MathRevolution
[GMAT math practice question]
Point \(P\) is on the line \(y = 2x + a.\) The x-coordinate of \(P\) is \(4\). The area of the shaded quadrilateral is \(24\). What is the value of \(a\)?
A. \(1\)
B. \(\frac{4}{3}\)
C. \(2\)
D. \(\frac{7}{6}\)
E. \(3\)
We know P(4,y). Based on the figure, we can construct a line from point, lets call it Q, to get a complete rectangle, the coordinates of that point , Q, will be (0,y).
We know, slope is 2. So, for 1 unit increase in x, we have 2 units increase in y. Therefore, y coordinate of Point P will be 2 X 4(x-coordinate) = 8.
We can find the area of newly formed rectangle. 8 units(vertical distance) x 4 units (horizontal) = 32 units^2.
We have a right-angled triangle from point Q (0,8).
We have the area of the quadrilateral = 24 units^2. Area of the triangle will be= Area of rectangle - Area of quadrilateral(given in the question) = 32 - 24 = 8 units^2.
distance from point Q and a can be calculated by:
area of triangle = bh/2.
8 = 4b/2, base =6.
6 units down from y axis (0,8) we have (0,2).
As you have already noticed, a is y-intercept value of x will be 0 and y will be 2.