SAT · Math —

Heart of Algebra appeared 17 times across 1 year — 100% of Math. This question is from Slope of Perpendicular Lines.

Year 2023 Total
Questions 17 17

What is the slope of the line perpendicular to the one shown below?
Slope of Perpendicular Lines diagram for Q1 - SAT 2023
A Cartesian coordinate plane showing a straight line passing through (0, -3) and (4, 0).

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
m⊥ = -(1)/(m)

where m is the slope of the given line and m⊥ is the slope of the line perpendicular to it.

Core Logic

Identify two points on the line shown in the graph: (0, -3) and (4, 0).

Calculate the slope m using the rise over run formula:

m = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) = (0 - (-3))/(4 - 0) = (3)/(4)

The slope of any perpendicular line is the negative reciprocal of (3)/(4).

Step 1: Calculate Perpendicular Slope
m⊥ = -(1)/(3/4) = -(4)/(3)

Hence, choice C is correct.

Pattern Recognition

Line graph arrow count rise/run to find m. Perpendicular slope is always the negative reciprocal flip.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

More Heart of Algebra Previous-Year Questions — Page 4

Q16 sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Using the following equation, what value of A makes the following system of equations have (-(4)/(7), -(1)/(7)) as a solution? Ax + 5y = -3 -8x + Ay = 4
  • A. 3
  • B. 5
  • C. 4
  • D. -4

Solution

Related Formula

A point (x₀, y₀) is a solution to a system of equations if substituting (x₀, y₀) into each equation yields a true identity.

Core Logic

Substitute x = -(4)/(7) and y = -(1)/(7) into Ax + 5y = -3:

A(-(4)/(7)) + 5(-(1)/(7)) = -3 -(4A)/(7) - (5)/(7) = -3

Multiply by 7:

-4A - 5 = -21 -4A = -16 A = 4
Step 1: Verification in Second Equation

Check A = 4 in -8x + Ay = 4:

-8(-(4)/(7)) + 4(-(1)/(7)) = (32 - 4)/(7) = (28)/(7) = 4 (Verified)

Thus, A = 4 (Option C).

Pattern Recognition

Given solution point (x, y) arrow substitute directly into linear equation to solve for unknown parameter A.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

Q17 sat_math_2023_01_january_morning Systems of Linear Inequalities
Choose the answer choice that best graphically displays the following equations: y < 2x + 4 y ≥ -(1)/(3)x - 2
  • A. A
  • B. B
  • C. C
  • D. D

Solution

Related Formula

For y < mx + b, boundary is dashed, shading is below. For y ≥ mx + b, boundary is solid, shading is above.

Core Logic

Analyze boundary line 1: y = 2x + 4

  • Dashed line with y-intercept (0, 4) and positive slope 2.
  • y < 2x + 4 shade BELOW the dashed line.
  • Analyze boundary line 2: y = -(1)/(3)x - 2

  • Solid line with y-intercept (0, -2) and negative slope -(1)/(3).
  • y ≥ -(1)/(3)x - 2 shade ABOVE the solid line.
Step 1: Select Matching Graph

Graph A correctly shows shading above the solid line y = -(1)/(3)x - 2 and below the dashed line y = 2x + 4.

Hence, choice A is correct.

Pattern Recognition

Dashed vs. solid line test arrow strict inequality (<) requires dashed; non-strict (≥) requires solid.

Chapter Mix

SAT Math: Heart of Algebra

More Heart of Algebra Questions — sat_math_2023_01_january_morning

Practice all Heart of Algebra previous-year questions →

Rankbit System
JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)