Quiz Math 70 Answer Key Revealed: Full Step-by-Step Solutions and Proof
The following five problems represent the standardized core of US Math 70 intermediate algebra quizzes. Every solution maps the formal mechanical steps required by testing committees.
Problem 1: Solving Rational Equations with Domain Restrictions
Solve for x: (3 / (x - 2)) + (1 / (x + 3)) = 4 / (x² + x - 6)
Step 1: Factor all denominators to establish domain limitations.
x² + x - 6 = (x - 2)(x + 3)
Domain restriction: x ≠ 2 and x ≠ -3.
Step 2: Multiply the entire equation by the lowest common denominator, (x - 2)(x + 3):
3(x + 3) + 1(x - 2) = 4
Step 3: Expand and combine linear terms:
3x + 9 + x - 2 = 4
4x + 7 = 4
4x = -3
x = -3/4
Step 4: Cross-check against domain restrictions. Because -3/4 is neither 2 nor -3, the solution is valid.
Final Answer: x = -3/4
Problem 2: Non-Linear Inequality and Sign Analysis
Solve and express in interval notation: (2x - 5) / (x + 4) ≤ 1
Step 1: Move all terms to the left side to establish zero on the right:
(2x - 5) / (x + 4) - 1 ≤ 0
Step 2: Find a common denominator and combine:
[(2x - 5) - (x + 4)] / (x + 4) ≤ 0
(2x - 5 - x - 4) / (x + 4) ≤ 0
(x - 9) / (x + 4) ≤ 0
Step 3: Identify critical values where numerator and denominator equal zero:
Numerator zero: x = 9
Denominator zero: x = -4 (vertical asymptote, strictly excluded from solution)
Step 4: Test sign intervals across (-∞, -4), (-4, 9], and [9, ∞):
Test x = -5: (-5 - 9) / (-5 + 4) = (-14) / (-1) = 14 > 0 (False)
Test x = 0: (0 - 9) / (0 + 4) = -9/4 ≤ 0 (True)
Test x = 10: (10 - 9) / (10 + 4) = 1/14 > 0 (False)
Final Answer: (-4, 9]
Problem 3: Radical Equations and Extraneous Roots
Solve for y: √(2y + 15) - y = 6
Step 1: Isolate the radical term on one side of the equation:
√(2y + 15) = y + 6
Step 2: Square both sides to eliminate the radical:
2y + 15 = (y + 6)²
2y + 15 = y² + 12y + 36
Step 3: Set the quadratic equation to zero:
y² + 10y + 21 = 0
Step 4: Factor the quadratic polynomial:
(y + 7)(y + 3) = 0
Potential solutions: y = -7, y = -3
Step 5: Test both values in the original radical equation:
Check y = -7: √(2(-7) + 15) - (-7) = √1 + 7 = 1 + 7 = 8 ≠ 6 (Extraneous root, discard)
Check y = -3: √(2(-3) + 15) - (-3) = √9 + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6 (True)
Final Answer: y = -3
Problem 4: Quadratic Function Vertex and Axis Form
Convert f(x) = 3x² - 12x + 7 to vertex form f(x) = a(x - h)² + k using completing the square.
Step 1: Factor the leading coefficient 3 from the variable terms:
f(x) = 3(x² - 4x) + 7
Step 2: Complete the square inside the parentheses. Take half of -4 (-2), square it (4), and balance outside:
f(x) = 3(x² - 4x + 4 - 4) + 7
f(x) = 3(x² - 4x + 4) - (3 · 4) + 7
f(x) = 3(x - 2)² - 12 + 7
f(x) = 3(x - 2)² - 5
Final Answer: f(x) = 3(x - 2)² - 5 (Vertex: (2, -5))
Problem 5: 3x3 Linear System Elimination
Solve the system:
(1) x + 2y - z = 4
(2) 2x + y + z = 7
(3) x - 3y + 2z = -1
Step 1: Eliminate z by adding equation (1) to equation (2):
(x + 2y - z) + (2x + y + z) = 4 + 7
3x + 3y = 11 → Equation (4)
Step 2: Eliminate z using equations (2) and (3). Multiply equation (2) by -2 and add to (3):
-4x - 2y - 2z = -14
x - 3y + 2z = -1
-3x - 5y = -15 → Equation (5)
Step 3: Add Equation (4) and Equation (5) directly:
(3x + 3y) + (-3x - 5y) = 11 + (-15)
-2y = -4
y = 2
Step 4: Substitute y = 2 back into Equation (4):
3x + 3(2) = 11
3x + 6 = 11
3x = 5
x = 5/3
Step 5: Substitute x = 5/3 and y = 2 into Equation (1) to find z:
5/3 + 2(2) - z = 4
5/3 + 4 - z = 4
z = 5/3
Final Answer: (x, y, z) = (5/3, 2, 5/3)