Question

A machine manufactures wheels with a diameter of 70 cm. It is acceptable for the diameter of a wheel to be within 0.02 cm of this value. Write and solve an absolute-value equation to find the minimum and maximum acceptable diameters.

Answer 1

The expected diameter is 70 cm.

It is acceptable for the diameter to be within 0.02 cm of the expected value.
Therefore the acceptable values for the diameter, d, are

`d \pm 0.02 = 70`

The minimum acceptable value of d is obtained from
d + 0.02 = 70
d = 69.98 cm

The maximum acceptable value of d is obtained from
d - 0.02 = 70
d = 70.02 cm

Answer:
Minimum acceptable diameter = 69.98 cm
Maximum acceptable diameter = 70.02 cm