16Hit 1600
AlgebraVery hardSelf-referencing constant on a line

Algebra practice question

The graph of 2x − 3y = c passes through the point (c, c − 4). What is the value of c?

Answer: 6

Substitute the point: 2c − 3(c − 4) = c, so −c + 12 = c and c = 6.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 3
Check the distribution: 2c − 3c + 12 = c leads to c = 6.
If you answered 4
4 comes from dropping a term; carefully distribute −3 over (c − 4) to get −3c + 12.
If you answered 12
12 is the constant after distributing; the equation −c + 12 = c still must be solved, giving 6.

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