Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733)Algebra and FunctionsEasy
A technician is calibrating a sensor that measures temperature. The sensor's reading 'R' (in ohms) is related to the actual temperature 'T' (in degrees Celsius) by the equation R = 0.5T + 20. If the technician observes a reading of 45 ohms, what is the actual temperature in degrees Celsius?
- A130
- B12.5
- C65
- D50
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 50
To find the actual temperature, substitute the given resistance reading into the equation and solve for T. This involves basic algebraic manipulation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrectly multiplied 45 by 0.5 and then added 20, or performed operations in the wrong order.
- B. Incorrectly subtracted 20 and then divided by 0.5.
- C. Incorrectly added 20 instead of subtracting.
Solving Linear Equations
Finding the value(s) of the variable(s) that make a linear equation true.
- Involves isolating the variable using inverse operations.
- Operations must be applied equally to both sides of the equation.
- The goal is to simplify the equation until the variable is alone.
Memory trick: Balance the equation, aim for the variable's value.