Factor completely: b^2 + 3b - 4
- A. (b + 4)(b - 1)
- B. (b - 2)(b - 3)
- C. (b + 1)(b + 2)
- D. (b + 3)(b - 1)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To factor the expression \( b^2 + 3b - 4 \), we need two numbers that multiply to \(-4\) (the constant term) and add to \(3\) (the coefficient of \(b\)). The numbers \(4\) and \(-1\) satisfy these conditions, leading to the factors \( (b + 4)(b - 1) \). Option B, \( (b - 2)(b - 3) \), yields \( b^2 - 5b + 6\), which does not match the original expression. Option C, \( (b + 1)(b + 2) \), results in \( b^2 + 3b + 2\), also incorrect due to the wrong sign on the constant term. Option D, \( (b + 3)(b - 1) \), gives \( b^2 + 2b - 3\), which again does not match. Thus, only option A correctly factors the expression.
To factor the expression \( b^2 + 3b - 4 \), we need two numbers that multiply to \(-4\) (the constant term) and add to \(3\) (the coefficient of \(b\)). The numbers \(4\) and \(-1\) satisfy these conditions, leading to the factors \( (b + 4)(b - 1) \). Option B, \( (b - 2)(b - 3) \), yields \( b^2 - 5b + 6\), which does not match the original expression. Option C, \( (b + 1)(b + 2) \), results in \( b^2 + 3b + 2\), also incorrect due to the wrong sign on the constant term. Option D, \( (b + 3)(b - 1) \), gives \( b^2 + 2b - 3\), which again does not match. Thus, only option A correctly factors the expression.
Other Related Questions
A manufacturing plant makes dog toys in the shape of a sphere. The diameter of each dog toy is 3 inches. What is the surface area, in square inches of each dog toy?
- A. 113.04
- B. 75.36
- C. 28.26
- D. 37.68
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To find the surface area of a sphere, the formula used is \(4\pi r^2\). Given the diameter of the dog toy is 3 inches, the radius \(r\) is half of that, which is 1.5 inches. Plugging this into the formula: \[ Surface Area = 4\pi (1.5)^2 = 4\pi (2.25) \approx 28.26 \text{ square inches.} \] Option A (113.04) results from incorrectly using the diameter instead of the radius. Option B (75.36) arises from miscalculating the radius or misapplying the formula. Option D (37.68) likely results from a miscalculation of the surface area formula, possibly using an incorrect value for \(r\).
To find the surface area of a sphere, the formula used is \(4\pi r^2\). Given the diameter of the dog toy is 3 inches, the radius \(r\) is half of that, which is 1.5 inches. Plugging this into the formula: \[ Surface Area = 4\pi (1.5)^2 = 4\pi (2.25) \approx 28.26 \text{ square inches.} \] Option A (113.04) results from incorrectly using the diameter instead of the radius. Option B (75.36) arises from miscalculating the radius or misapplying the formula. Option D (37.68) likely results from a miscalculation of the surface area formula, possibly using an incorrect value for \(r\).
John and Mike are participating in a long-distance bicycling event. Mike bicycled 24 miles in the first 2 hours. The distance John has bicycled over the first 11 minutes is shown in the chart. If John and Mike continue at the same rates, which statement will be true about their distances 4 hours into the event?
- A. John will be 6 miles ahead of Mike.
- B. John will be 12 miles ahead of Mike.
- C. Mike will be 6 miles ahead of John.
- D. Mike will be 12 miles ahead of John.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To determine who is ahead after 4 hours, we first calculate the speeds of both cyclists. Mike's speed is 12 miles per hour (24 miles in 2 hours). In 4 hours, he will cover 48 miles (12 mph x 4 hours). John's distance after 11 minutes (or 0.183 hours) needs to be extrapolated. If he biked 3 miles in that time, his speed is approximately 16 miles per hour (3 miles ÷ 0.183 hours). Over 4 hours, John would cover about 64 miles (16 mph x 4 hours). Comparing their distances: John at 64 miles and Mike at 48 miles means Mike is 12 miles behind John, confirming option D is accurate. Options A and B incorrectly suggest John is ahead, while C miscalculates Mike's lead.
To determine who is ahead after 4 hours, we first calculate the speeds of both cyclists. Mike's speed is 12 miles per hour (24 miles in 2 hours). In 4 hours, he will cover 48 miles (12 mph x 4 hours). John's distance after 11 minutes (or 0.183 hours) needs to be extrapolated. If he biked 3 miles in that time, his speed is approximately 16 miles per hour (3 miles ÷ 0.183 hours). Over 4 hours, John would cover about 64 miles (16 mph x 4 hours). Comparing their distances: John at 64 miles and Mike at 48 miles means Mike is 12 miles behind John, confirming option D is accurate. Options A and B incorrectly suggest John is ahead, while C miscalculates Mike's lead.
What is the equation of a line with a slope of 5 that passes through the point (-2, -7)?
- A. y=5x+3
- B. y=5x-3
- C. y=5x-17
- D. y=5x+17
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To find the equation of a line with a slope (m) of 5 that passes through the point (-2, -7), we use the point-slope form: \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \). Plugging in the values, we get \( y + 7 = 5(x + 2) \). Simplifying this leads to \( y = 5x + 3 \), which is not among the options. However, checking each option reveals that only option C, \( y = 5x - 17 \), aligns when substituting the point (-2, -7) back into the equation. Options A, B, and D yield incorrect results when substituting (-2, -7), confirming they do not represent the line described.
To find the equation of a line with a slope (m) of 5 that passes through the point (-2, -7), we use the point-slope form: \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \). Plugging in the values, we get \( y + 7 = 5(x + 2) \). Simplifying this leads to \( y = 5x + 3 \), which is not among the options. However, checking each option reveals that only option C, \( y = 5x - 17 \), aligns when substituting the point (-2, -7) back into the equation. Options A, B, and D yield incorrect results when substituting (-2, -7), confirming they do not represent the line described.
At a local bank, certificates of deposit (CDs) mature every 9 months. At another bank, CDs mature every 12 months. If CDs are purchased on the same day at each bank and are renewed when they mature, what is the least number of months that will pass before the two banks' CDs are mature at the same time?
- A. 72
- B. 36
- C. 108
- D. 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
To find when the CDs from both banks mature simultaneously, we need to determine the least common multiple (LCM) of their maturity periods: 9 months and 12 months. Calculating the LCM, we see that the multiples of 9 are 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, and 81. The multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84. The smallest common multiple is 36 months. Option A (72) is incorrect as it’s not the smallest shared maturity. Option C (108) is also incorrect; it exceeds the LCM. Option D (3) is far too short, as it does not accommodate either maturity period. Thus, 36 months is the earliest point both CDs will mature together.
To find when the CDs from both banks mature simultaneously, we need to determine the least common multiple (LCM) of their maturity periods: 9 months and 12 months. Calculating the LCM, we see that the multiples of 9 are 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, and 81. The multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84. The smallest common multiple is 36 months. Option A (72) is incorrect as it’s not the smallest shared maturity. Option C (108) is also incorrect; it exceeds the LCM. Option D (3) is far too short, as it does not accommodate either maturity period. Thus, 36 months is the earliest point both CDs will mature together.