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.
Other Related Questions
The average of 4 numbers is 9. If one of the numbers is 7, what is the sum of the other 3 numbers?
- A. 2
- B. 12
- C. 29
- D. 36
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To find the sum of the other three numbers, start by calculating the total sum of all four numbers. Since the average is 9, multiply this by 4, yielding a total of 36. Given that one of the numbers is 7, subtract this from the total: 36 - 7 = 29. Therefore, the sum of the other three numbers is 29. Option A (2) is too low, as it does not account for the total sum needed. Option B (12) underestimates the remaining numbers. Option D (36) mistakenly includes the known number, rather than calculating the sum of the others.
To find the sum of the other three numbers, start by calculating the total sum of all four numbers. Since the average is 9, multiply this by 4, yielding a total of 36. Given that one of the numbers is 7, subtract this from the total: 36 - 7 = 29. Therefore, the sum of the other three numbers is 29. Option A (2) is too low, as it does not account for the total sum needed. Option B (12) underestimates the remaining numbers. Option D (36) mistakenly includes the known number, rather than calculating the sum of the others.
During a sale, the regular price of a pair of running shoes is reduced by 20 percent. $64.00, what is the regular price of the running shoes?
- A. $48.00
- B. $51.20
- C. $76.80
- D. $80.00
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To find the regular price of the running shoes, we need to determine what amount, when reduced by 20%, equals $64.00. This can be calculated using the formula: Sale Price = Regular Price × (1 - Discount Rate). Here, the discount rate is 20%, or 0.20. Therefore, the equation becomes $64.00 = Regular Price × 0.80. Solving for Regular Price gives us $64.00 / 0.80 = $80.00. Option A ($48.00) is incorrect because it suggests a much larger discount than 20%. Option B ($51.20) miscalculates the reduction, indicating a 36% discount. Option C ($76.80) inaccurately reflects a smaller discount, resulting in an incorrect sale price. Thus, only option D correctly represents the regular price before the 20% reduction.
To find the regular price of the running shoes, we need to determine what amount, when reduced by 20%, equals $64.00. This can be calculated using the formula: Sale Price = Regular Price × (1 - Discount Rate). Here, the discount rate is 20%, or 0.20. Therefore, the equation becomes $64.00 = Regular Price × 0.80. Solving for Regular Price gives us $64.00 / 0.80 = $80.00. Option A ($48.00) is incorrect because it suggests a much larger discount than 20%. Option B ($51.20) miscalculates the reduction, indicating a 36% discount. Option C ($76.80) inaccurately reflects a smaller discount, resulting in an incorrect sale price. Thus, only option D correctly represents the regular price before the 20% reduction.
Which of the following is equivalent to 12x +8?
- A. 4(3x+2)
- B. 4(3x+8)
- C. 4(3x+2x)
- D. 20x
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To determine the equivalent expression for \(12x + 8\), we can factor out the greatest common factor, which is 4. Option A, \(4(3x + 2)\), simplifies to \(12x + 8\) when distributed, making it equivalent to the original expression. Option B, \(4(3x + 8)\), simplifies to \(12x + 32\), which is not equivalent. Option C, \(4(3x + 2x)\), simplifies to \(4(5x)\) or \(20x\), which is also not equivalent. Option D, \(20x\), does not match the original expression either. Thus, only option A is correct.
To determine the equivalent expression for \(12x + 8\), we can factor out the greatest common factor, which is 4. Option A, \(4(3x + 2)\), simplifies to \(12x + 8\) when distributed, making it equivalent to the original expression. Option B, \(4(3x + 8)\), simplifies to \(12x + 32\), which is not equivalent. Option C, \(4(3x + 2x)\), simplifies to \(4(5x)\) or \(20x\), which is also not equivalent. Option D, \(20x\), does not match the original expression either. Thus, only option A is correct.
Which of the following could be the function graphed above?
- A. f(x)=x+1
- B. f(x)=x-1
- C. f(x)=|x|+1
- D. f(x)=x-1
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, \( f(x) = |x| + 1 \), accurately represents a V-shaped graph that opens upwards, with its vertex at (0, 1). This aligns with the characteristics of the graph shown. Option A, \( f(x) = x + 1 \), is a linear function with a slope of 1, resulting in a straight line, which does not match the V-shape. Option B, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is another linear function with a slope of 1, also producing a straight line that does not fit the graph. Option D, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is identical to Option B and shares the same linear characteristics, further confirming it cannot represent the V-shaped graph.
Option C, \( f(x) = |x| + 1 \), accurately represents a V-shaped graph that opens upwards, with its vertex at (0, 1). This aligns with the characteristics of the graph shown. Option A, \( f(x) = x + 1 \), is a linear function with a slope of 1, resulting in a straight line, which does not match the V-shape. Option B, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is another linear function with a slope of 1, also producing a straight line that does not fit the graph. Option D, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is identical to Option B and shares the same linear characteristics, further confirming it cannot represent the V-shaped graph.