1985 AHSME Problems/Problem 1

Problem

If $2x+1=8$, then $4x+1=$

$\mathrm{(A)\ } 15 \qquad \mathrm{(B) \ }16 \qquad \mathrm{(C) \  } 17 \qquad \mathrm{(D) \  } 18 \qquad \mathrm{(E) \  }19$

Solution 1

We have \begin{align*}2x+1 = 8 &\iff 2x = 7 \\ &\iff x = \frac{7}{2},\end{align*} so \begin{align*}4x+1 &= 4\left(\frac{7}{2}\right)+1 \\ &= 2(7)+1 \\ &= \boxed{\text{(A)} \ 15}.\end{align*}

Solution 2

From $2x = 7$ (as above), we can directly compute \begin{align*}4x &= 2(2x) \\ &= 2(7) \\ &= 14,\end{align*} so $4x+1 = 14+1 = \boxed{\text{(A)} \ 15}$.

See Also

1985 AHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
First Problem
Followed by
Problem 2
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