Need help please

C

cjasmine

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Apr 25, 2012
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Instructions: Write an equation using the variable n.
Problem: One-third of a painting job takes 24 hours. How long will it take to complete the entire job?
My thought: 24x3=72 so, n=72 ? I apologize I am new to algebra I'm sure the answer must be much more complicated?
 
Tough call. It is not perfectly clear what is wanted.

You have already 24 * 3 = 72

You can do this: n * 3 = 72, where n = 24

You can do this: 24 * n = 72, where n = 3

You can do this: 24 * 3 = n, where n = 72

It's kind of bad form to use the same variable for three different purposes, but there it is.
 
cjasmine said:
Instructions: Write an equation using the variable n.
Click to expand...

The instruction above tells you to use the symbol n to represent the unknown number of hours that it takes to complete the entire job.

Hence, the expression that represents one-third of this unknown number of hours is: n/3

Because we're told that one-third of n is 24 hours, the requested equation is: n/3 = 24

Solve for n.

Cheers ~ Mark :cool:
 
mmm4444bot said:
The instruction above tells you to use the symbol n to represent the unknown number of hours that it takes to complete the entire job.

Hence, the expression that represents one-third of this unknown number of hours is: n/3

Because we're told that one-third of n is 24 hours, the requested equation is: n/3 = 24

Solve for n.

Cheers ~ Mark :cool:
Click to expand...
Actually, there doesn't appear to be anywhere in that problem that says you need to solve the equation- just write the equation.
 
I don't think so, Junior Member HallsofIvy. :cool:

The OP states: "How long will it take to complete the entire job?"

We answer this question by solving the requested equation for n.
 
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