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Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables SAT question

Math · Advanced Math · Medium · Answer it here, explanation included.

An oceanographer uses the equation $s equals, three halves p$ to model the speed s, in knots, of an ocean wave, where p represents the period of the wave, in seconds. Which of the following represents the period of the wave in terms of the speed of the wave?

ExplanationShow

Choice A is correct. It’s given that p represents the period of the ocean wave, so the equation $s equals, three halves p$ can be solved for p to represent the period of the wave in terms of the speed of the wave. Multiplying both sides of the equation by the reciprocal of $three halves$ will isolate p. This yields $two thirds s equals, two thirds times, three halves p$ , which simplifies to $two thirds s, equals p$ . Therefore, $p equals, two thirds s$ .

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from errors made when rearranging the equation to solve for p.

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Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables SAT question

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