8

Set 7: Linear Inequalities (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

A temperature sensor displays valid readings between -10°C and 50°C, inclusive. Which inequality represents valid temperature TT?

A.

10<T<50-10 < T < 50

B.

10T50-10 \leq T \leq 50

✓ Correct
C.

T<10T < -10 or T>50T > 50

D.

T10T \geq -10 and T50T \geq 50

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. Choice B is the correct answer. Compound inequalities with "and" represent ranges between two values. 1. Lower bound: "At least -10" means T10T \geq -10 2. Upper bound: "At most 50" means T50T \leq 50 3. Combine: 10T50-10 \leq T \leq 50 (both conditions simultaneously) 4. Note: "Inclusive" requires \leq and \geq, not strict inequalities Strategic Tip: "Between X and Y, inclusive" always uses \leq on both sides: XvarYX \leq \text{var} \leq Y. Choice A is incorrect because it uses strict inequalities, excluding the boundary values -10 and 50. Choice C is incorrect because it represents temperatures OUTSIDE the valid range using "or" logic. Choice D is incorrect because T10T \geq -10 and T50T \geq 50 would mean T50T \geq 50 only (impossible to satisfy both with "and" as written).

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 10T50-10 \leq T \leq 50

Why others are wrong:
A: Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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