BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

What is the area of a triangle created by the intersections

Expert replies
Source: — Problem Solving |

by GMATGuruNY » Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:44 am
guerrero wrote:What is the area of a triangle created by the intersections of the lines x=4, y=5 and y=−3/4x+20?

A)42

B)54

C)66

D)72

E)96

OA to follow
DRAW the figure:
Image

Vertex A is the intersection of x=4 and y=5:
(4, 5).

Vertex B is the intersection of x=4 and y=(-3/4)x + 20.
Plugging x=4 into y=(-3/4)x + 20, we get:
y = (-3/4)4 + 20
y = 17.
Thus, the coordinates of vertex B are (4, 17).

Vertex C is the intersection of y=5 and y=(-3/4)x + 20.
Plugging y=5 into y=(-3/4)x + 20, we get:
5 = (-3/4)x + 20
-15 = (-3/4)x
-60 = -3x
x = 20.
Thus, the coordinates of vertex C are (20, 5).

In triangle ABC, AC=16 and AB=12.
Thus, the area of triangle ABC = (1/2)(16)(12) = 96.

The correct answer is E.
Last edited by GMATGuruNY on Mon Oct 27, 2014 7:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Join the discussion

by [email protected] » Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:27 am
Hi guerrero,

Mitch provides the step-by-step math needed to solve this problem (and it's exactly how I would have done it). As you continue to practice, be ready to DRAW pictures when appropriate. Graphing questions, geometry questions and many "story" problems are almost always made easier to solve IF you have something visual to work with.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image
Join the discussion