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Advanced Math / Nonlinear equations in one variable and systems of equations in two variables Difficulty: Easy

$P equals, the fraction W over t$

The power P produced by a machine is represented by the equation above, where W is the work performed during an amount of time t. Which of the following correctly expresses W in terms of P and t ?

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Explanation

Choice A is correct. Multiplying both sides of the equation by t yields $P times t equals, open parenthesis, the fraction w over t, close parenthesis, times t$ , or $P t equals W$ , which expresses W in terms of P and t. This is equivalent to W = Pt.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Each of the expressions given in these answer choices gives W in terms of P and t but doesn’t maintain the given relationship between W, P, and t. These expressions may result from performing different operations with t on each side of the equation. In choice B, W has been multiplied by t, and P has been divided by t. In choice C, W has been multiplied by t, and the quotient of P divided by t has been reciprocated. In choice D, W has been multiplied by t, and P has been added to t. However, in order to maintain the relationship between the variables in the given equation, the same operation must be performed with t on each side of the equation.