Solving Absolute Value Equations in the Real World

Starting from 300 feet away, a car drives toward you. It then passes by you at a speed of 48 feet per second. The distance d (in feet) of the car from you after t seconds is given by the equation $d=\left|300-48t\right|$ .  At what times is the car 60 feet from you? 

• 2.5 seconds

• 5 seconds

• 7.5 seconds

• 10 seconds

The recommended weight of a soccer ball is 430 grams. The actual weight is allowed to vary by up to 20 grams. Write and solve an absolute value equation to find the minimum acceptable soccer ball weight.

The recommended weight of a soccer ball is 430 grams. The actual weight is allowed to vary by up to 20 grams. Write and solve an absolute value equation to find the maximum acceptable soccer ball weight.

The recommended weight of a soccer ball is 430 grams. The actual weight is allowed to vary by up to 20 grams. A soccer ball weighs 423 grams. Due to wear and tear, the weight of the ball decreases by 16 grams. Is the weight acceptable? (Hint: You know the minimum and maximum allowable weights from the last two problems.)

• Yes, the weight is acceptable.

• No, the weight is below the minimum acceptable weight.

• No, the weight is above the maximum acceptable weight.