Math: f2f3fa00

ID: f2f3fa00 

(SAT Suite Question Bank > Find Questions > Assessment: SAT + Test: Math + Domain: Advanced Math)

Comment: If you have taken algebra or just about any science course in high school, this one ought to be a breeze.

Method 1: As is often the case, the setup does nothing other than explain the parts of the given equation. The question asks for the coefficient of "a" in v_f = xa + y, so we need to rearrange:

a = (v_f - 12)/5

5a = v_f - 12

5a + 12 = v_f

Although the last step is not strictly necessary to answer the question, it is good practice and takes maybe an extra second or two, so no harm done. As you can see, the coefficient of "a" is 5, which means that the correct answer is 5.

Method 2: You could use Desmos and trace the slope. After all, v_f = xa + y is just another form of y = mx + b. Substitute "x" for "a" and "y" for "v_f."

If you look at points that go through the crosshairs, you might choose, say, (-2, 2) and (-1, 7). The slope is the change in "y" over the change in "x": (7 - 2)/(-1 - -2) = 5/1 = 5.

The correct answer must be 5.

Method 3: There is nothing substantial to add to the methods outlined above. With a knowledge of basic algebra, you should be solving this one in under 30 seconds; the graph method might take a minute tops.