In a natural gas pipeline, the velocity v (in m/s) of the gas as a function of the distance x (in cm) from the wall of the pipe is given by v = 5.2x − x^2 .

Question

In a natural gas pipeline, the velocity v (in m/s) of the gas as a function of the distance x (in cm) from the wall of the pipe is given by v = 5.2x − x^2 .

Determine x for v = 4.8 m/s.

Answer 1

so, what's the problem?

5.2x-x^2 = 4.8
x^2-5.2x+4.8 = 0
Now just use the quadratic formula to find x.

It may be that one of the solutions does not apply, depending on the size of the pipe.