Math Problem Statement
A swimming pool is being drained at a constant rate of 15 gallons per minute. The pool initially holds 1,200 gallons of water.
Which equation represents the amount of water, g , left in the pool after t minutes? A.t=−15g+1,200
B.g=15t−1,200
C.g=−15t+1,200
D.t=15g+1,200
Solution
Let's break this problem down step-by-step.
We are given:
- Rate of drainage: 15 gallons per minute (constant).
- Initial water: 1,200 gallons.
- We need to find an equation that expresses the amount of water left in the pool after minutes.
Step 1: Understanding the relationship
- At , the pool has 1,200 gallons.
- For every minute , 15 gallons are removed, meaning the amount of water decreases linearly.
The decrease in water can be expressed as:
Step 2: Rewriting the equation
The correct form matches:
This equation tells us that as time increases, the amount of water decreases by 15 gallons per minute.
Step 3: Identify the correct option
The correct option is:
C.
Would you like to see more examples of similar problems?
Here are 5 follow-up questions to practice:
- How much water will be left after 30 minutes?
- How long will it take to completely drain the pool?
- What would the equation be if the pool started with 1,500 gallons instead?
- If the rate of drainage was 20 gallons per minute, how would the equation change?
- What does the slope of the equation represent in this problem?
Tip: The slope in a linear equation often represents the rate of change—in this case, the gallons lost per minute.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Linear Equations
Rate of Change
Algebra
Formulas
g = -15t + 1,200 (linear equation for remaining water)
Theorems
Linear Function Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 6-8