Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
1. Equations & Inequalities
Linear Equations
Problem 15
Textbook Question
Solve each problem. See Example 1. The perimeter of a triangular plot of land is 2400 ft.The longest side is 200 ft less than twice the shortest. The middle side is 200 ft less than the longest side. Find the lengths of the three sides of the triangular plot.
Verified step by step guidance1
Define variables for the sides of the triangle. Let the shortest side be \(x\) feet.
Express the longest side in terms of \(x\): the longest side is 200 ft less than twice the shortest, so it is \$2x - 200$ feet.
Express the middle side in terms of \(x\): the middle side is 200 ft less than the longest side, so it is \((2x - 200) - 200 = 2x - 400\) feet.
Write an equation for the perimeter by adding all three sides and setting the sum equal to 2400 ft: \(x + (2x - 200) + (2x - 400) = 2400\).
Simplify the equation and solve for \(x\). Once \(x\) is found, substitute back to find the lengths of the longest and middle sides.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Setting Up Algebraic Expressions
This involves translating the word problem into algebraic expressions using variables to represent unknown quantities. For example, assigning a variable to the shortest side and expressing the other sides in terms of this variable helps form equations based on the problem's conditions.
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Forming and Solving Linear Equations
Once expressions are set, use the given perimeter to create an equation by summing all sides equal to 2400 ft. Solving this linear equation involves combining like terms and isolating the variable to find the length of the shortest side.
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Solving Linear Equations with Fractions
Interpreting and Verifying Solutions
After finding the variable's value, substitute it back to find the other sides' lengths. Verify the solution by checking if the sum equals the perimeter and if all side lengths satisfy the problem's conditions, ensuring the answer is reasonable and consistent.
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Textbook Question
Solve each problem. If 120 L of an acid solution is 75% acid, how much pure acid is there in the mixture?
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