246 Equations and Inequalities
Write an Inequality
STATE FAIRS Dylan has $18 to ride go-karts and play games at the
state fair. If the go-karts cost $5.50, what is the most he can spend
on games?
We need to find the greatest amount of money Dylan can spend
on games.
Let x represent the amount Dylan can spend on games. Write an
inequality to represent the problem.
Words
Symbols
Inequality
Cost of cost of must be less total
go-kart plus games than or equal to amount.
5.50 + x ≤ 18
5.5 + x ≤ 18
5.5 + x ≤ 18 Write the inequality. (5.50 = 5.5)
- 5.5 - 5.5 Subtract 5.5 from each side.
x ≤ 12.5 Simplify.
Check by choosing an amount less than or equal to $12.50, such as
$10. Then Dylan would spend $5.50 + $10 or $15.50 in all. Since
$15.50 < $18, the answer is reasonable.
So, the most Dylan can spend on games is $12.50.
e. SAVINGS Shane is saving money for a ski trip. He has $62.50, but
his goal is to save at least $100. Write and solve an inequality
to determine the least amount Shane needs to save to reach
his goal.
Examples 1 and 2 Solve each inequality.
- c + 4 < 8 2. 14 + t ≥ 5 3. y - 9 < 11
- 10 > x + 5 55 c + 4 ≥ 17 6. t - 7 < 25
Example 3 Solve each inequality. Graph the solution set on a number line.
- 6 + h ≥ 12 8. 15 - y < 8 9. - 7 ≤ n + 9
Example 4 10. ELEVATORS An elevator must weigh less than 2,800 pounds. Write and
solve an inequality that describes how much weight the elevator can
gain if its current weight is 2,375 pounds.
Real-World Link
State Fairs
According to a recent
survey, corn dogs are
one of the favorite
foods of fairgoers.
They were first
invented at the Texas
State Fair about
70 years ago.
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