16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardParallel line through a point

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, line p passes through the points (0, 1) and (2, 5). Line q is parallel to line p and passes through the point (3, 2). What is the y-intercept of line q?

Answer: -4 or −4

Line p has slope (5 − 1)/(2 − 0) = 2. Parallel lines share a slope, so line q is y = 2x + b. Through (3, 2): 2 = 6 + b, b = −4.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1
1 is line p's y-intercept. Line q is a different line through (3, 2).
If you answered 2
2 is the slope, or the y-coordinate of the given point, not the intercept of q.
If you answered 4
4 has the wrong sign: 2 = 2(3) + b gives b = 2 − 6 = −4.

More Algebra questions

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