16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardLeading coefficient from three points

Advanced Math practice question

In the xy-plane, the graph of y = ax² + bx + c passes through the points (0, 3), (1, 0), and (−1, 8). What is the value of a?

Answer: 1

c = 3. Then a + b + 3 = 0 and a − b + 3 = 8; adding gives 2a + 6 = 8, so a = 1.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 3
3 is c.
If you answered 4
4 is a − b + 3 − 7, a slip; 2a = 2.
If you answered -4
−4 is b.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.