16Hit1600
AlgebraMediumVertex of a triangle formed by two lines and the y-axis

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, the lines y = 3x − 2 and y = −2x + 8 and the y-axis form a triangle. What is the x-coordinate of the vertex of the triangle that is not on the y-axis?

Answer: 2

The vertex off the y-axis is where the two lines meet: 3x − 2 = −2x + 8 → 5x = 10 → x = 2.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 4
4 is the y-coordinate of that vertex (3·2 − 2).
If you answered 8
8 is the y-intercept of the second line.
If you answered -2
−2 is the y-intercept of the first line, a vertex on the y-axis.

More Algebra questions

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