High School

At the gym, Jasper was able to bench press 224 pounds, which was [tex]\frac{7}{8}[/tex] of the weight that Balin was able to bench press. Which shows the correct equation and value of [tex]x[/tex], the weight that Balin could bench press?

A. [tex]\frac{7}{8} x = 224 ; x = 196[/tex] pounds
B. [tex]\frac{7}{8} x = 224 ; x = 256[/tex] pounds
C. [tex]\frac{7}{8} = \frac{x}{224} ; x = 196[/tex] pounds
D. [tex]\frac{7}{8} = \frac{x}{224} ; x = 256[/tex] pounds

Answer :

To solve this problem, we need to determine the weight that Balin could bench press. We know Jasper can bench press 224 pounds, which is [tex]\(\frac{7}{8}\)[/tex] of the weight that Balin can lift. Let's set up an equation to find the weight, [tex]\(x\)[/tex], that Balin can bench press.

1. Understanding the problem:
- Jasper's bench press weight is 224 pounds.
- This weight represents [tex]\(\frac{7}{8}\)[/tex] of Balin's total bench press weight.

2. Setting up the equation:
- The relationship between Jasper's and Balin's weights can be expressed as:
[tex]\[
\frac{7}{8}x = 224
\][/tex]
Where [tex]\(x\)[/tex] is the weight Balin can lift.

3. Solving the equation:
- To isolate [tex]\(x\)[/tex], we need to divide both sides of the equation by [tex]\(\frac{7}{8}\)[/tex].
- Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So:
[tex]\[
x = 224 \times \frac{8}{7}
\][/tex]

4. Calculate the value of [tex]\(x\)[/tex]:
- Performing the calculation:
[tex]\[
x = 224 \times \frac{8}{7} = 256
\][/tex]

5. Conclusion:
- Balin can bench press 256 pounds.

Thus, the correct equation and value of [tex]\(x\)[/tex] are:
[tex]\[
\frac{7}{8}x = 224 ; x = 256 \text{ pounds}
\][/tex]

The correct option from the choices is:
[tex]\(\frac{7}{8}x = 224; x = 256\)[/tex] pounds.