All questions
Question 1
A bus travels 180 miles in 3 hours at a constant speed. Let d be the distance (in miles) and let t be the time (in hours). Which equation models this proportional relationship?
- d=t+60
- d=60t (correct answer)
- d=180t
- t=60d
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example: context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is d=60t, where d is distance in miles and t is time in hours, with k=60 from 180 miles / 3 hours. A common error is using total like d=180t without dividing, reversing like t=60d, or additive d=t+60. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (context says "constant speed"), (2) find k (ratio 180/3=60), (3) choose variables (d for distance, t for time), (4) write d=60t, (5) define variables (d=distance in miles, t=time in hours), (6) verify (for t=3, d=60×3=180, matches✓). Multiple representations: equation d=60t matches a table with ratio 60, a graph through origin with slope 60, and verbal "60 miles per hour"—all show same k=60.
Question 2
A teacher buys markers in bulk. The total cost c (in dollars) is proportional to the number of marker packs p. If 7 packs cost $28, which equation represents the relationship?
- c=p+28
- c=4p (correct answer)
- c=28p
- p=4c
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example: context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is c=4p, where c is total cost in dollars and p is number of packs, with k=4 from 28/7=4. A common error is using total like c=28p without dividing, additive c=p+28, or reversing p=4c. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (context says "proportional to the number"), (2) find k (ratio 28/7=4), (3) choose variables (c for cost, p for packs), (4) write c=4p, (5) define variables (c=total cost in dollars, p=number of marker packs), (6) verify (for p=7, c=4×7=28, matches✓). Multiple representations: equation c=4p matches a table with ratio 4, a graph through origin with slope 4, and verbal "$4 per pack"—all show same k=4.
Question 3
A printer produces pages at a constant rate. The equation p=18t represents the number of pages p printed after t minutes. How many pages will be printed in the first 2.5 minutes, and what does this demonstrate about proportional relationships?
- 36 pages; it shows that doubling the time doubles the output in proportional relationships
- 45 pages; it shows that the constant rate applies to any time interval in proportional relationships (correct answer)
- 20.5 pages; it shows that fractional inputs produce fractional outputs in proportional relationships
- 72 pages; it shows that proportional relationships always involve whole number coefficients and results
Explanation: The correct answer is B. Using p=18t with t=2.5: p=18(2.5)=45 pages. This demonstrates that the constant rate of 18 pages per minute applies to any time interval, including fractional times. Choice A gives the wrong calculation (18×2=36). Choice C gives an incorrect sum (18+2.5). Choice D uses incorrect multiplication (18×4) and makes a false claim about whole numbers. Question 4
A car travels at a constant speed of 55 miles per hour. Let d be the distance (in miles) and let h be the time (in hours). Which equation represents this proportional relationship?
- d=55+h
- h=55d
- d=h+55
- d=55h (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is d=55h with proper k=55 and variables d for distance and h for hours. A common error is reversing variables like h=55d instead of d=55h, using wrong form like d=h+55 not proportional, or d=55+h which is additive. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (context says "55 miles per hour"), (2) find k (stated rate of 55), (3) choose variables (d for distance, h for hours), (4) write d=55h, (5) define variables (d=distance in miles, h=time in hours), (6) verify (substitute h=1, d=55×1=55, reasonable? yes✓). Multiple representations: equation d=55h matches table of multiples of 55, graph through origin with slope 55, verbal "55 mph"—all show same k=55. Mistakes: wrong form (additive d=h+55 not multiplicative), variables reversed, k wrong, forgetting to define variables.
Question 5
A bus travels 45 miles in 1.5 hours at a constant rate. Let d be distance (miles) and t be time (hours). Which equation models the proportional relationship?
- d=30t (correct answer)
- d=t+30
- d=45t
- t=30d
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, bus 45 miles in 1.5 hours, k=45/1.5=30, write d=30t (d=miles, t=hours); or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is d=30t, with k=30 from calculated rate. A common error is wrong k like d=45t using total without dividing, reversing t=30d, or additive d=t+30. To write: (1) identify proportional from constant rate, (2) find k=30, (3) choose d and t, (4) write d=30t, (5) define d as miles and t as hours, (6) verify t=1.5, d=30×1.5=45. Multiple representations: d=30t matches given point, graph slope 30, verbal "30 mph"—all k=30. Mistakes: wrong k calculation, reversed, added terms.
