EXAMPLE 1 Using a Variable Expression Hot Air Balloons You are riding in a hot air balloon. After traveling 5 miles, the balloon speed changes to 6 miles per hour. So, the total distance traveled is original distance + speed time, which is t, where t is the number of hours traveled at 6 mi/h.
EXAMPLE 1 Using a Variable Expression SOLUTION STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Write hours traveled t. Substitute for t in the expression t. Evaluate to find total distance (1) 5 + 6(2) ANSWER If the balloon travels at 6 miles per hour for 1 hour, you travel a total of 11 miles. After 2 hours you travel a total of 17 miles.
GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 1 What If? Use the information above about hot air balloons. 1.If you travel at 6 miles per hour for 3 hours, what is the total distance? SOLUTION STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Write hours traveled t. Substitute for t in the expression t. Evaluate to find total distance (3) 23 ANSWER If the balloon travels at 6 miles per hour for 3 hours, you travel a total of 23 miles.
GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 1 2.If you travel at 6 miles per hour for hour, what is the total distance? 1 2 SOLUTION STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Write hours traveled t. Substitute for t in the expression t. Evaluate to find total distance (0.5) 8 ANSWER If the balloon travels at 6 miles per hour for hour, you travel a total of 8 miles. 1 2
GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 1 3.If you travel at 3 miles per hour for 2 hours, what is the total distance? SOLUTION STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Write hours traveled t. Substitute for t in the expression t. Evaluate to find total distance (2) 11 ANSWER If the balloon travels at 3 miles per hour for 2 hour, you travel a total of 11 miles.