Advanced MathHardSum of squares equal to zero
Advanced Math practice question
The equation (x + 1)² + (y − 2)² = 0 has exactly one solution (x, y) in real numbers. What is the value of x + y?
Answer: 1
A sum of two squares is 0 only when both squares are 0: x = −1 and y = 2. So x + y = 1.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 3
- 3 comes from x = 1 and y = 2, mistaking the sign of x.
- If you answered -1
- −1 is x alone.
- If you answered -3
- −3 comes from x = −1 and y = −2.
More Advanced Math questions
- Hard
A population of bacteria doubles every 3 hours. If it starts at 500, which function models the population P af… - Hard
How many real solutions does x² + 4x + 5 = 0 have? - Hard
A car worth $20,000 loses 15% of its value each year. What is its value after 2 years? - Hard
An investment of $1,000 grows at 6% per year, compounded annually. Which expression gives its value after t ye… - Hard
If f(x) = x² − 1 and g(x) = x + 2, what is g(f(3))? - Hard
The parabola y = x² − 8x + 12 crosses the x-axis at two points. What is the x-coordinate of the vertex?
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.