16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardCoefficient of the linear term of a box's volume

Advanced Math practice question

A box has edge lengths x + 1, x + 2, and x + 3 centimetres, where x > 0. Its volume, in cubic centimetres, can be written as x³ + ax² + bx + c. What is the value of b?

Answer: 11

(x + 1)(x + 2) = x² + 3x + 2; multiplying by (x + 3) gives x³ + 6x² + 11x + 6. So b = 11.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 5
5 is 2 + 3, the sum of two of the constants, not the coefficient of x.
If you answered 6
6 is a (or c), not b.
If you answered 23
23 is a + b + c.

More Advanced Math questions

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