SOLUTION: I'm returning back to school after 25yrs, need help with algerbra, really bad. my problem is from textbook "Prealgerbra" by Aufmann,Baker and Lockwood, chapter 7.5, question # 14.

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Question 44642This question is from textbook prealgebra
: I'm returning back to school after 25yrs, need help with algerbra, really bad.
my problem is from textbook "Prealgerbra" by Aufmann,Baker and Lockwood, chapter 7.5, question # 14.
PROBLEM:
The distance (d) a spring will stretch varies directly as the force (f) applied to the spring. If a force of 12lb is required to stretch a spring 3inchs, what force is required to stretch the spring 5 inches?
this probable seem simple to you, but I can't grasp the concept. Could you list the steps needed to solve the above problem
This question is from textbook prealgebra

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The distance (d) a spring will stretch varies directly as the force (f) applied to the spring. If a force of 12lb is required to stretch a spring 3inchs, what force is required to stretch the spring 5 inches?
If d varies directly with f the math way of saying this is
d=kf where k is a constant of proportionality.
In these problems you are usually given enough information
to find k, as follows:
3=k(121)
k=3/121
So for your spring the proper equation relating distance and force
is d=(3/121)f
Now you are asked what force is required to stretch the spring 5 inches.
So, 5=(3/121)f
Multiply both sides by 121 to get:
605=3f
Divide both sides by 3 to get:
201.67= f

That is the required force.
Cheers,
Stan H.