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"?

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Answer 1 · 2017-03-28T14:20:06

See the entire solution process below:

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#