If (p(x)=mx+n), (p(-2)=1) and (p(2)=17), what is (m)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 4
Given \(p(x)=mx+n\), we have \(p(2)=2m+n=17\) and \(p(-2)=-2m+n=1\). Subtracting the second equation from the first gives \(4m=16\), so \(m=4\). Note that \(16\) is the difference \(p(2)-p(-2)\), not the value of \(m\). Exam tip: subtracting two function-value equations eliminates the constant term \(n\).
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
4
Why is this the correct answer?
Given \(p(x)=mx+n\), we have \(p(2)=2m+n=17\) and \(p(-2)=-2m+n=1\). Subtracting the second equation from the first gives \(4m=16\), so \(m=4\). Note that \(16\) is the difference \(p(2)-p(-2)\), not the value of \(m\). Exam tip: subtracting two function-value equations eliminates the constant term \(n\).
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Introduction to Polynomials. Topic: Linear polynomials.
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