Solving a word problem using algebra

[rolaids]

Using algebra to solve the following question: You need 8 barrels of water to sprinkle 1/2 mile of roadway. How many barrels of water do you need to sprinkle 3 1/2 miles of roadway?

 

[rolaids]

Disregard Question

Figured it out.... 8/x=.5/3.5

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Figured it out.... 8/x=.5/3.5

Let x barrels of water is needed to water 3.5 miles of road-way

Then

x/3.5 = 8/0.5 → x = 16 * 3.5 = 56 barrels

 

[HallsofIvy]

Using algebra to solve the following question: You need 8 barrels of water to sprinkle 1/2 mile of roadway. How many barrels of water do you need to sprinkle 3 1/2 miles of roadway?

Another way to look at it is that there are two "1/2 miles" in one mile so 3(2)+ 1= 7 half miles in 3 1/2 miles of roadway so 8(7) barrels of water.

 

[John Marsh]

Given 8 barrels of water to sprinkle =1/2=0.5

And let x barrels of water to sprinkle 3 1/2=3.5

Then 8/0.5=x/3.5
0.5x=8(3.5)
x=8(3.5)/0.5
x=8(7)
x=56

Hence 56 barrels of water to sprinkle 3 1/2

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