To find the rate of change of the length of the spring with respect to the weight, we can set up a proportion:
(18 - 12) inches / (5 - 2) pounds = (x - 12) inches / 0 pounds
6 inches / 3 pounds = (x - 12) inches / 0 pounds
2 inches/pound = (x - 12) inches / 0 pounds
2 inches/pound = x - 12
x = 2 inches + 12 inches
x = 14 inches
Therefore, the length of the spring when no weights are attached is 14 inches.
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
1 answer