Monday, September 06, 2021

Algebra 2 Problems of the Day (Algebra 2/Trigonometry Regents, January 2014)



Now that I'm caught up with the current New York State Regents exams, I'm revisiting some older ones.

More Regents problems.

Algebra 2/Trigonometry Regents, January 2014

Part I: Each correct answer will receive 2 credits.


16. For y = 3 / ( SQRT(x - 4) ), what are the domain and range?

1) {x | x > 4} and {y|y > 0}
2) {x | x > 4} and {y|y > 0}
3) {x | x > 4} and {y|y > 0}
4) {x | x > 4} and {y|y > 0}

Answer: 1) {x | x > 4} and {y|y > 0}


The domain cannot less than 4 because the radical would be undefined. The domain cannot contain 0 because the fracton would be undefined.

The range will go to infinity as x decreases close to 4. As x increases, the demonimator increases, so the fraction will approach zero, but it can never hit the x-axis.





17. A math club has 30 boys and 20 girls. Which expression represents the total number of different 5-member teams, consisting of 3 boys and 2 girls, that can be formed?

1) 30P320P2
2) 30C320C2
3) 30P3+20P2
4) 30C3+20C2

Answer: 2) 30C320C2


If a combination problem, not a permutation problem. The order the students are chosen does not matter.

The Counting Principle tells you that the number of ways to choose 3 boys and 2 girls is equal to the number of ways to choose 3 boys TIMES the number of ways to choose 2 girls.





18. 8 What is the product of the roots of x2 - 4x + k = 0 if one of the roots is 7?

1) 21
2) -11
3) -21
4) -77

Answer: 3) -21


If one of the roots is 7, the factors are (x - 7)(x - n). This means that (-7)(-n) = 7n = k. Also the sum (-7) + (-n) = -4.

So -n = 3, and n = -3

The factors are (x - 7)(x + 3). The product of the roots is (7)(-3) = -21.





19. In DEF, d = 5, e = 8, and m∠D = 32. How many distinct triangles can be drawn given these measurements?
1) 1
2) 2
3) 3
4) 0

Answer: 2) 2


Three is not possible. It's one, two, or zero.

If you have a 32 degree angle and a point 8 units away, you can draw an arc from that point that is 5 units long. It will the other line, f, in two places, so two triangles can be formed.

See the image below:





20. Liz has applied to a college that requires students to score in the top 6.7% on the mathematics portion of an aptitude test. The scores on the test are approximately normally distributed with a mean score of 576 and a standard deviation of 104. What is the minimum score Liz must earn to meet this requirement?

1) 680
2) 732
3) 740
4) 784

Answer: 2) 732


If you look at the chart of the normal distribution curve, you will see that the top 6.7% of the data will be 1.5 standard deviations away from the mean.

The mean is 576, and the standard deviation is 104.

Calculate 576 + 1.5(104) = 732

Note that Choice (1) is 576 + 1.0(104) and Choice (4) is 576 + 2.0(104), if you misread the chart.




More to come. Comments and questions welcome.

More Regents problems.

I also write Fiction!


You can now preorder Devilish And Divine, edited by John L. French and Danielle Ackley-McPhail, which contains (among many, many others) three stories by me, Christopher J. Burke about those above us and from down below.
Preorder the softcover or ebook at Amazon.

Also, check out In A Flash 2020, by Christopher J. Burke for 20 great flash fiction stories, perfectly sized for your train rides.
Available in softcover or ebook at Amazon.

If you enjoy it, please consider leaving a rating or review on Amazon or on Good Reads.



No comments: