The size, [tex] x [/tex], in an automobile tire can affect its performance. Both over-sized and under-sized tires can lead to poor performance and poor mileage. The tire size that yields the best performance for the car Michael wants is given by:

[tex] 0.2(x - 25.5) + 0.3 = -0.2(x - 16) [/tex]

Find the tire size that will yield the best performance for Michael's car.

[tex] \square [/tex] inch tire



Answer :

To determine the tire size [tex]\( x \)[/tex] that provides the best performance for Michael's car, we start with the given equation:

[tex]\[ 0.2(x - 25.5) + 0.3 = -0.2(x - 16) \][/tex]

We'll solve this equation step-by-step.

### Step 1: Distribute the constants on both sides of the equation

On the left side:
[tex]\[ 0.2(x - 25.5) + 0.3 = 0.2x - 0.2 \cdot 25.5 + 0.3 = 0.2x - 5.1 + 0.3 \][/tex]
Simplify the expression:
[tex]\[ 0.2x - 5.1 + 0.3 = 0.2x - 4.8 \][/tex]

On the right side:
[tex]\[ -0.2(x - 16) = -0.2x + 0.2 \cdot 16 = -0.2x + 3.2 \][/tex]

So, we now have:
[tex]\[ 0.2x - 4.8 = -0.2x + 3.2 \][/tex]

### Step 2: Combine like terms

To isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex], we add [tex]\( 0.2x \)[/tex] to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ 0.2x + 0.2x - 4.8 = -0.2x + 0.2x + 3.2 \][/tex]
This simplifies to:
[tex]\[ 0.4x - 4.8 = 3.2 \][/tex]

### Step 3: Isolate the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex]

Next, add 4.8 to both sides of the equation to move the constant term:
[tex]\[ 0.4x - 4.8 + 4.8 = 3.2 + 4.8 \][/tex]
This simplifies to:
[tex]\[ 0.4x = 8.0 \][/tex]

### Step 4: Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]

Finally, divide both sides by 0.4 to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{8.0}{0.4} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ x = 20 \][/tex]

Therefore, the tire size that will yield the best performance for Michael's car is:
[tex]\[ 20 \text{ inch tire} \][/tex]