Translating to algebraic expressions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around translating a real-world problem involving the dimensions of a room and the amount of carpet needed into algebraic expressions. Participants explore the relationships between the dimensions given in feet and yards, and how these relate to the area calculations for carpeting.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help in expressing the problem symbolically, indicating a need for assistance in formulating the algebraic expressions.
  • Another participant explains that one yard equals 3 feet, leading to the conclusion that each yard of carpet covers 6 square feet, and calculates the total area of the room as $\dfrac{px}{3}$ square feet.
  • It is suggested that to find the number of yards of carpet needed, the equation $6y = \dfrac{px}{3}$ should be solved for $y$, with a note that the actual amount may vary based on divisibility conditions.
  • A participant questions the discrepancy between their calculation and the answer provided in a book, which states the answer is $\frac{px}{2}$.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of the area of the room in square yards and the area of the carpet, leading to the equation $\frac{px}{3}=\frac{2\ell}{3}$ and solving for $\ell$ to arrive at $\ell=\frac{px}{2}$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the correct approach to the problem, as participants present different interpretations and calculations regarding the area and the amount of carpet needed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying interpretations of area calculations and the implications of unit conversions, with some assumptions about the dimensions and coverage of the carpet remaining unaddressed.

NotaMathPerson
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I am not able to express it symbolically I need your assistance. Thanks!

A room is $p$ ft. Long and $x$ yards in width; how many yards of carpet two ft. Wide will be required for the floor?
 
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One yard is 3 feet, so each yard of carpet covers 6 square feet. Your total area is $\dfrac{px}{3}$ square feet.

So if $y$ is the number of yards of carpet, you need to solve for $y$ in:

$6y = \dfrac{px}{3}$, to get the minimum needed (it could be more if neither $p$ nor $\dfrac{x}{3}$ is evenly divisible by $2$ or $3$).
 
Deveno said:
One yard is 3 feet, so each yard of carpet covers 6 square feet. Your total area is $\dfrac{px}{3}$ square feet.

So if $y$ is the number of yards of carpet, you need to solve for $y$ in:

$6y = \dfrac{px}{3}$, to get the minimum needed (it could be more if neither $p$ nor $\dfrac{x}{3}$ is evenly divisible by $2$ or $3$).

The answer in my book is
$\frac{px}{2}$

Why is that?
 
The area $A_R$ of the room in square yards is:

$$A_R=\frac{px}{3}$$

For a length $\ell$ of carpet in yards, its area $A_C$ in square yards is:

$$A_C=\frac{2\ell}{3}$$

Equating the two areas:

$$\frac{px}{3}=\frac{2\ell}{3}$$

Solve for $\ell$:

$$\ell=\frac{px}{2}$$
 

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