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 cyclist can travel 17.6 feet per second. The cyclist would have a better understanding of her speed if it were measured in miles per hour. Which of these completes the expression used to convert the speed of the cyclist to miles per hour?
- A. 1 hour/60 seconds = 1 mile/5,280 feet
- B. 60 minutes/1 hour = 1 mile/5280 feet
- C. 60 minutes/1 hour = 5280 feet/1 mile
- D. 12 inches/1 foot = 60 minutes/1 hour
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To convert speed from feet per second to miles per hour, the conversion factors must relate time and distance appropriately. Option C correctly expresses the relationship between miles and feet, stating that 1 mile equals 5280 feet. Additionally, it includes the conversion of minutes to hours, with 60 minutes equating to 1 hour, which is essential for converting seconds to hours. Option A incorrectly suggests a different time conversion that mixes hours and seconds without properly aligning the units. Option B, while correctly stating the time conversion, mistakenly places the units in an incorrect order. Option D is irrelevant, as it focuses on inches and does not contribute to the necessary conversions for speed.
To convert speed from feet per second to miles per hour, the conversion factors must relate time and distance appropriately. Option C correctly expresses the relationship between miles and feet, stating that 1 mile equals 5280 feet. Additionally, it includes the conversion of minutes to hours, with 60 minutes equating to 1 hour, which is essential for converting seconds to hours. Option A incorrectly suggests a different time conversion that mixes hours and seconds without properly aligning the units. Option B, while correctly stating the time conversion, mistakenly places the units in an incorrect order. Option D is irrelevant, as it focuses on inches and does not contribute to the necessary conversions for speed.
Lisa is decorating her office with two fully stocked aquariums. She saw an advertisement for Jorge's pet store in the newspaper. Jorge's store sells fish for aquariums. The table shows the fish Lisa buys from Jorge's pet store.
Jorge tells each customer that the total lengths, in inches, of the fish in an aquarium cannot exceed the number of gallons of water the aquarium contains.
What is the mean price of all the fish Lisa buys for her aquarium?
- A. $2.99
- B. $6.45
- C. $3.39
- D. $5.14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To find the mean price of the fish Lisa buys, the total cost of the fish must be divided by the number of fish purchased. If Lisa bought, for instance, 5 fish costing $2.99, $3.39, $5.14, $6.45, and $7.00, the total cost would be calculated first, then divided by 5. The resulting mean price would be $3.39. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the average based on the given data. A mean price of $2.99 or $6.45 would suggest a different total cost or number of fish, which does not align with the calculations based on Lisa's purchases.
To find the mean price of the fish Lisa buys, the total cost of the fish must be divided by the number of fish purchased. If Lisa bought, for instance, 5 fish costing $2.99, $3.39, $5.14, $6.45, and $7.00, the total cost would be calculated first, then divided by 5. The resulting mean price would be $3.39. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the average based on the given data. A mean price of $2.99 or $6.45 would suggest a different total cost or number of fish, which does not align with the calculations based on Lisa's purchases.
The graph shows data for a 5-hour glucose tolerance test for four patients.
Symptoms of a patient with diabetes during a 5-hour glucose tolerance test include a high blood-glucose level that increases quickly and then decreases only minimally over the 5-hour period. Which patient displays symptoms of diabetes?
- A. patient 2
- B. patient 1
- C. patient 4
- D. patient 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Patient 4 exhibits a rapid increase in blood glucose levels followed by a minimal decrease over the 5-hour test, indicating poor glucose regulation typical of diabetes. This pattern reflects the body's inability to effectively utilize insulin. In contrast, Patient 1 shows a quick rise followed by a significant decline, suggesting normal glucose metabolism. Patient 2 may demonstrate a slight increase but returns to baseline, indicating no diabetes. Patient 3's levels remain stable, which is also indicative of normal glucose tolerance. Thus, only Patient 4 aligns with the expected symptoms of diabetes during the test.
Patient 4 exhibits a rapid increase in blood glucose levels followed by a minimal decrease over the 5-hour test, indicating poor glucose regulation typical of diabetes. This pattern reflects the body's inability to effectively utilize insulin. In contrast, Patient 1 shows a quick rise followed by a significant decline, suggesting normal glucose metabolism. Patient 2 may demonstrate a slight increase but returns to baseline, indicating no diabetes. Patient 3's levels remain stable, which is also indicative of normal glucose tolerance. Thus, only Patient 4 aligns with the expected symptoms of diabetes during the test.
What is the value of 2/5 multiplied by ¾ divide by 8/5
- A. 12\25
- B. 1\3
- C. 3\16
- D. 64/75
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To solve \( \frac{2}{5} \times \frac{3}{4} \div \frac{8}{5} \), first, convert the division into multiplication by flipping the second fraction: \[ \frac{2}{5} \times \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{5}{8} \] Next, multiply the fractions: \[ \frac{2 \times 3 \times 5}{5 \times 4 \times 8} = \frac{30}{160} \] Simplifying \( \frac{30}{160} \) gives \( \frac{3}{16} \), confirming option C. Option A (12/25) is incorrect as it does not simplify correctly from the original operation. Option B (1/3) results from an incorrect multiplication or division process. Option D (64/75) does not match the calculated result and suggests an error in fraction handling.
To solve \( \frac{2}{5} \times \frac{3}{4} \div \frac{8}{5} \), first, convert the division into multiplication by flipping the second fraction: \[ \frac{2}{5} \times \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{5}{8} \] Next, multiply the fractions: \[ \frac{2 \times 3 \times 5}{5 \times 4 \times 8} = \frac{30}{160} \] Simplifying \( \frac{30}{160} \) gives \( \frac{3}{16} \), confirming option C. Option A (12/25) is incorrect as it does not simplify correctly from the original operation. Option B (1/3) results from an incorrect multiplication or division process. Option D (64/75) does not match the calculated result and suggests an error in fraction handling.