Question x-1-2-

1.3 Linear Equations in Two Variables - Writing equations from data/points
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x 1 2 3
y 11 16 21

The table shows three values of x and their corresponding values of y . Which equation represents the linear relationship between x and y ?

A.

y = 5 x + 6

B.

y = 5 x + 11

C.

y = 6 x + 5

D.

y = 6 x + 11

x 1 2 3 y 11 16 21 The table shows three values of x 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 A is correct. The linear relationship between x and y can be represented by the equation y = m x + b , where m is the slope of the line in the xy-plane that represents the relationship, and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept. The slope can be computed using any two points on the line. The slope of a line between any two points, x1,y1 and x2,y2, on the line can be calculated using the slope formula, m=y2-y1x2-x1. In the given table, each value of x and its corresponding value of y can be represented by a point x,y. In the given table, when the value of x is 1 , the corresponding value of y is 11 and when the value of x is 2 , the corresponding value of y is 16 . Therefore, the points 1,11 and 2,16 are on the line. Substituting 1,11 and 2,16 for x1,y1 and x2,y2, respectively, in the slope formula yields m=16-112-1, or m = 5 . Substituting 5 for m in the equation y = m x + b yields y = 5 x + b . Substituting the first value of x in the table, 1 , and its corresponding value of y , 11 , for x and y , respectively, in this equation yields 11=51+b, or 11 = b + 5 . Subtracting 5 from both sides of this equation yields 6 = b . Substituting 6 for b in the equation y = 5 x + b yields y = 5 x + 6 . Therefore, the equation y = 5 x + 6 represents the linear relationship between x and y .

Choice B is incorrect. For this relationship, when the value of x is 1 , the corresponding value of y is 16 , not 11 .

Choice C is incorrect. For this relationship, when the value of x is 2 , the corresponding value of y is 17 , not 16 .

Choice D is incorrect. For this relationship, when the value of x is 1 , the corresponding value of y is 17 , not 11 .