The total calories burned per hour while sleeping varies and is modeled by the equation |x-79|=12. Which number in the equation represents the calories burned per hour?

Answer 1

In the equation $|x-79|=12$, the variable $x$ represents the number of calories burned per hour while sleeping.

To solve the equation, we can break it down into two cases based on the definition of absolute value:

1. $x-79=12$
2. $x-79=-12$

Solving these cases:

1. For $x-79=12$: $$x=12+79=91$$

2. For $x-79=-12$: $$x=-12+79=67$$

Thus, the possible values for the calories burned per hour while sleeping are 91 or 67.