Question 6
A runner runs at a constant speed of 6 miles per hour. Let d be the distance (in miles) and let h be the time (in hours). Which equation models this proportional relationship?
- h=6d
- d=h+6
- d=6h+2
- d=6h (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example: context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is d=6h, where d is the distance in miles and h is the time in hours, with k=6 from the 6 miles per hour speed. A common error is reversing variables like h=6d instead of d=6h, using a non-proportional form like d=h+6, or adding constants like d=6h+2 when the relationship passes through the origin. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (context says "constant speed of 6 miles per hour"), (2) find k (stated rate of 6), (3) choose variables (d for distance, h for hours), (4) write d=6h, (5) define variables (d=distance in miles, h=time in hours), (6) verify (for h=2, d=6×2=12, reasonable? yes✓). Multiple representations: equation d=6h matches a table where distances are multiples of 6, a graph through origin with slope 6, and verbal "6 miles per hour"—all show same k=6.
Question 7
A recipe uses 2.5 cups of flour for each batch of cookies. Let f be the number of cups of flour and let b be the number of batches. Which equation shows the proportional relationship?
- f=2.5b+1
- f=b+2.5
- f=2.5b (correct answer)
- b=2.5f
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is f=2.5b with proper k=2.5 and variables f for flour and b for batches. A common error is reversing variables like b=2.5f instead of f=2.5b, wrong form like f=b+2.5 not proportional, or including intercept like f=2.5b+1. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (context says "2.5 cups per batch"), (2) find k (stated rate of 2.5), (3) choose variables (f for flour, b for batches), (4) write f=2.5b, (5) define variables (f=cups of flour, b=number of batches), (6) verify (b=1, f=2.5×1=2.5, yes✓). Multiple representations: equation f=2.5b matches table of multiples of 2.5, graph with slope 2.5, verbal "2.5 per batch"—all show k=2.5. Mistakes: wrong form (additive), variables reversed, k wrong, undefined variables.
Question 8
A runner travels at a constant speed of 6 miles per hour. Let d be the distance (in miles) and h be the time (in hours). Which equation models the relationship?
- d=6h (correct answer)
- d=h+6
- h=6d
- d=6h+6
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, in context of speed at 6 mph, write d=6h (d=distance in miles, h=time in hours), k=6 from miles per hour; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is d=6h, with k=6 and variables d for distance and h for hours. A common error is wrong form like d=h+6 not proportional, reversing variables like h=6d, or including intercept like d=6h+6. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional from "constant speed," (2) find k=6 as rate, (3) choose d and h, (4) write d=6h, (5) define d as miles and h as hours, (6) verify with h=1, d=6. Multiple representations: d=6h matches table of multiples of 6, graph with slope 6 through origin, verbal "6 miles per hour"—all k=6. Mistakes: additive form, reversed variables, added constants.
Question 9
A recipe uses 2 cups of flour for each batch of muffins. Let f be the number of cups of flour and b be the number of batches. Which equation represents this proportional relationship?
- f=2b (correct answer)
- f=b+2
- f=2b+2
- b=2f
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, recipe 2 cups flour per batch, write f=2b (f=cups of flour, b=batches), k=2 from cups per batch; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is f=2b, with k=2 and variables f for flour and b for batches. A common error is reversing like b=2f, using additive f=b+2, or including intercept f=2b+2. To write: (1) identify proportional from "2 cups for each batch," (2) find k=2 as rate, (3) choose f and b, (4) write f=2b, (5) define f as cups and b as batches, (6) verify b=1, f=2. Multiple representations: f=2b matches table multiples of 2, graph slope 2, verbal "2 per batch"—all k=2. Mistakes: reversed variables, wrong form, added constants.
Question 10
A recipe uses 3 cups of flour for every 2 batches of cookies. Let f be the number of cups of flour and let b be the number of batches. Which equation represents this proportional relationship?
