3
algebra

If 5x+1030-5x + 10 \leq 30, what is the solution?

A

x4x \leq -4

B

x4x \geq -4

C

x8x \leq 8

D

x8x \geq 8

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the correct answer. Negative coefficients require sign reversal when dividing.

  1. Subtract 10: 5x+10103010-5x + 10 - 10 \leq 30 - 10, giving 5x20-5x \leq 20
  2. Divide by -5: 5x5205\frac{-5x}{-5} \geq \frac{20}{-5} (REVERSE the sign!)
  3. Simplify: x4x \geq -4

?�� Strategic Tip: Dividing by -5 changes \leq to \geq. This reversal is critical and heavily tested.

Choice A is incorrect because it fails to reverse the inequality sign when dividing by -5. Choice C is incorrect because it might come from dividing 40 by 5, using wrong intermediate calculations. Choice D is incorrect because while it correctly reverses the sign, it uses the wrong boundary value.