Problema Solution

A mechanic has a radiator hose that measures 32 feet long, which needs to be cut into 5 feet 3 inches long pieces. What is the most number of pieces that can be cut?

Answer provided by our tutors

1 ft = 12 in

1 in = (1/12) ft

3 in = 3/12 ft

3 in = 1/4 ft

Let 'x' represent the number of pieces, x>0 and x is integer.

Now we can write:

(5 + 1/4)x <= 32

........

click here to see the inequality solved for x

........

x <= 6.1

Since 6 is the largest integer number smaller than 6.1 the most number of pieces that can be cut is 6.