Question

On average, Ryan can finish a puzzle in 3 hours but, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle, his time can vary Let x represent the maximum and minimum time

Answer 1

Ryan's maximum time to complete a puzzle is 5 hours

Ryan's minimum time to complete a puzzle is 1 hour

Explanation:

The complete question is

On average, Ryan can finish a puzzle in 3 hours but, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle, his time can vary from the average by 2 hours.

Which absolute value equation can be used to calculate Ryan's maximum and minimum time to complete a puzzle?

Let x represent the maximum and minimum time

we know that

The absolute value of the difference between x and the average must be equal to 2

so

`\left|x-3\right|=2`

Solve the absolute value

First case (positive case)

`+(x-3)=2`

`x=2+3\\x=5`

Second case (negative case)

`-(x-3)=2`

Multiply by -1 both sides

`(x-3)=-2`

`x=-2+3\\x=1`

therefore

Ryan's maximum time to complete a puzzle is 5 hours

Ryan's minimum time to complete a puzzle is 1 hour