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SAT Math 9.2 Algebra and Functions
377 Views

SAT Math 9.2 Algebra and Functions

SAT Math 9.4 Algebra and Functions
1300 Views

SAT Math 9.4 Algebra and Functions

Multiplying Polynomials to Find an Unknown Constant
3 Views

In the equation above, if a, b, and c are all constants, what is c?

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SAT Math 4.6 Numbers and Operations 210 Views


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Description:

SAT Math 4.6 Numbers and Operations

Language:
English Language

Transcript

00:02

And here's an unshmoopy question you may find on an exams somewhere in life...

00:05

Both y and y to the one-third are negative integers.

00:09

Which of the following must also be a negative integer?

00:12

And here are the potential answers...

00:16

All right... we want to find the expression that gives us a negative integer given the

00:21

information provided in the problem.

00:30

In this case, choice A is the correct answer...

00:34

but let's first look at why the other options are incorrect.

00:37

Choice B is asking us to take the square root of a negative number, but that's impossible.

00:43

It's choice C's turn in the hot seat.

00:46

If y is negative, a negative number times a negative number will always be a positive number.

00:55

Choice D's up next.

00:57

y raised to the 2/3 power is the same thing as squaring y raised to the 1/3 power.

01:03

y raised to the 1/3 power is defined as being negative, so squaring it will make it positive.

01:09

Last up, choice E. It's important to know that taking the cubed

01:13

root of y is the same thing as raising y to the 1/3 power.

01:17

By multiplying y by y raised to the 1/3 power, we are multiplying 2 negatives, which gives

01:22

us a positive. Now back to the correct answer, choice A.

01:26

y raised to the 1/3 power is negative, and raising any negative number to an odd power

01:30

will yield another negative number. So bingo --

01:34

A it is.

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