Digital PSAT Math Practice Question 294: Answer and Explanation

Question: 294

Given that neither x nor y is equal to 0, if , what is the value of

Correct Answer: 0.5

Explanation:

0.5 or ½ Break the part inside the parentheses into its constituent fractions:

This is a free-response question, so you need to get an actual number as an answer. So, you need to find the value of . You can use the relationship to solve for .

Begin by dividing both sides of the equation by y:

Next, divide both sides by (which is the same thing as multiplying both sides by its reciprocal, 3).

Plug 6 in for in the expression obtained earlier:

, so the answer is , or 0.5.