Question

Aubree just lit a new candle and then let it burn all the way down to nothing. The initial length of the candle was 15 inches and after burning for 8 hours, the candle's height was down to 5 inches. Write an equation for, L, in terms of , t, representing the length of the candle remaining unburned, in inches, t hours after the candle was lit.

Answer 1

Answer: The equation representing the length of the candle remaining unburned is L = 15 - (1.25 * t).

Explanation:

To write an equation representing the length of the candle remaining unburned, L, in terms of t, representing the time in hours after the candle was lit, we can consider the rate of burning.

Let's assume that the candle burns at a constant rate. We can calculate the rate of burning by finding the rate of change of the length of the candle over time.

Given that the initial length of the candle was 15 inches and after burning for 8 hours, the length was down to 5 inches, we can calculate the rate of burning as follows:

Rate of burning = (Change in length) / (Change in time)

Rate of burning = (15 inches - 5 inches) / (8 hours)

Rate of burning = 10 inches / 8 hours

Rate of burning = 1.25 inches per hour

Now, to represent the length of the candle remaining unburned, L, in terms of t hours after the candle was lit, we can use the equation:

L = 15 - (1.25 * t)

Therefore, the equation representing the length of the candle remaining unburned is L = 15 - (1.25 * t).