Translating to algebraic expressions

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter NotaMathPerson
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Expressions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on translating a problem involving a room's dimensions into algebraic expressions to determine the amount of carpet needed. The room's length is denoted as $p$ feet and width as $x$ yards, leading to a total area of $\frac{px}{3}$ square yards. The equation $6y = \frac{px}{3}$ is used to find the number of yards of carpet required, where $y$ represents the yards of carpet needed. The correct expression for the length of carpet in yards is derived as $\ell = \frac{px}{2}$, confirming the book's answer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic expressions
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between feet and yards
  • Familiarity with area calculations for rectangles
  • Ability to solve linear equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study algebraic manipulation techniques for solving equations
  • Learn about unit conversion methods in mathematical problems
  • Explore area calculation formulas for different geometric shapes
  • Practice solving real-world problems involving algebraic expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators teaching mathematics, and anyone interested in applying algebraic expressions to solve practical problems involving area and dimensions.

NotaMathPerson
Messages
82
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
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 $\ell$:

$$\ell=\frac{px}{2}$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
20K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K