- f=b+23
- b=23f
- f=23b (correct answer)
- f=32b
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example: context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is f=(3/2)b, where f is the cups of flour and b is the number of batches, with k=3/2 from 3 cups per 2 batches. A common error is reversing the ratio like f=(2/3)b, reversing variables like b=(3/2)f, or using additive form like f=b+(3/2) instead of multiplicative. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (context says "3 cups for every 2 batches"), (2) find k (ratio 3/2), (3) choose variables (f for flour, b for batches), (4) write f=(3/2)b, (5) define variables (f=cups of flour, b=number of batches), (6) verify (for b=2, f=(3/2)×2=3, matches✓). Multiple representations: equation f=(3/2)b matches a table with ratios of 3/2, a graph through origin with slope 3/2, and verbal "3 cups per 2 batches"—all show same k=3/2.
Question 11
A proportional relationship is graphed on the coordinate plane. The line passes through the points (0,0) and (1,7). Which equation represents the relationship between y and x?
- y=7x (correct answer)
- y=7x+2
- x=7y
- y=x+7
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, context "apples $3/lb" write c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is y=7x with proper k=7 from the slope through (0,0) and (1,7). A common error is including intercept like y=x+7 or y=7x+2 when proportional must pass through origin, reversing variables like x=7y, or wrong form. To write the equation: (1) identify proportional relationship (graph through origin), (2) find k (slope = 7/1=7), (3) choose variables (y and x), (4) write y=7x, (5) define if needed, (6) verify (x=1, y=7×1=7, matches point✓). Multiple representations: y=7x matches table of multiples of 7, graph with slope 7, verbal rate 7—all show k=7. Mistakes: additive form, meaningless variables, wrong k, undefined in context.
Question 12
A proportional relationship is shown on a graph by a line that passes through the origin and the point (3,15). Which equation represents the relationship between y and x?
- y=15x
- y=5x (correct answer)
- y=x+5
- x=5y
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, graph through origin and (3,15), slope=15/3=5, write y=5x; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or context apples $3/lb write c=3p. The correct equation is y=5x, with k=5 from slope. A common error is wrong k like y=15x using point without dividing, reversing like x=5y, or additive y=x+5. To write: (1) identify proportional from line through origin, (2) find k=slope=5, (3) use x,y, (4) write y=5x, (5) no further definition needed, (6) verify with (3,15): 5×3=15. Multiple representations: y=5x matches graph slope 5, table like x=1,y=5, verbal "y is 5 times x"—all k=5. Mistakes: wrong k, reversed variables, non-proportional form.
Question 13
A school store sells pencils for $0.50 each. Let $mbethetotalcost(indollars)andp$ be the number of pencils. Which equation represents the relationship?
- m=0.5p+0.5
- m=0.5p (correct answer)
- m=p+0.5
- p=0.5m
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, pencils 0.50each,writem=0.5p(m=costindollars,p=pencils),k=0.5fromdollarsperpencil;ortablex:2,4,6y:10,20,30findk=10/2=5,writey=5x;orgraphthroughoriginwithslope8writey=8x.Thecorrectequationism=0.5p,withk=0.5andvariablesmformoneyandpforpencils.Acommonerroriswrongformlikem=p+0.5,reversingp=0.5m,orinterceptm=0.5p+0.5.Towrite:(1)identifyfrom"0.50 each," (2) find k=0.5, (3) choose m and p, (4) write m=0.5p, (5) define m as dollars and p as pencils, (6) verify p=2, m=1. Multiple representations: m=0.5p matches table like p=1,m=0.5, graph slope 0.5, verbal "half dollar per pencil"—all k=0.5. Mistakes: additive, reversed, extra terms. Question 14
A movie theater charges $9 per ticket. Let $cbethetotalcost(indollars)andt$ be the number of tickets. Which equation represents this proportional relationship?
- c=t+9
- c=9t (correct answer)
- c=9t+9
- t=9c
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, in the context of movie tickets at $9 each, write c=9t (c=total cost in dollars, t=number of tickets), where k=9 from the dollars per ticket rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is c=9t, with k=9 and variables c for total cost and t for tickets. A common error is using the wrong form like c=t+9 which is not proportional, or reversing variables like t=9c, or including an intercept like c=9t+9 when it should pass through the origin. To write the equation: (1) identify the proportional relationship from the context "charges 9perticket,"(2)findk=9asthestatedrate,(3)choosevariablescforcostandtfortickets,(4)writec=9t,(5)definecastotalcostindollarsandtasnumberoftickets,(6)verifybysubstitutingt=1,c=9×1=9,whichisreasonable.Multiplerepresentations:equationc=9tmatchesatablewherecostsaremultiplesof9,agraphthroughoriginwithslope9,andtheverbal"9 per ticket"—all show k=9. Mistakes include using additive forms like c=t+9 instead of multiplicative, reversing variables, or adding unnecessary constants. Question 15
Two students are modeling the same proportional relationship between gallons of gas g and total driving distance d in miles. Student A writes d=28g while Student B writes g=28d. Which statement best describes these equations?
