Question

How do you write an algebraic expression that models the word phrase "The total height of a 1-foot tall birdbath if it is placed on a base that is b feet tall"?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, let's call the "total height" we are looking for `t`.

Then because the birdbath itself is 1-foot, the first part of the equation is:

`t = 1`

Then because we are putting it on top of a base `b` feet we need to add this to the height we already have. So we write:

`t = 1 + b`

or

`t = b + 1`