Using inequalities to express body mass index ranges

Inequalities are useful for when a person wants to demonstrate that there are multiple possible answers to a question, or a range of answers to a particular math question. This example uses body mass index (BMI) as a way of demonstrating how some answers have ranges. The BMI is a rough measure of health based on weight and height. The formula for calculating BMI is as follows: BMI = [W / H2] *703. The following guidelines are suggestive of the relationship between health and weight: 17

To determine the appropriate weight range or interval for individuals in each category, one would solve for W. based on the given height and the numbers at each end of the range, which provides an equivalent equation. To isolate W, one begins with the basic equation BMI = [W / H2] *703. The first step is to divide each side by 703, which yields the following intermediate equation: BMI/703 = [(W / H2) *703]/703, which is simplified to BMI/703 = (W / H2). The next step involves multiplying by the square of height on both sides. (BMI/703) * H2= (W / H2) * H2. Simplified, those results show an equation where W. is isolated, allowing one to solve for weight when given a specific height and BMI: [BMI/703] *H2= W.

At a height of 5'7" (67 inches) and a weight of 140 lbs, the BMI of the individual examined for this paper is found with the following equation. BMI = [140 / 672] *703. The BMI is 21.92. Based upon the BMI information provided, these numbers suggest a BMI that is linked to a higher life span than average. The same height can then be used to examine the weight ranges associated with the different BMI ranges for a person with a height of 67 inches. The first BMI range is: 17