- Only Student A is correct; Student B should have written g=28d for the relationship
- Only Student B is correct; Student A confused the independent and dependent variables completely
- Both students are correct; they represent the same proportional relationship expressed in different equivalent forms (correct answer)
- Neither student is correct; proportional relationships cannot be written with division or fractions in the equations
Explanation: The correct answer is C. Both equations represent the same proportional relationship. Student A's equation d=28g shows distance as a function of gallons (28 miles per gallon). Student B's equation g=28d is the inverse, showing gallons as a function of distance. These are equivalent: solving d=28g for g gives g=28d. Choice A and B incorrectly claim only one is right. Choice D makes a false statement about proportional relationships. Question 16
At a school fundraiser, a student earns $2.50 for each box of candy sold. Let $mbethemoneyearned(indollars)andletb$ be the number of boxes sold. Which equation represents this proportional relationship?
- m=2.50b+5
- b=2.50m
- m=2.50b (correct answer)
- m=b+2.50
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → $k=3,equationc=3pwherec=cost,p=pounds).Variables:choosemeaningful(cforcost,nfornumber,dfordistance)anddefineincontext.Forexample:context"apples$3/lb"write$c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is m=2.50b, where m is money earned in dollars and b is boxes sold, with k=2.50 from $2.50 per box. A common error is using additive form like $m=b+2.50,reversingvariableslikeb=2.50m,oraddingextraconstantslikem=2.50b+5.Towritetheequation:(1)identifyproportionalrelationship(contextsays"$2.50foreachbox"),(2)find$k (stated rate of 2.50), (3) choose variables (m for money, b for boxes), (4) write m=2.50b, (5) define variables (m=money earned in dollars, b=number of boxes), (6) verify (for b=2, m=2.50×2=5, reasonable? yes✓). Multiple representations: equation m=2.50b matches a table with multiples of 2.50, a graph through origin with slope 2.50, and verbal "$2.50 per box"—all show same $k=2.50$. Question 17
A gym charges a proportional fee based on the number of classes taken. The fee is $9 per class. Let f be the total fee (in dollars) and let c be the number of classes. Using the proportional equation, what is the fee for 7 classes?
- $16
- $63 (correct answer)
- $9
- $72
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually, and applying to find values. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → $k=3,equationc=3pwherec=cost,p=pounds).Variables:choosemeaningful(cforcost,nfornumber,dfordistance)anddefineincontext.Forexample,context"apples$3/lb"write$c=3p (c=cost dollars, p=pounds), k=3 from $/lb rate; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is f=9c with k=9, and for 7 classes, f=9×7=63. A common error is wrong calculation like 72ifusing8instead,ornon−proportionalforms.Tosolve:(1)identifyproportional("9 per class"), (2) find k=9, (3) variables f fee, c classes, (4) write f=9c, (5) define (f=fee in dollars, c=classes), (6) substitute c=7, f=63✓. Multiple representations: f=9c matches table multiples of 9, graph slope 9, verbal "$9 per"—all $k=9.Mistakes:wrongform,miscalculation,wrongk$, no verification. Question 18
A movie theater charges $8 per ticket. Let t be the total cost (in dollars) and let n be the number of tickets. Which equation represents this proportional relationship?
