MHB Solving Ratios & Proportions Questions - Get Help Here!

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The discussion focuses on solving a ratio and proportion problem involving the weight and length of chains. The initial question asks how to determine the length of a chain weighing 102 lbs based on a similar chain weighing 78 lbs. Participants clarify that the ratio of lengths to weights should be maintained, leading to the equation L/102 = 183/78. After calculating, the length is found to be approximately 239 inches, which should then be converted to feet and inches. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent units and suggests that similar problems can often be solved using the same ratio principles.
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Hi. I'm doing some questions about ratio and proportions. I'm just having difficulty with some of the questions and i hope you guys can help. So question 1:

A length of chain 15'-3" long weighs 78lbs. How long would a similar chain be if it weighs 102lbs. (Answer to nearest inch)
Length =_______' _______"

If you can just kind of lead me to how to get the answer, it would be great. Thanks.
 
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Let's let $L$ be the length in question...that the chain is similar implies a constant length per weight ratio, and so we may state:

$$\frac{L}{102}=\frac{183}{78}$$

I converted the length of the 78 lb. chain to inches, since we are to round $L$ to the nearest inch.

Now, solve for $L$...what do you find?
 
183/78= 2.346

Do I need to convert that to feet?

Thanks
 
Eabzolid said:
183/78= 2.346

Do I need to convert that to feet?

Thanks

The RHS of the equation I posted is not the value of $L$...you need to solve that equation for $L$. :D
 
MarkFL said:
The RHS of the equation I posted is not the value of $L$...you need to solve that equation for $L$. :D

Oh okay.

I got 239.30. Do I then convert that to get feet and inches as my answer?

Thanks
 
Eabzolid said:
Oh okay.

I got 239.30. Do I then convert that to get feet and inches as my answer?

Thanks

First, round the number you correctly found to the nearest inch, thus:

$$L\approx239$$

Now, since the length of the first chain was given in feet and inches, I would convert this to the same format. :D
 
MarkFL said:
First, round the number you correctly found to the nearest inch, thus:

$$L\approx239$$

Now, since the length of the first chain was given in feet and inches, I would convert this to the same format. :D

Okay. I'll try

I'm just wondering if there is a formula I should follow? Or does it all depend on what the question is asking.

I got more questions that has 3 ratio number like 9:4:1.

Is it always converting when it comes to these questions?

Thanks
 
For this problem, since the chains were said to be similar, I took this to mean the length per weight ratio would be the same for both chains. So, I decided to label the unknown length $L$, and then equate the length/weight of the two chains and then solve for the unknown length. :D
 
May I ask another question?
 
  • #10
Eabzolid said:
May I ask another question?

If it pertains to the problem posted in this thread, that is, if it is a follow-up question to the chain problem, then please post it in this thread. If you wish to ask about another problem, then please begin a new thread for the new problem. :D
 

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