1963 TMTA High School Algebra I Contest Problem 20

Problem

If a piece of cloth $44$ inches long will shrink to $42$ inches when washed, to what length in inches will a $33$ inch piece of the same cloth shrink after washing?

$\text{(A)} \quad 28\frac{1}{2} \quad \text{(B)} \quad 31 \quad \text{(C)} \quad 32 \quad \text{(D)} \quad 31\frac{1}{2} \quad \text{(E)} 30$

Solution

We can write the following proportion: $\frac{44}{42}=\frac{33}{x}.$ Solving for $x$ yields $\frac{33\cdot 42}{44}=31.5,$ so the answer is $\boxed{\text{(D)}}.$

See Also

1963 TMTA High School Mathematics Contests (Problems)
Preceded by
Problem 19
TMTA High School Mathematics Contest Past Problems/Solutions Followed by
Problem 21