ACT Exam  >  ACT Questions  >  What is the value of b in the solution to the... Start Learning for Free
What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?
3a - b = 18
a + 3b = -4
  • a)
    -10
  • b)
    -3
  • c)
    3
  • d)
    6
  • e)
    cannot be determined with the given information
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations belo...
To solve this problem, add the two equations, or multiples of them, so that cancellation occurs and you can solve for the b variable. If the equation a + 3b = -4 is multiplied by -3, the result is -3a - 9b = 12. The addition of -3a - 9b = 12 to the second equation is shown below:
3a - b = 18
-3a - 9b = 12
-10b = 30
By canceling out the a terms, you can solve for b:
b = 30/-10 = -3.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations belo...
To find the value of b in the given system of equations, we can use the method of substitution or elimination.

1. Method of Substitution:
We are given the following system of equations:
3a - b = 18 ...(1)
3b = -4a ...(2)

From equation (2), we can rearrange it to get:
4a + 3b = 0 ...(3)

Now, we can solve equations (1) and (3) simultaneously to find the value of b.

From equation (1), we can isolate b:
b = 3a - 18

Substituting this value of b into equation (3), we get:
4a + 3(3a - 18) = 0
4a + 9a - 54 = 0
13a = 54
a = 54/13

Now, substituting the value of a back into equation (1), we can find the value of b:
3(54/13) - b = 18
162/13 - b = 18
- b = 18 - 162/13
- b = (234 - 162)/13
- b = 72/13

Therefore, the value of b is -72/13.

2. Method of Elimination:
We are given the following system of equations:
3a - b = 18 ...(1)
3b = -4a ...(2)

We can multiply equation (2) by 3 to make the coefficients of b the same:
9b = -12a ...(4)

Now, we can add equations (1) and (4) to eliminate b and solve for a:
3a - b + 9b = 18 - 12a
3a + 8b = 18 - 12a
15a = 18
a = 18/15
a = 6/5

Substituting the value of a back into equation (1), we can find the value of b:
3(6/5) - b = 18
18/5 - b = 18
- b = 18 - 18/5
- b = (90 - 18)/5
- b = 72/5

Therefore, the value of b is -72/5.

However, none of the given answer choices match -72/5. Therefore, the correct answer is that the value of b cannot be determined with the given information.
Free Test
Community Answer
What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations belo...
To solve this problem, add the two equations, or multiples of them, so that cancellation occurs and you can solve for the b variable. If the equation a + 3b = -4 is multiplied by -3, the result is -3a - 9b = 12. The addition of -3a - 9b = 12 to the second equation is shown below:
3a - b = 18
-3a - 9b = 12
-10b = 30
By canceling out the a terms, you can solve for b:
b = 30/-10 = -3.
Explore Courses for ACT exam

Similar ACT Doubts

Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageWhen connection to a municipal water system is not feasible, wells are drilled to access ground water. Engineers employed by a company interested in developing a remote plot of land conducted studies to compare the water quality of 2 possible well locations on the land. Water quality is determined by a number of factors, including the levels of nitrates, lead, microbes, pH, “hardness” (calcium carbonat e), and alkalinity. The water samples were kept at a constant temperature of 72 F throughout the study. The results in Table 1 show the readings of each test for the two different 100 mL samples of water, as well as the ideal level, or concentration, for each chemical.The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers indicate increasing basicity.The normal pH level of groundwater systems is between 6 and 8.5. Water with a low pH (<6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive, and could contain elevated levels of toxic metal that might cause premature damage to metal piping.Water with a pH > 8.5 could indicate that the water is hard.Hard water does not pose a health risk, but can cause mineral deposits on fixtures and dishes and can have a bad taste and odor.Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist decreases in pH level. This resistance is achieved through a process called buffering (a buffered solution resists changes in pH until the buffer is used up). Alkalinity of natural water is determined by the soil and bedrock through which it passes. The main sources for natural alkalinity are rocks that contain carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds. These compounds, however, also cause hardness, which is less desirable in a drinking source. To illustrate the affect of alkalinity on pH stability, acid was added to two 100 milliliters sample solutions that initially had a pH of 6.5. The solution in Figure 1A had an alkalinity level of 200 mg/L while the solution in Figure 1B tested at zero alkalinity. The pH of the two solutions was recorded after every addition of acid and the results are shown in the figures below.Q.An ideal alkalinity level prevents pH levels from becoming too low. Which statement is best supported by this fact? When testing drinking water

Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageWhen connection to a municipal water system is not feasible, wells are drilled to access ground water. Engineers employed by a company interested in developing a remote plot of land conducted studies to compare the water quality of 2 possible well locations on the land. Water quality is determined by a number of factors, including the levels of nitrates, lead, microbes, pH, “hardness” (calcium carbonat e), and alkalinity. The water samples were kept at a constant temperature of 72 F throughout the study. The results in Table 1 show the readings of each test for the two different 100 mL samples of water, as well as the ideal level, or concentration, for each chemical.The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers indicate increasing basicity.The normal pH level of groundwater systems is between 6 and 8.5. Water with a low pH (<6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive, and could contain elevated levels of toxic metal that might cause premature damage to metal piping.Water with a pH > 8.5 could indicate that the water is hard.Hard water does not pose a health risk, but can cause mineral deposits on fixtures and dishes and can have a bad taste and odor.Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist decreases in pH level. This resistance is achieved through a process called buffering (a buffered solution resists changes in pH until the buffer is used up). Alkalinity of natural water is determined by the soil and bedrock through which it passes. The main sources for natural alkalinity are rocks that contain carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds. These compounds, however, also cause hardness, which is less desirable in a drinking source. To illustrate the affect of alkalinity on pH stability, acid was added to two 100 milliliters sample solutions that initially had a pH of 6.5. The solution in Figure 1A had an alkalinity level of 200 mg/L while the solution in Figure 1B tested at zero alkalinity. The pH of the two solutions was recorded after every addition of acid and the results are shown in the figures below.Q.Suppose chemicals could be added to treat the high iron levels in either sample. The chemical additive would be safe to use in Sample 2 and not safe to use in Sample 1 if

Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageWhen connection to a municipal water system is not feasible, wells are drilled to access ground water. Engineers employed by a company interested in developing a remote plot of land conducted studies to compare the water quality of 2 possible well locations on the land. Water quality is determined by a number of factors, including the levels of nitrates, lead, microbes, pH, “hardness” (calcium carbonat e), and alkalinity. The water samples were kept at a constant temperature of 72 F throughout the study. The results in Table 1 show the readings of each test for the two different 100 mL samples of water, as well as the ideal level, or concentration, for each chemical.The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers indicate increasing basicity.The normal pH level of groundwater systems is between 6 and 8.5. Water with a low pH (<6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive, and could contain elevated levels of toxic metal that might cause premature damage to metal piping.Water with a pH > 8.5 could indicate that the water is hard.Hard water does not pose a health risk, but can cause mineral deposits on fixtures and dishes and can have a bad taste and odor.Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist decreases in pH level. This resistance is achieved through a process called buffering (a buffered solution resists changes in pH until the buffer is used up). Alkalinity of natural water is determined by the soil and bedrock through which it passes. The main sources for natural alkalinity are rocks that contain carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds. These compounds, however, also cause hardness, which is less desirable in a drinking source. To illustrate the affect of alkalinity on pH stability, acid was added to two 100 milliliters sample solutions that initially had a pH of 6.5. The solution in Figure 1A had an alkalinity level of 200 mg/L while the solution in Figure 1B tested at zero alkalinity. The pH of the two solutions was recorded after every addition of acid and the results are shown in the figures below.Q.The test results of Sample 1 indicate that

Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageWhen connection to a municipal water system is not feasible, wells are drilled to access ground water. Engineers employed by a company interested in developing a remote plot of land conducted studies to compare the water quality of 2 possible well locations on the land. Water quality is determined by a number of factors, including the levels of nitrates, lead, microbes, pH, “hardness” (calcium carbonat e), and alkalinity. The water samples were kept at a constant temperature of 72 F throughout the study. The results in Table 1 show the readings of each test for the two different 100 mL samples of water, as well as the ideal level, or concentration, for each chemical.The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers indicate increasing basicity.The normal pH level of groundwater systems is between 6 and 8.5. Water with a low pH (<6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive, and could contain elevated levels of toxic metal that might cause premature damage to metal piping.Water with a pH > 8.5 could indicate that the water is hard.Hard water does not pose a health risk, but can cause mineral deposits on fixtures and dishes and can have a bad taste and odor.Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist decreases in pH level. This resistance is achieved through a process called buffering (a buffered solution resists changes in pH until the buffer is used up). Alkalinity of natural water is determined by the soil and bedrock through which it passes. The main sources for natural alkalinity are rocks that contain carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds. These compounds, however, also cause hardness, which is less desirable in a drinking source. To illustrate the affect of alkalinity on pH stability, acid was added to two 100 milliliters sample solutions that initially had a pH of 6.5. The solution in Figure 1A had an alkalinity level of 200 mg/L while the solution in Figure 1B tested at zero alkalinity. The pH of the two solutions was recorded after every addition of acid and the results are shown in the figures below.Q.Based on the test results, Sample 2 is acceptable as a water source as long as the developers

Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageWhen connection to a municipal water system is not feasible, wells are drilled to access ground water. Engineers employed by a company interested in developing a remote plot of land conducted studies to compare the water quality of 2 possible well locations on the land. Water quality is determined by a number of factors, including the levels of nitrates, lead, microbes, pH, “hardness” (calcium carbonat e), and alkalinity. The water samples were kept at a constant temperature of 72 F throughout the study. The results in Table 1 show the readings of each test for the two different 100 mL samples of water, as well as the ideal level, or concentration, for each chemical.The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and higher numbers indicate increasing basicity.The normal pH level of groundwater systems is between 6 and 8.5. Water with a low pH (<6.5) could be acidic, soft, and corrosive, and could contain elevated levels of toxic metal that might cause premature damage to metal piping.Water with a pH > 8.5 could indicate that the water is hard.Hard water does not pose a health risk, but can cause mineral deposits on fixtures and dishes and can have a bad taste and odor.Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist decreases in pH level. This resistance is achieved through a process called buffering (a buffered solution resists changes in pH until the buffer is used up). Alkalinity of natural water is determined by the soil and bedrock through which it passes. The main sources for natural alkalinity are rocks that contain carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds. These compounds, however, also cause hardness, which is less desirable in a drinking source. To illustrate the affect of alkalinity on pH stability, acid was added to two 100 milliliters sample solutions that initially had a pH of 6.5. The solution in Figure 1A had an alkalinity level of 200 mg/L while the solution in Figure 1B tested at zero alkalinity. The pH of the two solutions was recorded after every addition of acid and the results are shown in the figures below.Q.Which of the following statements best describes the concentration of lead in Sample 1?

Top Courses for ACT

What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for ACT 2025 is part of ACT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. Information about What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for ACT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for ACT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice What is the value of b in the solution to the system of equations below?3a - b = 18a + 3b = -4a)-10b)-3c)3d)6e)cannot be determined with the given informationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice ACT tests.
Explore Courses for ACT exam

Top Courses for ACT

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev