In: Math
Describe a situation in real life that can be modeled by an algebraic equation or system of equations. How about one modeled by an inequality or system of inequalities? If it is a situation you read about or saw on television, please give the appropriate citation.
Example 1
In order to get a rise in pay this month, Tim must sell at least 160 newspaper subscriptions. He sold 100 subscriptions in the first three weeks of the month. How many subscriptions must Leon sell in the last week of the month?
Solution
Let x = the number of subscriptions Tim sells in the last week of the month.
The total number of subscriptions for the month must be greater than or equal to160, so we write :
100 + x 160.
We solve the inequality by subtracting 100 from both sides: x 60.
Tim must sell 60 or more subscriptions in the last week to get his rise in pay.
Example 2
The width of a rectangle is 200 inches. What must the length be if the perimeter is at least 1800 inches?
Solution
Let x = length of the rectangle. The formula for perimeter is:
Perimeter = 2 x length + 2 x width
Since the perimeter must be at least 180 inches, we have 2x + 2(20) ? 180.
Simplify: 2x + 400 1800
Subtract 40 from both sides: 2x 1400
Divide both sides by 2: x 700
The length must be at least 700 inches.