Translate exactly what is said into math.binaras wrote:The number of inches between two points is X. The number of inches in X is equal to the square root of the number of feet in X. (12 inches = 1 foot) What is the length of X in inches?
(A) 144
(B) 12
(C) 1
(D) 1/12
(E) 1/144
X = the square root of the number of feet in X
Since 12 inches = 1 foot, X inches = X/12 feet.
X = √(X/12)
Square both sides.
X² = X/12
X² - (1/12)X = 0
Don't just divide X out. X is a factor! If you divide it out, you will lose a possible value of X.
X(X - 1/12) = 0
X = 0 or 1/12
0 is not given as an answer choice.
The correct answer is D.
