Question

Suppose that 15 inches of wire costs 45 cents

at the same rate, how many inches of wire can be bought for 36 cents

Answer 1

12 inches

Explanation:

To find how much wire you can get for, write the following equation, comparing as a ratio:

`(15)/(45)=(x)/(36)`

The ratio can be simplified to 1:3 (the inches to cost). Solve for x:

`(1)/(3) =(x)/(36)`

Cross multiply:

`3x=36`

Divide both sides by 3:

`(3x)/(3)=(36)/(3)\\\\x=12`

You can get 12 inches of wire for 36 cents.

Answer 2

12 inches

Explanation:

1. Do a proportion

45/15 =3/1 = 36/x

2. cross multiply

3x=36

x =12