16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardStandard-form equation from two intercepts

Algebra practice question

Which of the following is an equation of the line in the xy-plane that passes through the points (3, 0) and (0, −2)?

  1. A. 2x − 3y = 6Correct
  2. B. 2x + 3y = 6
  3. C. 3x − 2y = 6
  4. D. 2x − 3y = −6

Answer: A. 2x − 3y = 6

Slope: (−2 − 0)/(0 − 3) = 2/3, and the y-intercept is −2: y = (2/3)x − 2. Multiply by 3: 3y = 2x − 6, so 2x − 3y = 6. Check (3, 0): 6 − 0 = 6.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 2x + 3y = 6
2x + 3y = 6 passes through (3, 0) but gives y = 2 at x = 0, not −2.
C. 3x − 2y = 6
3x − 2y = 6 gives x = 2 at y = 0, not 3.
D. 2x − 3y = −6
2x − 3y = −6 has the right slope but passes through (−3, 0) and (0, 2).

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