Prjwl99 wrote:The line k has a positive slope m and it passes through the point( -4,6). the area of the triangle formed by k, the x axis and y axis is 54 square units. What is the possible value for m?
a)1/4
b)3/4
c)5/4
d)7/4
e)cannot be determined
Since the area of the triangle is 54, we get:
(1/2)bh = 54.
bh = 108.
Always look for SPECIAL TRIANGLES.
Answer choice B implies a RISE OF 3 UNITS for every RUN OF 4 UNITS.
A vertical change of 3 and a horizontal change of 4 suggests a 3-4-5 triangle.
Check whether the triangle could be a multiple of a 3-4-5 triangle:
3-4-5
6-8-10
9-12-15
12-16-20.
In the option in red, bh = 12*9 - 108.
If the triangle has a base of 12 and a height of 9, we get the following figure:

Here, the equation of line k is y = (3/4)x + 9.
Since all three points -- (-12, 0), (-4, 6) and (0, 9) -- are on this line, the figure above is valid.
Thus, a slope of 3/4 is a possible value for m.
The correct answer is
B.
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