If |x|+|y| = 4 and x ≠y, then x CANNOT be equal to
- A. 2
- C. -2
- D. -5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The equation |x| + |y| = 4 defines a diamond-shaped region in the coordinate plane, where the sum of the absolute values of x and y equals 4. Option A (2) is possible since |2| + |y| = 4 allows y to be 2 or -2. Option C (-2) is also valid, as |-2| + |y| = 4 permits y to be 2 or -2. Option D (-5) is not feasible; | -5 | + |y| = 4 results in 5 + |y| = 4, which is impossible since |y| cannot be negative. Thus, -5 cannot satisfy the given equation while ensuring x ≠ y.
The equation |x| + |y| = 4 defines a diamond-shaped region in the coordinate plane, where the sum of the absolute values of x and y equals 4. Option A (2) is possible since |2| + |y| = 4 allows y to be 2 or -2. Option C (-2) is also valid, as |-2| + |y| = 4 permits y to be 2 or -2. Option D (-5) is not feasible; | -5 | + |y| = 4 results in 5 + |y| = 4, which is impossible since |y| cannot be negative. Thus, -5 cannot satisfy the given equation while ensuring x ≠ y.
Other Related Questions
In the xy-plane above, the circle has center (0, 0) and AB is a diameter of the circle. What is the equation of the line passing through points A and B?
- A. y=-2/3 x
- B. y=2/3 x
- C. y=3/2 x
- D. y=4x
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The line passing through points A and B, which are endpoints of a diameter of the circle centered at (0, 0), must be a straight line that passes through the origin. Option B, \(y = \frac{2}{3}x\), represents a line with a positive slope, indicating that as x increases, y also increases, which is consistent with the properties of a diameter. Option A, \(y = -\frac{2}{3}x\), has a negative slope, suggesting a downward trend, which does not align with the upward direction of a diameter in the first quadrant. Option C, \(y = \frac{3}{2}x\), has a steeper slope than option B, which may not accurately represent the diameter's angle unless specified. Option D, \(y = 4x\), has an even steeper slope, making it unlikely to be the diameter unless A and B are positioned at extreme angles, which is not given in the problem.
The line passing through points A and B, which are endpoints of a diameter of the circle centered at (0, 0), must be a straight line that passes through the origin. Option B, \(y = \frac{2}{3}x\), represents a line with a positive slope, indicating that as x increases, y also increases, which is consistent with the properties of a diameter. Option A, \(y = -\frac{2}{3}x\), has a negative slope, suggesting a downward trend, which does not align with the upward direction of a diameter in the first quadrant. Option C, \(y = \frac{3}{2}x\), has a steeper slope than option B, which may not accurately represent the diameter's angle unless specified. Option D, \(y = 4x\), has an even steeper slope, making it unlikely to be the diameter unless A and B are positioned at extreme angles, which is not given in the problem.
A salesperson's commission is k percent of the selling price of a car. Which of the following represents the commission, in dollars, on 2 cars that sold for $14,000 each?
- A. 280k
- B. 28,000k
- C. 14,000/(100+2k)
- D. (28,000+k)/100
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To determine the commission on 2 cars sold for $14,000 each, first calculate the total selling price: 2 × $14,000 = $28,000. The commission, being k percent of this total, is expressed as (k/100) × $28,000, which simplifies to $280k. Option B, 28,000k, incorrectly suggests the commission is k percent of the total without dividing by 100. Option C, 14,000/(100+2k), misrepresents the calculation entirely by altering the formula. Option D, (28,000+k)/100, incorrectly adds k to the total selling price before calculating the percentage, which is not aligned with commission calculation principles.
To determine the commission on 2 cars sold for $14,000 each, first calculate the total selling price: 2 × $14,000 = $28,000. The commission, being k percent of this total, is expressed as (k/100) × $28,000, which simplifies to $280k. Option B, 28,000k, incorrectly suggests the commission is k percent of the total without dividing by 100. Option C, 14,000/(100+2k), misrepresents the calculation entirely by altering the formula. Option D, (28,000+k)/100, incorrectly adds k to the total selling price before calculating the percentage, which is not aligned with commission calculation principles.
Fred, Norman, and Dave own a total of 128 comic books. If Dave owns 44 of them, what is the average (arithmetic mean) number of comic books owned by Fred and Norman?
- A. 42
- B. 44
- C. 46
- D. 48
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To find the average number of comic books owned by Fred and Norman, first determine how many comic books they collectively own. Since Dave has 44 comic books, subtract this from the total: 128 - 44 = 84. Fred and Norman together own 84 comic books. To find the average for the two, divide this number by 2: 84 ÷ 2 = 42. Option B (44) incorrectly assumes Fred and Norman have more than they actually do. Option C (46) miscalculates the average by not considering the correct total for Fred and Norman. Option D (48) similarly overestimates their combined ownership. Thus, the average is accurately calculated as 42.
To find the average number of comic books owned by Fred and Norman, first determine how many comic books they collectively own. Since Dave has 44 comic books, subtract this from the total: 128 - 44 = 84. Fred and Norman together own 84 comic books. To find the average for the two, divide this number by 2: 84 ÷ 2 = 42. Option B (44) incorrectly assumes Fred and Norman have more than they actually do. Option C (46) miscalculates the average by not considering the correct total for Fred and Norman. Option D (48) similarly overestimates their combined ownership. Thus, the average is accurately calculated as 42.
Point C is the center of the regular hexagon shown above. Which of the following expressions represents the area of this hexagon?
- A. 12xy
- B. 6xy
- C. 3xy
- D. xy
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The area of a regular hexagon can be calculated using the formula \( \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2} s^2 \), where \( s \) is the length of a side. The expression \( 6xy \) aligns with this area formula when considering specific dimensions of the hexagon defined by \( x \) and \( y \). Option A, \( 12xy \), overestimates the area, suggesting a larger hexagon than the dimensions allow. Option C, \( 3xy \), and Option D, \( xy \), both underestimate the area, not accounting for the full extent of the hexagon's geometry. Thus, \( 6xy \) accurately represents the area based on the given variables.
The area of a regular hexagon can be calculated using the formula \( \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2} s^2 \), where \( s \) is the length of a side. The expression \( 6xy \) aligns with this area formula when considering specific dimensions of the hexagon defined by \( x \) and \( y \). Option A, \( 12xy \), overestimates the area, suggesting a larger hexagon than the dimensions allow. Option C, \( 3xy \), and Option D, \( xy \), both underestimate the area, not accounting for the full extent of the hexagon's geometry. Thus, \( 6xy \) accurately represents the area based on the given variables.