Question

Heather finished a race in 58.4 seconds, which was 2.6 seconds less than her practice time. Write and solve an equation to find Heather's practice time. Show that your answer is reasonable.

Answer 1

Practice time P seconds
Timing in the Race : R = 58.4 seconds
Improvement Record I = 2.6 seconds
Race timing = Practice timing - Improvement record
R = P - I
58.4 seconds = P - 2.6 seconds

Take 2.6 seconds to the left hand side, 58.4 sec + 2.6 sec = P
P = 61.0 seconds

Now, subtract improvement record time from Practice time, you get the race time.

Answer 2

P=58.4+2.6=58+0.40+0.60+2=60+1=61

P=61 seconds.