Final answer:
In the xy-plane, the function y = ax + 12, where a is a constant, passes through the point (-a, a). If a > 0, the value of a is a. 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the value of a in the function y = ax + 12, we can substitute the coordinates (-a, a) into the equation.
Since the point lies on the graph of the function, its x-coordinate and y-coordinate will satisfy the equation.
Substituting -a for x and a for y, we get:
a = a*(-a) + 12
a = -a^2 + 12
Simplifying the equation, we have:
a^2 + a - 12 = 0
Factoring the quadratic equation, we get:
(a - 3)(a + 4) = 0
So, the possible values for a are -4 and 3. Since a > 0, the value of a is 3. Therefore, the correct answer is A. a = 3.