Algebra Question

Question

The length that a hanging spring stretches varies directly with the weight placed at the end of the spring. If a weight of 15lb stretches a certain spring 7in how far will the spring stretch if the weight is increased to 49lb (Leave the variation constant in fraction form. Round off your final answer to the nearest in.)

Answer 1

Let 𝑆 be the stretch in inches, W be the weight in pounds, and  k be the constant of variation in inches/pounds.

Then S = k * W

Using given values of S = 7 inches when W = 15 lbs we compute k.

k = 7/15 inches per pound.

The stretch for 49 lbs will be

S = 7/15 * 49 = 343/15 inches =22.867 inches

which is 23 inches with rounding to the nearest inch.

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