Choose the best answer. If necessary, use the paper you were given.
(a ^ 9 * b ^ 12)/(a ^ 3 * b) =
- A. a ^ 3 * b ^ 11
- B. a ^ 6 * b ^ 12
- C. a ^ 3 * b ^ 12
- D. a ^ 6 * b ^ 11
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To simplify the expression \((a^9 * b^{12})/(a^3 * b)\), apply the laws of exponents. For the \(a\) terms, subtract the exponents: \(9 - 3 = 6\), giving \(a^6\). For the \(b\) terms, also subtract the exponents: \(12 - 1 = 11\), resulting in \(b^{11}\). Thus, the simplified expression is \(a^6 * b^{11}\). Option A is incorrect because it miscalculates the exponent of \(b\). Option B incorrectly maintains the exponent of \(b\) at 12. Option C fails to adjust the exponent of \(a\) correctly. Only option D accurately reflects the simplification.
To simplify the expression \((a^9 * b^{12})/(a^3 * b)\), apply the laws of exponents. For the \(a\) terms, subtract the exponents: \(9 - 3 = 6\), giving \(a^6\). For the \(b\) terms, also subtract the exponents: \(12 - 1 = 11\), resulting in \(b^{11}\). Thus, the simplified expression is \(a^6 * b^{11}\). Option A is incorrect because it miscalculates the exponent of \(b\). Option B incorrectly maintains the exponent of \(b\) at 12. Option C fails to adjust the exponent of \(a\) correctly. Only option D accurately reflects the simplification.
Other Related Questions
In triangle ABC above, AC ||DE. If AD = 2x - 1 and AC = 3x - 1 , what is the value of x ?
- A. 3
- B. 4
- C. 5
- D. 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
In triangle ABC, since AC is parallel to DE, the segments AD and AC are proportional. This relationship can be expressed as AD = AC. Substituting the expressions gives us the equation: 2x - 1 = 3x - 1. Solving for x, we simplify to 2x - 3x = -1 + 1, leading to -x = 0, or x = 3. Option B (4), C (5), and D (6) do not satisfy the equation derived from the parallel lines, making them incorrect. Only x = 3 maintains the equality, confirming the proportional relationship in the triangle.
In triangle ABC, since AC is parallel to DE, the segments AD and AC are proportional. This relationship can be expressed as AD = AC. Substituting the expressions gives us the equation: 2x - 1 = 3x - 1. Solving for x, we simplify to 2x - 3x = -1 + 1, leading to -x = 0, or x = 3. Option B (4), C (5), and D (6) do not satisfy the equation derived from the parallel lines, making them incorrect. Only x = 3 maintains the equality, confirming the proportional relationship in the triangle.
If the values of x and y are negative, which of the following values must be positive?
- A. x²-y²
- B. x/y
- C. x+y
- D. x-y
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
When both x and y are negative, the quotient \( x/y \) results in a positive value. This is because dividing a negative number by another negative number yields a positive outcome. Option A, \( x^2 - y^2 \), can be either positive or negative depending on the magnitudes of x and y; thus, it is not guaranteed to be positive. Option C, \( x + y \), is the sum of two negative numbers, which will always be negative. Option D, \( x - y \), involves subtracting a negative (y) from another negative (x), which can also yield a negative or zero result, depending on their values. Only \( x/y \) is assuredly positive.
When both x and y are negative, the quotient \( x/y \) results in a positive value. This is because dividing a negative number by another negative number yields a positive outcome. Option A, \( x^2 - y^2 \), can be either positive or negative depending on the magnitudes of x and y; thus, it is not guaranteed to be positive. Option C, \( x + y \), is the sum of two negative numbers, which will always be negative. Option D, \( x - y \), involves subtracting a negative (y) from another negative (x), which can also yield a negative or zero result, depending on their values. Only \( x/y \) is assuredly positive.
The average of 5 numbers is 11. Which of the following must be true?
- A. The range of the 5 numbers is 55.
- B. The sum of the 5 numbers is 55.
- C. The median of 5 numbers is 11.
- D. The mode of 5 numbers is 11.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
To find the average of 5 numbers, you sum them and divide by 5. If the average is 11, the total sum must be 5 times 11, which equals 55. Thus, option B is true. Option A is incorrect; the range is the difference between the highest and lowest numbers, which can vary regardless of the average. Option C is also not necessarily true; the median, or middle value, can differ from the average depending on the distribution of the numbers. Option D is incorrect; the mode, or most frequently occurring number, does not have to be the same as the average.
To find the average of 5 numbers, you sum them and divide by 5. If the average is 11, the total sum must be 5 times 11, which equals 55. Thus, option B is true. Option A is incorrect; the range is the difference between the highest and lowest numbers, which can vary regardless of the average. Option C is also not necessarily true; the median, or middle value, can differ from the average depending on the distribution of the numbers. Option D is incorrect; the mode, or most frequently occurring number, does not have to be the same as the average.
If the combined amount of donations collected by Kevin, Fran, and Brooke exceeded the amount Lamar collected by $250, what was the total amount of donations collected by all five club members?
- A. $500
- B. $1,200
- C. $2,500
- D. $3,200
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To determine the total amount of donations collected by all five club members, we start with the information that the combined donations of Kevin, Fran, and Brooke exceeded Lamar's by $250. If we denote Lamar's donations as \( L \), then the amount collected by Kevin, Fran, and Brooke is \( L + 250 \). Thus, the total donations from all five members can be expressed as \( L + (L + 250) = 2L + 250 \). To find a plausible total, we consider the options. - A: $500 is too low, as it doesn't allow for both \( L \) and the excess amount. - B: $1,200 also falls short since it would imply \( L \) is negative. - D: $3,200 would require \( L \) to be too high, exceeding reasonable donation limits. C: $2,500 fits perfectly, allowing \( L \) to be $1,125, which is a feasible figure. Therefore, the total amount is logically $2,500.
To determine the total amount of donations collected by all five club members, we start with the information that the combined donations of Kevin, Fran, and Brooke exceeded Lamar's by $250. If we denote Lamar's donations as \( L \), then the amount collected by Kevin, Fran, and Brooke is \( L + 250 \). Thus, the total donations from all five members can be expressed as \( L + (L + 250) = 2L + 250 \). To find a plausible total, we consider the options. - A: $500 is too low, as it doesn't allow for both \( L \) and the excess amount. - B: $1,200 also falls short since it would imply \( L \) is negative. - D: $3,200 would require \( L \) to be too high, exceeding reasonable donation limits. C: $2,500 fits perfectly, allowing \( L \) to be $1,125, which is a feasible figure. Therefore, the total amount is logically $2,500.