rlevochkin
For a light that has an intensity of 60 candles at its source, the intensity in candles, S, of the light at a point d d feet from the source is given by the formula S=60k/d^2 60, where k is a constant. If the intensity of the light is 30 candles at a distance of 2 feet from the source, what is the intensity of the light at a distance of 20 feet from the source?
A. 3/10 candles
B. 1/2 candles
C. 1 1/3 candles
D. 2 candles
E. 3 candles
We are given that for a light that has an intensity of 60 candles at its source, the intensity in candles, S, of the light at a point d feet from the source is given by the formula S=60k/d^2, where k is a constant.
For this direct variation problem, we first will use the given formula to solve for k, the constant of variation, and then we can answer the question.
30 = 60k/(2^2)
30 = 60k/4
120 = 60k
k = 2
We know that k is 2, and we use that fact to determine the intensity of the light at a distance of 20 feet from the source.
S = 60(2)/20^2
S = 120/400 = 12/40 = 3/10 candles
Answer: A