- t=8n (correct answer)
- t=n+8
- t=8n+5
- n=8t
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → k=3, equation c=3p where c=cost, p=pounds). Variables: choose meaningful (c for cost, n for number, d for distance) and define in context. For example, in the context of a movie theater charging 8perticket,writet=8n(t=totalcostindollars,n=numberoftickets),wherek=8fromthedollarsperticketrate;ortablex:2,4,6y:10,20,30findk=10/2=5,writey=5x;orgraphthroughoriginwithslope8writey=8x.Thecorrectequationist=8nwithproperk=8andvariablestfortotalcostandnfornumberoftickets.Acommonerrorisreversingvariablesliken=8tinsteadoft=8n,usingawrongformliket=n+8whichisnotproportional,orincludinganinterceptliket=8n+5whenitshouldpassthroughtheorigin.Towritetheequation:(1)identifyproportionalrelationship(contextsays"8 per ticket"), (2) find k (stated rate of 8), (3) choose variables (t for cost, n for tickets), (4) write t=8n, (5) define variables (t=total cost in dollars, n=number of tickets), (6) verify (substitute n=1, t=8×1=8, reasonable? yes✓). Multiple representations: equation t=8n matches a table where costs are multiples of 8, a graph through origin with slope 8, and verbal "$8 per ticket"—all show same k=8. Mistakes include wrong form (additive t=n+8 not multiplicative), variables reversed (n=8t), k wrong, or forgetting to define variables in context. Question 19
A gym charges $12 per month for a membership with no starting fee. Let $Tbethetotalcost(dollars)andm$ be the number of months. Which equation represents the relationship, and what is the cost for 7 months?
- m=12T; T=7
- T=12m+12; T=96
- T=m+12; T=19
- T=12m; T=84 (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests writing equations y=kx for proportional relationships from tables, graphs, contexts, or verbal descriptions, identifying k and defining variables contextually. Proportional equation y=kx: k is constant of proportionality (unit rate, ratio y/x). From table: calculate k from any pair (14/2=7, k=7 gives y=7x), from graph: k=slope (or read y when x=1: if graph through (1,7), k=7), from context: stated rate is k ("$3 per pound" → $k=3,equationc=3pwherec=cost,p=pounds).Variables:choosemeaningful(cforcost,nfornumber,dfordistance)anddefineincontext.Forexample,gym$12permonthnofee,write$T=12m (T=total cost in dollars, m=months), k=12 from dollars per month; or table x:2,4,6 y:10,20,30 find k=10/2=5, write y=5x; or graph through origin with slope 8 write y=8x. The correct equation is T=12m with T=84 for 7 months, k=12 and variables T for total and m for months. A common error is adding fee like T=12m+12, reversing m=12T, or additive T=m+12. To write: (1) identify from "$12 per month no fee," (2) find $k=12,(3)chooseTandm,(4)writeT=12m,(5)defineTasdollarsandmasmonths,(6)verifym=7,T=84.Multiplerepresentations:T=12mmatchestablemultiplesof12,graphslope12,verbal"12permonth"—allk=12$. Mistakes: adding intercepts, reversed, wrong form. Question 20
A landscaping company's profit P (in dollars) is proportional to the number of lawns n they service each week. When they service 24 lawns, their profit is $960. If their goal is to earn $1400 profit next week, which equation should they use to find how many lawns to service?
- P=n+40 where 40 represents the additional profit per lawn above fixed costs
- 1400=24n where the constant 24 represents the previous number of lawns
- 1400=960n where the constant 960 represents the base profit amount
- 1400=40n where the constant 40 represents dollars per lawn serviced (correct answer)
Explanation: When you see that one quantity is "proportional" to another, this means they have a direct relationship where one equals a constant times the other. Here, profit equals some constant times the number of lawns: P=k⋅n, where k is the constant rate.
To find this constant rate, use the given information: when n=24 lawns, P=$960. Substituting: 960=k⋅24, so k=960÷24=40 dollars per lawn. This means the company earns $40 profit for each lawn they service.
Now you can set up the equation for their goal: if they want $1400 profit, then $1400=40n ,where n $ is the unknown number of lawns needed.
Choice A is wrong because proportional relationships are multiplicative (P = k \cdot n), not additive (P = n + \text{constant}). The "+40" suggests adding a fixed amount rather than multiplying by a rate.
Choice B incorrectly uses 24 as the multiplier, but 24 was the number of lawns in the given example, not the profit rate. This confuses the input with the constant.
Choice C uses 960 as the multiplier, but 960 was the profit amount from the example, not the rate per lawn. This treats the output as the constant rate.
Choice D correctly identifies 40 as the dollars earned per lawn serviced, making 1400 = 40n the right equation.
Study tip: In proportional relationships, always find the constant rate by dividing the given output by the given input, then use that rate in your equation.