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.