Linear strain equals which of the following?

Linear strain is defined as the deformation per unit length of a material that occurs when it is subjected to stress. It is calculated as the change in length of the material divided by the original length. This is represented mathematically as:

Linear Strain = Change in Length / Original Length

This shows that linear strain is a ratio that expresses how much the length of an object has changed relative to its original length.

Given this definition, the correct answer is the one that matches this formula. The option that states "Original length divided into the change in length" aligns with the mathematical representation since it effectively describes the relationship of the original length being the denominator in the strain calculation, providing a clear understanding of how linear strain is evaluated in engineering applications.

This concept is crucial in power engineering, especially when analyzing the structural integrity and performance of materials under various loads, as understanding strain helps engineers predict how materials will behave under stress.