Each of the 2 expressions given is a linear function of the form y = mx + b. These two fundtions have the same y-intercept: -5.9, but the slopes of the two lines are different. In both cases, f(0) = 0 - 5.9, but this does not indicate that 2.7x-5.9 = 2.8x-5.9 in general.
If Ryan were to subst. 1 for x in these two functions, the results would not be identical: 2.7(1) - 5.9 and 2.8(1) - 5.9.
Hope Ryan comes to realize that this test of his will not give him the correct answer.
16:24 students made at least 80% on the test. The question is what is the ratio of students who scored below an 80% to the total number of students. 8:24 would be the right answer, but since it is asking for the answer in the simplest form, it would be 1:3.
