Final answer:
To find the actual length of the boat, a proportion is set up using the model scale (3 inches : 6 feet) and the model length (18.5 inches). After converting feet to inches and cross-multiplying, the actual length is calculated to be 37 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking how long the actual boat is if the model is 18.5 inches long and the scale is 3 inches to 6 feet. First, let's convert the feet to inches since the model's length is given in inches. Six feet is equivalent to 72 inches (since 1 foot = 12 inches, 6 feet x 12 inches/foot = 72 inches).
Next, we set up a proportion to relate the model's scale to the actual size:
Model Scale / Actual Size = Model Length / Actual Lengthbr>So, 3 inches / 72 inches = 18.5 inches / Actual Length (in inches).
To find the actual length, we cross-multiply:
3 inches * Actual Length = 72 inches * 18.5 inches
Actual Length = (72 inches * 18.5 inches) / 3 inches
Actual Length = 444 inches.
Finally, we convert the actual length back to feet: 444 inches / 12 inches per foot = 37 feet.
Therefore, the actual length of the boat is 37 feet.