5

Set 11: Linear Inequalities

Explanation

Answer: A

Which inequality corresponds to the statement: "Three times a number minus 5 is at most 4 more than twice the number"?

A.

3x52x+43x - 5 \leq 2x + 4

✓ Correct
B.

3x5<2x+43x - 5 < 2x + 4

C.

3(x5)2x+43(x - 5) \leq 2x + 4

D.

3x52x+43x - 5 \geq 2x + 4

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Translate the sentence phrase by phrase. 1. "Three times a number minus 5": 3x53x - 5 2. "Is at most": \leq 3. "4 more than twice the number": 2x+42x + 4 4. Combine: 3x52x+43x - 5 \leq 2 x + 4 Strategic Tip: "At most" means less than or equal to (\leq). "More than" in "4 more than..." means addition (+4+4). Choice B is incorrect because "at most" includes equality, so << is wrong. Choice C is incorrect because it groups (x5)(x-5), implying "Three times the difference of a number and 5". Choice D is incorrect because \geq means "at least", not "at most".

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 3x52x+43x - 5 \leq 2x + 4

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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