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Linear equations in one variable SAT question

Math · Algebra · Hard · Answer it here, explanation included.

In the given equation, and are constants and . The equation has no solution. What is the value of ?

Enter a number or fraction (like 3/17 or 0.176). Press Enter to check.

ExplanationShow

The correct answer is . A linear equation in the form has no solution only when the coefficients of on each side of the equation are equal and the constant terms are not equal. Dividing both sides of the given equation by yields , or . Since it’s given that the equation has no solution, the coefficient of on both sides of this equation must be equal, and the constant terms on both sides of this equation must not be equal. Since , and it's given that , the second condition is true. Thus, must be equal to . Note that -14/15, -.9333, and -0.933 are examples of ways to enter a correct answer.

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