2003 AMC 12B Problems/Problem 9

Problem

Let $f$ be a linear function for which $f(6) - f(2) = 12.$ What is $f(12) - f(2)?$

$\text {(A) } 12 \qquad \text {(B) } 18 \qquad \text {(C) } 24 \qquad \text {(D) } 30 \qquad \text {(E) } 36$

Solution 1

Since $f$ is a linear function with slope $m$,

\[m = \frac{f(6) - f(2)}{\Delta x} = \frac{12}{6 - 2} = 3\]

\[f(12) - f(2) = m \Delta x = 3(12 - 2) = 30 \Rightarrow \text (D)\]

Solution 2

Since $f$ is linear, we can easily guess and check to confirm that $f(x)=3x$. Indeed, $f(6)-f(2)=3(6-2)=12$. So, we have $f(12)-f(2)=3(12-2)=30 \Rightarrow \text (D).$

Solution by franzliszt

See Also

2003 AMC 12B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 8
Followed by
Problem 10
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All AMC 12 Problems and Solutions

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