AlgebraVery hardSmaller number from a sum-to-difference ratio
Algebra practice question
The sum of two numbers is three times their difference, and the larger number is 12. What is the smaller number?
Answer: 6
12 + y = 3(12 − y) gives 12 + y = 36 − 3y, so 4y = 24 and y = 6.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 3
- 3 halves 6.
- If you answered 4
- 4 is 12 ÷ 3.
- If you answered 9
- 9 comes from 12 + y = 3(12) − y.
More Algebra questions
- Very hard
For what value of c does the system 3x − 2y = 8 and 9x + cy = 5 have no solution? - Very hard
In the system 5x + 4y = 32 and 3x − 2y = 6, what is the value of 8x + 2y? - Very hard
The solution set of the inequality |ax − b| ≤ 6, where a and b are constants and a > 0, is 3 ≤ x ≤ 9. What is … - Very hard
The function f is linear, and for every value of x, f(x + 2) − f(x) = 6. If f(5) = 4, what is the value of f(0… - Very hard
In the system of equations 2x + 3y = 12 and 5x − 2y = k, where k is a constant, the solution (x, y) satisfies … - Very hard
In the xy-plane, the system of equations kx + 6y = 12 and 2x + (k − 1)y = 6, where k is a constant, has infini…
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.