y5-54y4 is equivalent to ry415y-9, it follows that 90y5-54y4 is also equivalent to 15ry5-9ry4. Since these expressions are equivalent, it follows that corresponding coefficients are equivalent. Therefore, 90 = 15 r and -54 = - 9 r . Solving either of these equations for r will yield the value of r . Dividing both sides of 90 = 15 r by 15 yields 6 = r . Therefore, the value of r is 6 .