Math story problem with fractions that I am stuck on.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the total length of a man's life based on fractional parts of his life spent in different stages and a fixed duration as a mature adult. The subject area is primarily focused on algebra and fractions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss setting up an equation based on the fractions of life stages and the fixed duration. There are attempts to equate these parts to the total life length, L, and questions arise regarding the correctness of the calculations and the inclusion of all components in the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants collaboratively refining the equation to include all components. Some guidance has been provided on how to set up the equation correctly, and there is an acknowledgment of the need to solve for L using algebra.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about their calculations and the interpretation of the problem, indicating a need for clarity on how to combine the fractional parts and the fixed duration into a single equation.

kkaterr
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A guy spends 1/6 of his life as a boy, 1/8 as a youth, 1/2 as a man and 15 years as a mature adult. I got about 70 by trial and error but I need to know exactly how to solve it.
 
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Let the variable L be the length of his life. Add up all of the parts you've got and equate it to L. Now solve for L.
 
I do that and get 15.79. That can't be right.
 
kkaterr said:
I do that and get 15.79. That can't be right.

No, it isn't. Show what you did.
 
(1/6)+(1/8)+(1/2)+15
 
kkaterr said:
(1/6)+(1/8)+(1/2)+15

One sixth of his life is L/6. What's one eighth of his life? What's the total?
 
Going by your logic one eighth would be L/8, I'm not sure what the total is..
 
kkaterr said:
Going by your logic one eighth would be L/8, I'm not sure what the total is..

The total is his whole life. That's L. What's the sum that is equal to L? You are doing fine so far. Write the sum that is equal to L.
 
L/6+L/8+L/2=L
Like that?
 
  • #10
kkaterr said:
L/6+L/8+L/2=L
Like that?

Close. What about the 15? Where does that go?
 
  • #11
L/6+l/8+l/2+15=l
 
  • #12
kkaterr said:
L/6+l/8+l/2+15=l

Yes! Now can you use algebra to solve for L? It is pretty close to 70.
 
  • #13
thank you!
 

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