A spring has an original length L inches. When a weight of x pounds is suspended from the spring, its new length y is given by the formula y = L +
x
k
, where k is a constant, measured in pounds per inch.
Solve the formula for x. Show the steps in your work.
The value of k for a certain spring is 2.5. The length of the spring is found to be double its original length when a 10 pound weight is suspended from it. Write the equation for the original length of the spring and solve it. Show the steps in your work.