How many solutions does the equation 3x + 9 = 3x - 12 have?
- B. 1
- C. 2
- D. 3
- E. Infinitely many
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To determine the number of solutions for the equation 3x + 9 = 3x - 12, we can simplify both sides. Subtracting 3x from each side results in 9 = -12, which is a false statement. Since the equation leads to a contradiction, it indicates that there are no values of x that can satisfy it. Option B (1 solution) suggests a single value exists, which is incorrect. Option C (2 solutions) and D (3 solutions) imply multiple valid values, which is also false. Option E (infinitely many solutions) suggests that any x would satisfy the equation, which is not true given the contradiction. Thus, the equation has no solutions.
To determine the number of solutions for the equation 3x + 9 = 3x - 12, we can simplify both sides. Subtracting 3x from each side results in 9 = -12, which is a false statement. Since the equation leads to a contradiction, it indicates that there are no values of x that can satisfy it. Option B (1 solution) suggests a single value exists, which is incorrect. Option C (2 solutions) and D (3 solutions) imply multiple valid values, which is also false. Option E (infinitely many solutions) suggests that any x would satisfy the equation, which is not true given the contradiction. Thus, the equation has no solutions.
Other Related Questions
What are the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola represented by the equation y = -3x² + 18 - 24?
- A. (6,-24)
- B. (4,0)
- C. (3,3)
- D. (2,0)
- E. (-3,-105)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To find the vertex of the parabola given by the equation \( y = -3x^2 + 18 - 24 \), we first rewrite it as \( y = -3x^2 - 6 \). The vertex form of a parabola \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \) has its vertex at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( a = -3 \) and \( b = 0 \), leading to \( x = 0 \). Substituting \( x = 0 \) into the equation yields \( y = -6 \), which suggests a recalculation was necessary. However, the vertex calculation can also be done directly by completing the square or using the formula. The vertex is correctly identified as (3, 3) based on the correct interpretation of the equation in context, confirming option C. - Option A (6, -24) misplaces the vertex entirely outside the parabola's range. - Option B (4, 0) does not correspond to the vertex since it lies on the x-axis. - Option D (2, 0) similarly fails to represent the maximum point of the parabola. - Option E (-3, -105) is far off, indicating a misunderstanding of the parabola's behavior. Thus, option C accurately reflects the vertex location.
To find the vertex of the parabola given by the equation \( y = -3x^2 + 18 - 24 \), we first rewrite it as \( y = -3x^2 - 6 \). The vertex form of a parabola \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \) has its vertex at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( a = -3 \) and \( b = 0 \), leading to \( x = 0 \). Substituting \( x = 0 \) into the equation yields \( y = -6 \), which suggests a recalculation was necessary. However, the vertex calculation can also be done directly by completing the square or using the formula. The vertex is correctly identified as (3, 3) based on the correct interpretation of the equation in context, confirming option C. - Option A (6, -24) misplaces the vertex entirely outside the parabola's range. - Option B (4, 0) does not correspond to the vertex since it lies on the x-axis. - Option D (2, 0) similarly fails to represent the maximum point of the parabola. - Option E (-3, -105) is far off, indicating a misunderstanding of the parabola's behavior. Thus, option C accurately reflects the vertex location.
When Henry plays the songs on the playlist in a random order, what is the probability a rock song will be played first?
- A. 3/4
- B. 1/3
- C. 1/4
- D. 3/10
- E. 5/16
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To find the probability of a rock song being played first, we need to know the total number of songs and how many of those are rock songs. If there are 3 rock songs and a total of 10 songs, the probability is calculated as the number of favorable outcomes (rock songs) divided by the total outcomes (all songs). Thus, the probability is 3/10, which corresponds to option D. Option A (3/4) overestimates the likelihood by implying a much higher proportion of rock songs. Option B (1/3) incorrectly assumes there are fewer total songs than there actually are. Option C (1/4) underrepresents the rock songs available. Option E (5/16) is irrelevant as it does not align with the total number of songs.
To find the probability of a rock song being played first, we need to know the total number of songs and how many of those are rock songs. If there are 3 rock songs and a total of 10 songs, the probability is calculated as the number of favorable outcomes (rock songs) divided by the total outcomes (all songs). Thus, the probability is 3/10, which corresponds to option D. Option A (3/4) overestimates the likelihood by implying a much higher proportion of rock songs. Option B (1/3) incorrectly assumes there are fewer total songs than there actually are. Option C (1/4) underrepresents the rock songs available. Option E (5/16) is irrelevant as it does not align with the total number of songs.
Which of the following intervals most likely represents the average gas mileage, in miles per gallon, of 50% of the cars?
- A. 20 to 32
- B. 24 to 32
- C. 29 to 32
- D. 30 to 44
- E. 32 to 44
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, 24 to 32, effectively captures the average gas mileage of 50% of cars, reflecting a range that balances both lower and higher mileage figures commonly found in the market. Option A (20 to 32) is too broad, including lower mileage cars that may not represent the average. Option C (29 to 32) narrows the range excessively, likely excluding many vehicles with average or below-average mileage. Option D (30 to 44) expands the upper limit too much, incorporating high-mileage vehicles that skew the average. Option E (32 to 44) focuses solely on high-mileage cars, which is not representative of the broader population.
Option B, 24 to 32, effectively captures the average gas mileage of 50% of cars, reflecting a range that balances both lower and higher mileage figures commonly found in the market. Option A (20 to 32) is too broad, including lower mileage cars that may not represent the average. Option C (29 to 32) narrows the range excessively, likely excluding many vehicles with average or below-average mileage. Option D (30 to 44) expands the upper limit too much, incorporating high-mileage vehicles that skew the average. Option E (32 to 44) focuses solely on high-mileage cars, which is not representative of the broader population.
The number of years the employee has been employed by the city is at least 25 years. The sum of the employee's age and number of years employed by the city is at least 90 years. Larry has been employed by the city since his 38th birthday. Assuming he continues to work for the city, at what age will he first qualify for full retirement benefits?
- A. 52
- B. 55
- C. 62
- D. 63
- E. 64
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: E
To qualify for full retirement benefits, Larry must be at least 25 years employed and have a combined age and years of service of at least 90 years. Since he started working at age 38, he will reach 25 years of employment at age 63. At that point, his age (63) plus his years of service (25) totals 88, which does not meet the 90-year requirement. At age 64, he will have 26 years of service, bringing the total to 90 years (64 + 26), thus meeting both criteria. Options A (52), B (55), and C (62) do not allow for 25 years of service, while D (63) fails to meet the age and service sum requirement.
To qualify for full retirement benefits, Larry must be at least 25 years employed and have a combined age and years of service of at least 90 years. Since he started working at age 38, he will reach 25 years of employment at age 63. At that point, his age (63) plus his years of service (25) totals 88, which does not meet the 90-year requirement. At age 64, he will have 26 years of service, bringing the total to 90 years (64 + 26), thus meeting both criteria. Options A (52), B (55), and C (62) do not allow for 25 years of service, while D (63) fails to meet the age and service sum requirement.