1. **State the problem:** We need to find the width of a box when the length is 30 inches, given the length to width ratio is 6:1. 2. **Formula and explanation:** The ratio means $ \frac{\text{length}}{\text{width}} = 6 $. This implies $ \text{length} = 6 \times \text{width} $. 3. **Set up the equation:** Given length $ L = 30 $ inches, we have: $$ 30 = 6 \times \text{width} $$ 4. **Solve for width:** $$ \text{width} = \frac{30}{6} = 5 $$ 5. **Interpretation:** The width should be 5 inches to maintain the 6:1 length to width ratio when the length is 30 inches.