16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardLine through two points: value of a missing coordinate

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, the points (1, 4), (3, 10), and (k, 16) lie on the same line. What is the value of k?

Answer: 5

Slope from the first two points: (10 − 4)/(3 − 1) = 3. From (3, 10) to (k, 16) the rise is 6, so the run is 2: k = 5.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 4
4 comes from a slope of 6 (using the rise without dividing by the run).
If you answered 6
6 is the rise from 10 to 16, not the run.
If you answered 7
7 adds 4 to 3 instead of 2.

More Algebra questions

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