16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardConstant that makes two lines parallel

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, the lines 2x − 5y = 7 and kx + 10y = 3 are parallel. What is the value of k?

Answer: -4

The first line has slope 2/5. The second has slope −k/10, and −k/10 = 2/5 gives k = −4.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 2
2 copies the first coefficient.
If you answered 4
4 has the sign wrong.
If you answered -25
−25 uses the negative reciprocal, which gives perpendicular lines.

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