147k views
5 votes
In the xy-plane, the function y = ax + 12, where a is a constant, passes through the point (-a, a). If a > 0, what is the value of a?

A. a = 3
B. a = 6
C. a = 9
D. a = 12

User Damo
by
7.6k points

1 Answer

2 votes

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.

User Taxiboatdriver
by
7.6k points