|
-
Jun 6th, 2007, 02:54 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Hyperactive Member
[RESOLVED] Getting negative instead of positive
I am not sure if this is OK to post this question here because it isn't related to programming, but I was hoping someone could help me out. Sorry, if this is only for programming.
I bought a book to help with algebra, and I am having a hard time understanding why I am getting this question wrong.
This is the story problem.
A mother is 4 times older than her daughter. In 14 years, she will be twice as old as her daughter. Find their ages now.
This is the equation I have.
m is mother. d is daughter.
m = 4d
m+14 = 2d
So then I replace m with 4d and get 4d + 14 = 2d.
To solve for d I subtract 2d from both sides and subtract 14 from both sides. I get.
2d = -14
Then I divide both sides by 2 and get d = -7. So m = 4(-7). So m = -28.
Now, I know that isn't right....because I looked at the answers . It is actually the correct numbers, but it obviously can't be negative. I am just having a really hard time finding out how to keep them from being negative.
I would be very grateful if someone could tell me what I am doing wrong.
Thank you.
Ben
Using Visual Basic 2005/2008
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
Click Here to Expand Forum to Full Width
|