16Hit1600
AlgebraHardDifference of the solutions

Algebra practice question

If 4x − y = 5 and x + 2y = 8, what is the value of x − y?

Answer: -1 or −1

From the first, y = 4x − 5. Substitute: x + 8x − 10 = 8, so 9x = 18, x = 2, y = 3. x − y = −1.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1
1 is y − x, the difference the other way.
If you answered 2
2 is x alone.
If you answered 5
5 is x + y.

More Algebra questions

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