16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardValue of a parameter from a parallel condition

Algebra practice question

The graph of f(x) = kx + 3 is parallel to the line through (1, 2) and (4, 11). What is the value of k?

Answer: 3

The line through (1, 2) and (4, 11) has slope (11 − 2)/(4 − 1) = 3. Parallel lines share slopes, so k = 3.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 9
9 is the change in y without dividing by the change in x.
If you answered 1/3
1/3 is the reciprocal (run over rise).
If you answered -3
−3 would be a line going the other way; parallel means the SAME slope.

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