A spring has a length of 12 inches when a 2-pound weight is attached, and a length of 18 inches when a 5-pound weight is attached. Use rate of change to find the length of the spring when no weights are attached.

(1 point)

inches

1 answer

Let's denote the length of the spring when no weights are attached as "l".

From the given information, we can set up a proportion between the length of the spring and the weight attached to it:

(length with weight)/(weight) = (length without weight)/(0)

Using the given values, we set up the proportion:

(12 inches)/(2 pounds) = (l)/(0)

Simplifying the proportion:

(12/2) = l/0

6 = l/0

Since dividing by zero is undefined, we cannot determine the value of "l" using this method.