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A baby usually gains 10% of its birth weight plus 2 pounds in the first six weeks after birth. One baby gained 28 pounds during this time. Write an equation to estimate the babys birth weight​.

User Domager
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Final answer:

An equation to estimate the baby's birth weight is set up based on the provided growth information, resulting in a miscalculation that suggests an implausible birth weight of 260 pounds. There must be a typo or misinterpretation since typical newborns weigh between 5.5 to 10 pounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

To estimate the baby's birth weight, we can set up the equation based on the information given that a baby usually gains 10% of its birth weight plus 2 pounds in the first six weeks after birth. If one baby gained 28 pounds during this time, we can represent the birth weight as x and write the equation as:

0.10x + 2 = 28

This equation reflects the total weight gain consisting of 10% of the birth weight (birth weight gain) and an additional 2 pounds.

To solve for x, we subtract 2 from both sides:

0.10x = 28 - 2

0.10x = 26

Now, divide both sides by 0.10 to isolate x:

x = 26 ÷ 0.10

x = 260

Therefore, the estimated birth weight of the baby is 260 pounds, which is clearly an error. A typical newborn weight is much less, between 5.5 to 10 pounds usually. There must be a mistake in the initial information provided or the way the question is interpreted, as a 260-pound birth weight is not biologically plausible for a human infant.

User Oscfri
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