AlgebraEasy–MediumInterpreting a system's solution in context
Algebra practice question
At a bake sale, a muffin costs m dollars and a cookie costs c dollars. The system m + c = 5 and 3m − c = 7 describes the prices. What is the price of a muffin?
- A. $3Correct
- B. $2
- C. $5
- D. $7
Answer: A. $3
Add the equations: 4m = 12, so m = 3. (Then c = 2.)
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. $2
- $2 is the cookie's price.
- C. $5
- $5 is the combined price of one of each.
- D. $7
- $7 is the constant from the second equation, not a price.
More Algebra questions
- Easy–Medium
A line passes through the points (0, 3) and (2, 7). What is the slope of the line? - Easy–Medium
A gym charges a $25 one-time signup fee plus $15 per month. Which equation gives the total cost C, in dollars,… - Easy–Medium
If 5(x − 2) = 3x + 4, what is the value of x? - Easy–Medium
A taxi charges a $3.50 base fare plus $2.25 per mile. If a ride costs $19.25 total, how many miles was the rid… - Easy–Medium
The equation of a line is 3x + 2y = 12. What is the y-coordinate of the point where the line crosses the y-axi… - Easy–Medium
A line in the xy-plane passes through the points (1, 5) and (4, 11). What is the y-intercept of the line?
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.