Question y-2-x-
In the given system of equations, is a constant. The graphs of the equations in the given system intersect at exactly one point, , in the xy-plane. What is the value of ?
y = 2 x 2 - 21 x + 64 y = 3 x + a
Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Systems Involving Nonlinear Equations — Line + parabola intersections. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.
Answer explanation
Choice C is correct. It's given that the graphs of the equations in the given system intersect at exactly one point, , in the xy-plane. Therefore, is the only solution to the given system of equations. The given system of equations can be solved by subtracting the second equation, , from the first equation, . This yields , or . Since the given system has only one solution, this equation has only one solution. A quadratic equation in the form , where , , and are constants, has one solution if and only if the discriminant, , is equal to zero. Substituting for , for , and for in the expression yields . Setting this expression equal to zero yields , or . Subtracting from both sides of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the equation yields , or . Factoring from the right-hand side of this equation yields . Dividing both sides of this equation by yields , which is equivalent to , or . Taking the square root of both sides of this equation yields . Adding to both sides of this equation yields .
Choice A is incorrect. This is the value of , not .
Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
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