CPhill

Note that, if b = -1/2,  we we have a final result of  -x + 5/2

So...the smallest possible degree is 1

The constant term is just the product of the two constant terms in each polynomial....thus 15 * 5 = 75

The degree is found by taking the product of the highest powers in each polynomial...thus.....   x⁴ * x⁴ = x⁸

So...the degree is 8

Here's another way I learned it:

Sin = Oh / Heck

Cos = Another / Hour

Tan = Of / Algebra

(Your mileage may vary.....)

For "a," let the circumference of the smallest circle be "d"

So we have

pi [ (d) + (d+1) + (d+2) + (d+3) + (d+4) + (d+5) + (d+6)  + (d+7 ] = 136     simplify

pi [8d + 28] = 136    divide by pi on both sides

[8d + 28] = 136/pi

8d + 28 =136/pi      subtract 28 from both sides

8d  = 136/pi - 28      divide both sides by 8

d = (136/pi - 28)/ 8  = about 1.91cm     and that's the diameter of the smallest  circle

So....the diameter of the largest circle = 1.91 + 7  = about 8.91 cm

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking in "b".......does anyone else see this ???

I don't see any triangle, but if AB is a "leg,"  we have

AB = √(8² - 3²)

If AB is the hypoteneuse, we have

√(8² + 3²)

I'll let you finish the details.......

Don't worry, saseflower.....the other day, I couldn't seem to answer any questions correctly....we all go through bad "patches" .....  I gave you points for a good effort.......

5(2x-4)=4x-2(1-3x)  simplify

10x - 20 = 4x - 2 + 6x

10x - 20  = 10x - 2     subtract 20x from both sides

-20 = -2

And this is impossible.....thus, no solution exists.....

a)  F = (9/5) + 32   subtract 32 from both sides

F - 32 = (9/5)C      multiply both sides by (5/9)

(5/9)(F - 32)  = C

b) So we have

(5/9)(60 - 32) = C

(5/9)(28) = C  = about 15.6° C

Mutiplying a polynomial by a constant does nothing to change its degree.  And adding two polynomials of the same degree together  - as long as the "lead" terms don't "cancel" each other - will result in a polynomial of that degree. So...the highest possible degree is four.