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Set 16: Linear Inequalities

Explanation

Answer: A

A rectangle has a length of x+5x + 5 and a width of 4. If the area must be at least 40, which inequality represents the possible values of xx?

A.

x5x \geq 5

✓ Correct
B.

x5x \leq 5

C.

x10x \geq 10

D.

x35x \geq 35

Detailed Explanation

Choice A is correct. Choice A is the correct answer. Area = Length ×\times Width. 1. Area Formula: 4(x+5)4(x + 5) 2. Constraint: At least 40 40\rightarrow \geq 40 3. Inequality: 4(x+5)404(x + 5) \geq 40 4. Divide by 4: x+510x + 5 \geq 10 5. Subtract 5: x5x \geq 5 Strategic Tip: You can also distribute first: 4x+20404x20x54x + 20 \geq 40 \rightarrow 4 x \geq 20 \rightarrow x \geq 5. Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the inequality direction. Choice C is incorrect because it forgets to subtract 5. Choice D is incorrect because it subtracts 5 from 40 directly without dividing by 4.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is x5x \geq 5

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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