Word problem

Question

On a map the distance between two mountains is 5 and one half inches. The actual distance between the mountains is 144 miles. Russ is camped at a location that on the map is three fourths inch from the base of the mountain. How many miles is he from the base of the mountain?

Answer 1

Hello, Becky,

     Here are two ways that you could work the problem:

You have 144 miles in 5.5 inches. The question to ask is the following:  How many miles are there in one inch?

 

Then you would divide:     144 ÷ 5.5≅ (approximately equal to) 26.18 miles in one inch

 Next, just multiply the answer by 3/4 or by .75.  I'll let you finish this part.

 

Method 2:   

 

1.  Set up a proportion:   inches/miles= inches /miles=  5.5 inches/144 miles  =  .75 inches/x miles

 

2.  Cross multiply:  5.5 X= 144 (.75)       Divide by the decimal next to X, which is 5.5.

 

3.  X= 108/5.5=           I'll let you finish the work on this problem.

 

If I have helped you, please give me a thumbs up.

                                                        Susan C.

Answer 2

5.5 : 144 : 0.75 : m        proportion

5.5m = 144(0.75)           product means/extremes

5.5m = 108

m = 19 45/55

 

He is 19 and 9/11 miles from the mountain.