A spring has a length of 12 inches when a 2-pound weight is attached, and a length of 18 inches when a 5-pound weight is attached. Use rate of change to find the length of the spring when no weights are attached.
(1 point)
inches
Let's denote the length of the spring when no weights are attached as "l".
From the given information, we can set up a proportion between the length of the spring and the weight attached to it:
(length with weight)/(weight) = (length without weight)/(0)
Using the given values, we set up the proportion:
(12 inches)/(2 pounds) = (l)/(0)
Simplifying the proportion:
(12/2) = l/0
6 = l/0
Since dividing by zero is undefined, we cannot determine the value of "l" using this method.