An equation for an algebra word problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an algebra word problem involving relationships between variables a, b, c, and d, where b is 20% more than a, c is 25% more than b, and d is k% less than c. The goal is to find the value of k such that a equals d.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationships between the variables and attempt to derive equations based on the given percentages. There are questions about the correctness of the equations and the interpretation of k as a percentage.

Discussion Status

Multiple interpretations of the equations are being explored, with some participants suggesting corrections to the original equations. Guidance has been offered regarding the proper representation of percentages in the equations.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns about the formatting of LaTeX expressions and the clarity of the mathematical representation, particularly regarding the decimal point in the calculations and the proper use of symbols.

mech-eng
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Homework Statement


Suppose that b is 20% more than a, c is 25% more than b, and d is k% less than c. Find k such that a=d

Homework Equations


a=d; b=1.2a; c=1.25b=1.5a

The Attempt at a Solution


1. a=##\frac{c}{15 }##=d=##\frac{100c-k}{100}##
2. By multiplication of extremes and means we get 100c=150c-15.k
3. 50c=1.5k
4. Again simplifying k=33.3c

I have tried above solution but I think something is incorrect because k should be a number not a ratio in terms of c.
I don't latex well enough and it seems that step 1 is not seeming properly, too small symbols.
Source: Algebra and Trigonometry by Keedy Bittinger.
Thank you.
 
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mech-eng said:

Homework Statement


Suppose that b is 20% more than a, c is 25% more than b, and d is k% less than c. Find k such that a=d

Homework Equations


a=d; b=1.2a; c=1.25b=1.5a

The Attempt at a Solution


1. a=##\frac{c}{15 }##=d=##\frac{100c-k}{100}##
2. By multiplication of extremes and means we get 100c=150c-15.k
3. 50c=1.5k
4. Again simplifying k=33.3c

I have tried above solution but I think something is incorrect because k should be a number not a ratio in terms of c.
I don't latex well enough and it seems that step 1 is not seeming properly, too small symbols.
Source: Algebra and Trigonometry by Keedy Bittinger.
Thank you.
You have a typo and an error in multi-equation #1.

For one, ##\ \displaystyle a=\frac{c}{1.5} \ ##. (Missed the decimal point.)

More importantly the last part is in error.
##\ \displaystyle \frac{100c-k}{100} \ ##​
is incorrect. ##\ k\ ## must also multiply ##\ c\ ##.
 
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But if ##d## is ##k%## less than ##c##, does not this mean ##\frac{c}-k}{100} ## and isn't it ##\frac{100c-k}{100}##?

And would you please explain why percent sign not appear in this code?
upload_2017-5-8_18-11-8.png

Thank you.
 

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Last edited:
mech-eng said:

Homework Statement


Suppose that b is 20% more than a, c is 25% more than b, and d is k% less than c. Find k such that a=d

Homework Equations


a=d; b=1.2a; c=1.25b=1.5a

The Attempt at a Solution


1. a=##\frac{c}{15 }##=d=##\frac{100c-k}{100}##
2. By multiplication of extremes and means we get 100c=150c-15.k
3. 50c=1.5k
4. Again simplifying k=33.3c

I have tried above solution but I think something is incorrect because k should be a number not a ratio in terms of c.
I don't latex well enough and it seems that step 1 is not seeming properly, too small symbols.
Source: Algebra and Trigonometry by Keedy Bittinger.
Thank you.
You need
$$d =\left( 1 - \frac{k}{100} \right) c$$
 
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$$d =\left( 1 - \frac{k}{100} \right) c$$=##\frac{c}{1.5}##

##50c=15ck##

and k=3.333

Would you please write above in the proper latex form?

Thank you.
 
@mech-eng, I suggest you check your answer of ##k = 3.333\%## against your initial set of equations ##a=d; b=1.2a; c=1.25b##.

Also, although percentages proper are expressed as ##x/100##, it's easier & faster during calculation to assume 1 = 100%; thus instead of $$d = \left(1 - \frac{k}{100}\right) c$$ you can work more simply with ##d = (1 - k)c##. For that matter you can substitute a temporary value for that expression and do the subtraction later on.
 
Last edited:
mech-eng said:
$$d =\left( 1 - \frac{k}{100} \right) c$$=##\frac{c}{1.5}##

##50c=15ck##

and k=3.333

Would you please write above in the proper latex form?

Thank you.
That looks proper to me.

Mathematically, it's equivalent to

##\ \displaystyle d = \left(\frac{100-k}{100}\right) c ##
 
I think the OP was referring to the part of his comment that wasn't already formatted in LaTeX.
 
Last edited:
##\ \displaystyle d = \left(\frac{100-k}{100}\right) c=\frac c {15} ##

I added the right side but is it proper. I didn't used symbols such as \left and \right.
The following is what I added there. But it is not the same when it is on the right side. Would you please explain this?
## \frac c {15}##

Thank you.
 
  • #10
mech-eng said:
##\ \displaystyle d = \left(\frac{100-k}{100}\right) c=\frac c {15} ##

I added the right side but is it proper. I didn't used symbols such as \left and \right.
The following is what I added there. But it is not the same when it is on the right side. Would you please explain this?
## \frac c {15}##

Thank you.
Proper in what way?

You dropped the decimal point from 1.5 again, otherwise, it looks right math-wise .

By the way: for % symbol in LaTeX, use \ suffix as in \%.

## 7\% ## or ##k\%##
 
  • #11
SammyS said:
Proper in what way?

You dropped the decimal point from 1.5 again, otherwise, it looks right math-wise .

Sorry. Question is solved. But look the Latex. Their size of the c/15 parts are different.

Thank you.
 

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