SOLUTION: This is a scale/proportional word problem. PROBLEM: The drawing of a B-17 bomber is drawn using a scale of 1 inch to 72 inches (1:72). If the wing span of the drawing is 17 inc

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: This is a scale/proportional word problem. PROBLEM: The drawing of a B-17 bomber is drawn using a scale of 1 inch to 72 inches (1:72). If the wing span of the drawing is 17 inc      Log On

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Question 926618: This is a scale/proportional word problem.
PROBLEM: The drawing of a B-17 bomber is drawn using a scale of 1 inch to 72 inches (1:72). If the wing span of the drawing is 17 inches then about how many feet long is the wing span of the actual airplane?
I solved it like this: 17x72=1224 in., then I converted inches to feet by dividing by 12 as such 1224/12 = 102 ft. Did I work the problem correctly?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39623) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use proportion comparing ON PAPER to REAL LIVE VALUE.

1%2F72=17%2FR=onpaper%2Freallivevalue. The variable R is for the real live value of the wing span. Solve for R.

R%281%2F72%29=%2817%2FR%29R

R%2F72=17

R=17%2A72-----unit of INCHES.

You can simply use one more proportion if you want FEET instead of just INCHES.
you KNOW 12 inches is 1 foot.
%2817%2A72%29%2F%28F%29=12%2F1, using F for the amount of feet; solve for F.