9

Set 8: Linear Inequalities (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: A

Which inequality is equivalent to 3x+6<153x + 6 < 15?

A.

x<3x < 3

✓ Correct
B.

x>3x > 3

C.

x<7x < 7

D.

x<21x < 21

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Simplifying inequalities to equivalent forms is a key algebraic skill. 1. Subtract 6: 3x+66<1563x + 6 - 6 < 15 - 6, giving 3x<93x < 9 2. Divide by 3: 3x3<93\frac{3 x}{3} < \frac{9}{3}, giving x<3x < 3 3. Equivalence: x<3x < 3 means exactly the same thing as the original inequality Strategic Tip: Equivalent inequalities have identical solution sets even though they look different. Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the inequality direction without justification. Choice C is incorrect because it might come from dividing 21 by 3, where 21 comes from adding 6 and 15. Choice D is incorrect because it multiplies 3 and 6 plus 15 incorrectly, or just takes 15 + 6 = 21.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is x<3x < 3

Why others are wrong:
B: Choice B 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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