16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardPositive constant making two lines parallel but distinct

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, the lines kx + 2y = 6 and 2x + ky = 8 are parallel and distinct, where k is a positive constant. What is the value of k?

Answer: 2

Slopes: −k/2 and −2/k. Parallel means −k/2 = −2/k, so k² = 4 and k = 2 (positive). With k = 2 the lines are y = −x + 3 and y = −x + 4, which are distinct.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1
1 gives slopes −1/2 and −2, which are not equal.
If you answered 4
4 is k², not k.
If you answered -2
−2 also makes the slopes equal but is not positive.

More Algebra questions

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