SAT Math : Coordinate Geometry

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Transformation

 

 

The following is an equation of a circle:

If this circle is moved to the left 2 spaces and down 3 spaces, where does the center of the new circle lie? 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The general formula for a circle with center (h,k) and radius r is .

The center of the original circle, therefore, is (2, -4). 

If we move the circle to the left 2 spaces and down 3 spaces, then the center of the new circle is given by  or 

Example Question #1 : Transformation

Let f(x) = x3 – 2x2 + x +4. If g(x) is obtained by reflecting f(x) across the y-axis, then which of the following is equal to g(x)?

Possible Answers:

x3 – 2x2 – x + 4

–x3 – 2x2 – x + 4

x3 + 2x2 + x + 4

–x3 – 2x2 – x – 4

–x3 + 2x2 – x + 4

Correct answer:

–x3 – 2x2 – x + 4

Explanation:

In order to reflect a function across the y-axis, all of the x-coordinates of every point on that function must be multiplied by negative one. However, the y-values of each point on the function will not change. Thus, we can represent the reflection of f(x) across the y-axis as f(-x). The figure below shows a generic function (not f(x) given in the problem) that has been reflected across the y-axis, in order to offer a better visual understanding. 

Therefore, g(x) = f(–x).

f(x) = x3 – 2x2 + x – 4

g(x) = f(–x) = (–x)3 – 2(–x)2 + (–x) + 4

g(x) = (–1)3x3 –2(–1)2x2 – x + 4

g(x) = –x3 –2x2 –x + 4.

The answer is –x3 –2x2 –x + 4.

Example Question #8 : How To Find Transformation For An Analytic Geometry Equation

Bobby draws a circle on graph paper with a center at (2, 5) and a radius of 10. 

Jenny moves Bobby's circle up 2 units and to the right 1 unit. 

What is the equation of Jenny's circle?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

If Jenny moves Bobby's circle up 2 units and to the right 1 unit, then the center of her circle is (3, 7). The radius remains 10.

The general equation for a circle with center (h, k) and radius r is given by

For Jenny's circle, (h, k) = (3, 7) and r=10.

Substituting these values into the general equation gives us

Example Question #1 : How To Find A Ray

Lines

Refer to the above diagram. The plane containing the above figure can be called Plane .

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

A plane can be named after any three points on the plane that are not on the same line. As seen below, points ,  and  are on the same line. 

Lines 1

Therefore, Plane  is not a valid name for the plane.

Example Question #1541 : Basic Geometry

Lines

Refer to the above figure. 

True or false:  and  comprise a pair of opposite rays.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

 

Two rays are opposite rays, by definition, if 

(1) they have the same endpoint, and

(2) their union is a line.

The first letter in the name of a ray refers to its endpoint; the second refers to the name of any other point on the ray.  and  both have endpoint , so the first criterion is met.  passes through point  and  passes through point  and  are indicated below in green and red, respectively:

Lines 1

The union of the two rays is a line. Both criteria are met, so the rays are indeed opposite.

Example Question #1541 : Basic Geometry

Lines

Refer to the above diagram:

True or false:  may also called .

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

A line can be named after any two points it passes through. The line  is indicated in green below.

Lines 2

The line does not pass through , so  cannot be part of the name of the line. Specifically,  is not a valid name.

Example Question #301 : Coordinate Geometry

Lines 2

Refer to the above diagram.

True or false:  and  comprise a pair of vertical angles.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

By definition, two angles comprise a pair of vertical angles if 

(1) they have the same vertex; and

(2) the union of the two angles is exactly a pair of intersecting lines.

In the figure below,  and  are marked in green and red, respectively:

Lines 2

 

While the two angles have the same vertex, their union is not a pair of intersecting lines. The two angles are not a vertical pair.

Example Question #302 : Coordinate Geometry

Lines 2

Refer to the above diagram.

True or false:  and  comprise a linear pair.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

By definition, two angles form a linear pair if and only if 

(1) they have the same vertex;

(2) they share a side; and,

(3) their interiors have no points in common.

In the figure below,  and  are marked in green and red, respectively:

Lines 2

The two angles have the same vertex and share no interior points. However, they do not share a side. Therefore, they do not comprise a linear pair.

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