Inequalities involving Absolute values (Mach numbers)

[vanbeersj]

I need help deciphering this word problem.

The Mach number M of a moving object is the ratio of its velocity 'V' to the velocity of sound 'Vs', and 'Vs' varies with temperature. A jet traveling at 1650 km/h changes its altitude from 500m to 5500m. At 500m (temp. 27C), Vs = 1250 km/h, and at 5500m (temp. -3C), Vs - 1180 km/h. Express the range of M using an inequality with absolute values.

So I figured I have M= V/Vs
But since I have two altitudes I'd have

M = 1650km/h / ?500<Vs<5500?

But i'm not sure if this is the right direction.

 

[mmm4444bot]

I figured I have M= V/Vs

I agree.

And, since the symbol V represents a constant, we could also write:

M = 1650/Vs

Are you sure they instructed you to express the range of M using "absolute" values, and not "actual" values?

I'm thinking that the range of M is (rounded to the nearest hundreth):

1.32 <= M <= 1.40

when the domain of Vs is:

1180 <= Vs <= 1250