If we let x as the number of years of service in the company and f(x) as the increase in the wage, the step wise function that describes the scenario is
f(x) = { 0.5, x < 3
{ 1.0, 3 ≤ x < 6
{ 1.5, 6 ≤ x < 9
{ 2.0, 9 ≤ x < 12
The point (2, 12) represents the wage increase of x < 12
To help you with it, plug-in 15 in each equation and see what you get!
Add (-2X) to both sides:
2X + B + (-2X) = C + (-2X)
If we (rearrange) it into B + 2X + (-2X) = C + (-2X)
B + 2X - 2X = C + (-2X)
Since +2X - 2X = 0
B + 0 = C + (-2X)
B = C + (-2X)
B = C - 2X
The answer is 24 since it is the least common multiple
Let f and s represent the weights of the first and second objects, respectively.
.. f - s = 200 . . . . . . . . the first is 200 lb heavier than the second
.. s = (1/3)f . . . . . . . . . . the second was 1/3 the weight of the first
In augmented matrix form, the equations can be written
.. f - s = 200
.. f - 3s = 0
The solution is
.. f = 300
.. s = 100
Their total weight is 400 lb, not enough to kill Mr. Boddy. The physics-loving professor is apparently innocent.