Final answer:
By setting up the equation RS + ST = RT and solving for y, we find that y equals 4, making option A the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the value of y in the given equations, we need to recognize that RS + ST = RT. Therefore, we can set the equation for RS plus the equation for ST equal to the equation for RT:
(5y + 2) + (2y + 3) = 12y - 15.
Simplifying the equation, we combine like terms:
7y + 5 = 12y - 15.
Next, we solve for y by subtracting 7y from both sides:
5 = 5y - 15.
Then we add 15 to both sides:
20 = 5y.
Finally, we divide both sides by 5:
y = 4.
So the value of y is 4, which corresponds to option A).