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| Algebra: Coordinates |
| SATpreparation.net |
| A coordinate point has value which corresponds to a point on the "x" axis and a value which corresponds to a point on the "y" axis. For example: If point A is at (3, 1) and point B is at (3, 4), what is the distance between point A and point B? STRATEGY: Draw the x axis and the y axis and plot the coordinate points. Remember: The "x" axis is horizontal. The "y" axis is vertical. Solution: Point A is 3 to the right and 1 up. Point B is 3 to the right and 4 up. The line connecting the two points is vertical, and the distance between the two points is 3. Example two: In a set of coordinates, point A is (0, 1) and point B is (3, 0). What is the slope of the line connecting the two points? STRATEGY: Remember: the slope of a line is the "rise" over the "run" The rise is the difference between the y coordinate points, and the run is the difference between the x coordinate points. Solution: The "rise" is one minus zero or one. 1 - 0 = 1 The "run" is zero minus three or negative three. 0 - 3 = -3 The "slope" is one divided by negative three or negative one-third. The answer is 1 / -3 or - 1 / 3 SAT TIP: Many SAT slope problems can be answered just by knowing that a positive slope rises from left to right and a negative slope falls from left to right. Practice with these examples: An easy problem for scores from 200 to 400 A moderate problem for scores from 400 to 600 A difficult problem for scores from 600 to 800 For more practice: Click here for problems in The Official SAT Study Guide. Click here to return to Web Book Access |
| Many students believe the SAT is a test of advanced math, but the SAT has only arithmetic, algebra, and geometry - no trigonometry or calculus. |
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| SAT TIP: In a pair of coordinate points, read the "x" coordinate first and the "y" coordinate second. |
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