Chapter 7: Problem 7
If a quantity a has the plausible range \(1 \ldots 4\), and the quantity \(b\) has the plausible range \(10 \ldots 40\), what are the plausible ranges for \(a b\) and for \(a / b\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The plausible ranges for the given quantities are \(10 \leq a * b \leq 160\) and \(0.025 \leq a / b \leq 0.4\).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the starting range for a and b
We are given the plausible range for a as \(1 \leq a \leq 4\) and for b as \(10 \leq b \leq 40\).
02
Determine a*b's plausible (possible) range
To find the range for the multiplication of a and b (a * b), we will use the extreme values of a and b to construct a table of the possible values of a * b. The table will look like this:
| a's values | b's values | a * b |
|------------|------------|-------|
| 1 | 10 | 10 |
| 1 | 40 | 40 |
| 4 | 10 | 40 |
| 4 | 40 | 160 |
Here, we can see that the minimum value is 10, and the maximum value is 160. Therefore, the plausible range for \(a * b\) is \(10 \leq a * b \leq 160\).
03
Determine a/b's plausible (possible) range
To find the range for the division of a and b (a / b), we will use the extreme values of a and b to construct a table of the possible values of a / b. The table will look like this:
| a's values | b's values | a / b |
|------------|------------|-------|
| 1 | 10 | 0.1 |
| 1 | 40 | 0.025|
| 4 | 10 | 0.4 |
| 4 | 40 | 0.1 |
Here, we can see that the minimum value is 0.025, and the maximum value is 0.4. Therefore, the plausible range for \(a / b\) is \(0.025 \leq a / b \leq 0.4\).
In conclusion, the plausible ranges for the given quantities are \(10 \leq a * b \leq 160\) and \(0.025 \leq a / b \leq 0.4\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Plausible Range
In mathematics, understanding the concept of a plausible range is essential. A plausible range provides possible values that a variable can take. It acts as a boundary based on given conditions. This exercise outlines the plausible range for two quantities, \( a \) and \( b \). Knowing that \( a \) ranges from 1 to 4, and \( b \) ranges from 10 to 40, we can derive the ranges for operations involving these values. Let's consider a simple analogy: if a number can be anywhere between 1 and 4, it limits what results it can produce in operations like multiplication or division. Determining these boundaries helps us analyze and predict possible outcomes of various equations.In practical terms:
- The plausible range is the spectrum of outcomes that are likely based on initial input ranges.
- For multiplication and division, this involves calculating both minimum and maximum results.
- This provides a framework for understanding what values make sense in a given context.
Multiplication and Division
Multiplying two variables expands possibilities, and when each variable has its own range, like \( a \) from 1 to 4 and \( b \) from 10 to 40, the results vary within a broad spectrum. To find the plausible range of \( a * b \), we calculate using extreme values.For multiplication:
- Multiply the smallest value of \( a \) with the smallest value of \( b \) (\( 1 \times 10 = 10 \)).
- Multiply the smallest value of \( a \) with the largest value of \( b \) (\( 1 \times 40 = 40 \)).
- Multiply the largest value of \( a \) with the smallest value of \( b \) (\( 4 \times 10 = 40 \)).
- Multiply the largest value of \( a \) with the largest value of \( b \) (\( 4 \times 40 = 160 \)).
- Divide the smallest \( a \) by the largest \( b \) (\( 1 \div 40 = 0.025 \)).
- Divide the largest \( a \) by the smallest \( b \) (\( 4 \div 10 = 0.4 \)).
Extreme Values
Extreme values serve a vital role in defining the boundaries of plausible ranges. By using the least and greatest values within a given range, we can specifically calculate the limits of new ranges for mathematical operations.
In the context of multiplication and division:
- Extreme values illustrate the smallest and largest potential outcomes for operations.
- They help in predicting the upper and lower boundaries of results from equations or functions.
- This method ensures all potential solutions are considered, leading to comprehensive range estimations.