A mirror should be centered on a wall. The mirror is 36 inches wide and the wall is 18 feet wide. Which equation helps determine the distance x on each side of the mirror? A X + 3 + x = 18 B X +36 + x = 18 C) 3+x+3 = 18 D X = 18+ 3

College Algebra
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337282291
Author:Ron Larson
Publisher:Ron Larson
Chapter6: Systems Of Equations And Inequalities
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 7PS
icon
Related questions
Question
### Centering a Mirror Problem

**Problem Statement:**

A mirror should be centered on a wall. The mirror is 36 inches wide and the wall is 18 feet wide. Which equation helps determine the distance \( x \) on each side of the mirror?

**Possible Equations:**

**A)** \( x + 3 + x = 18 \)

**B)** \( x + 36 + x = 18 \)

**C)** \( 3 + x + 3 = 18 \)

**D)** \( x = 18 + 3 \)

**Explanation:**

To find the correct equation, consider the total width of the wall and the width of the mirror, and how they relate to the distances on each side of the mirror. The wall is 18 feet (or 216 inches since 1 foot = 12 inches) wide, and the mirror is 36 inches wide. Let \( x \) represent the distance on each side of the mirror.

The equation needs to account for:
- Both \( x \)'s (since there are two sides of the mirror)
- The width of the mirror

Therefore, our equation should look like this:
\[ x + 36 + x = 216 \]
\[ 2x + 36 = 216 \]

The provided choices that are closer to representing this formulation are examined. Notice that option B has the closest form resembling our consideration, but we need to convert the width of the wall to inches.

So, the corrected equation when the whole width of the wall is converted to inches would illustrate the actual width setup with correct units measure in context.

Make sure to carefully convert measurements and align the mathematical setup to solve centering problems accurately.
Transcribed Image Text:### Centering a Mirror Problem **Problem Statement:** A mirror should be centered on a wall. The mirror is 36 inches wide and the wall is 18 feet wide. Which equation helps determine the distance \( x \) on each side of the mirror? **Possible Equations:** **A)** \( x + 3 + x = 18 \) **B)** \( x + 36 + x = 18 \) **C)** \( 3 + x + 3 = 18 \) **D)** \( x = 18 + 3 \) **Explanation:** To find the correct equation, consider the total width of the wall and the width of the mirror, and how they relate to the distances on each side of the mirror. The wall is 18 feet (or 216 inches since 1 foot = 12 inches) wide, and the mirror is 36 inches wide. Let \( x \) represent the distance on each side of the mirror. The equation needs to account for: - Both \( x \)'s (since there are two sides of the mirror) - The width of the mirror Therefore, our equation should look like this: \[ x + 36 + x = 216 \] \[ 2x + 36 = 216 \] The provided choices that are closer to representing this formulation are examined. Notice that option B has the closest form resembling our consideration, but we need to convert the width of the wall to inches. So, the corrected equation when the whole width of the wall is converted to inches would illustrate the actual width setup with correct units measure in context. Make sure to carefully convert measurements and align the mathematical setup to solve centering problems accurately.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
College Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra
ISBN:
9781337282291
Author:
Ron Larson
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Trigonometry (MindTap Course List)
Trigonometry (MindTap Course List)
Trigonometry
ISBN:
9781305652224
Author:
Charles P. McKeague, Mark D. Turner
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Big Ideas Math A Bridge To Success Algebra 1: Stu…
Big Ideas Math A Bridge To Success Algebra 1: Stu…
Algebra
ISBN:
9781680331141
Author:
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT
Publisher:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Geometry
ISBN:
9781337614085
Author:
Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
Algebra
ISBN:
9781133382119
Author:
Swokowski
Publisher:
Cengage
Glencoe Algebra 1, Student Edition, 9780079039897…
Glencoe Algebra 1, Student Edition, 9780079039897…
Algebra
ISBN:
9780079039897
Author:
Carter
Publisher:
McGraw Hill