To solve this problem, we first need to determine Maria's walking rate, which is her speed in yards per minute. We can then use this rate to figure out how far she will walk in the next 7 minutes.
Here are the steps:
1. Determine Maria's walking rate:
Maria walks [tex]\( x \)[/tex] yards in 15 minutes. Her rate can be expressed as:
[tex]\[
\text{Rate} = \frac{x}{15} \text{ yards per minute}
\][/tex]
2. Calculate the distance she walks in 7 minutes:
At her constant walking rate, the distance she will walk in 7 minutes is:
[tex]\[
\text{Distance in 7 minutes} = \text{Rate} \times 7 \text{ minutes}
\][/tex]
Substituting in her rate:
[tex]\[
\text{Distance in 7 minutes} = \left(\frac{x}{15}\right) \times 7
\][/tex]
3. Simplify the expression:
[tex]\[
\text{Distance in 7 minutes} = \frac{7x}{15}
\][/tex]
Thus, if Maria continues to walk at the same average rate, the distance she will walk in the next 7 minutes is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{\frac{7x}{15}}
\][/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
\frac{7x}{15}
\][/tex]
