16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardTwo constants from one meeting point

Algebra practice question

The functions h and p are defined by h(x) = kx + 4 and p(x) = 2x + j, where k and j are constants. In the xy-plane, the graphs of h and p intersect at (3, 1). What is the value of k + j?

Answer: -6

h(3) = 3k + 4 = 1 gives k = −1; p(3) = 6 + j = 1 gives j = −5. So k + j = −6.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 4
4 comes from sign errors in both constants.
If you answered -4
−4 mixes up which constant multiplies x.
If you answered -1
−1 is k alone.

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