Question

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

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

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