Q15. - Algebra 2

Question

For exercise 14-16, use the following information.

A meat thermometer is used to assure that a safe temperature has been reached to destroy bacteria. Most meat thermometers are accurate to within plus or minus $2{}^{\circ }F$

Solve the equation you wrote in exercise 14

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The minimum temperature is $158{}^{\circ }F$ and maximum temperature is $162{}^{\circ }F$ 

Step 1 - Write the equation from question 14

The absolute value equation from question 14 is $\left|x-160\right|=2$

Step 2 - Define absolute value equation

For any real numbers $a\text{ and }b$, where $b\ge 0$, if $\left|a\right|=b$ then $a=b$ or $a=-b$ 

Step 3 - Simplify x - 160 = 2

To simplify the equation using the definition of absolute value equation as shown below:

$\begin{array}{c}x-160=2\\ x=160+2\\ x=162\end{array}$ or $\begin{array}{c}x-160=-2\\ x=160-2\\ x=158\end{array}$

Thus minimum temperature is $158{}^{\circ }F$ and maximum temperature is $162{}^{\circ }F$