Question the-li

1.3 Linear Equations in Two Variables - Graphing two-variable lines
0:00

  • The line slants sharply down from left to right.
  • The line passes through the following points:
    • (0 comma 18)
    • (4 comma 10)
    • (7 comma 4)
    • (9 comma 0)

The graph shows the possible combinations of the number of pounds of tangerines and lemons that could be purchased for $18 at a certain store. If Melvin purchased lemons and 4 pounds of tangerines for a total of $18, how many pounds of lemons did he purchase?

A.

7

B.

10

C.

14

D.

16

The line slants sharply down from left to right. The line passes through the following points:

Medium-difficulty · SAT Math · Linear Equations in Two Variables — Graphing two-variable 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 B is correct. It's given that the graph shows the possible combinations of the number of pounds of tangerines, x, and the number of pounds of lemons, y, that could be purchased for $18 at a certain store. If Melvin purchased lemons and 4 pounds of tangerines for a total of $18, the number of pounds of lemons he purchased is represented by the y-coordinate of the point on the graph where x=4. For the graph shown, when x=4, y=10. Therefore, if Melvin purchased lemons and 4 pounds of tangerines for a total of $18, then he purchased 10 pounds of lemons.

Choice A is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of tangerines Melvin purchased if he purchased tangerines and 4 pounds of lemons for a total of $18.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of lemons Melvin purchased if he purchased lemons and 2 pounds of tangerines for a total of $18.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the number of pounds of lemons Melvin purchased if he purchased lemons and 1 pound of tangerines for a total of $18.