The way I figured this one out was saying that if it takes 2lbs to stretch it to 12 inches and 5lbs to stretch to 18 inches that means that 3 additional pounds = 6 inches. Therefore, each additional pound is 2 inches. We know already that with 2 lbs it was 12 inches in length and we can also say that 2 lbs = 4 inches. So subtract 4 from 12 and you end up with the answer of 8 inches.
The natural length of the spring when no weights are attached is 8 inches. This is determined by calculating the amount of stretch for the weights attached and subtracting that from the stretched lengths. The spring stretches 2 inches for every pound of weight added, leading to the conclusion of 8 inches as its natural length.
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