Solving Word Problems Involving Inequalities (2.11.4)

Question 1

• Word problem solving process:
• Determine the facts
• Define the variables
• Create an equation
• Solve the equation
• Check your answer

Answer 1

• Word problem solving process:
• Determine the facts
• Define the variables
• Create an equation
• Solve the equation
• Check your answer

Question 2

Read the problem and see what facts you have and what you are being asked to figure out. As usual step one is to define the variable. In this example, “s” equals the number of sales per week. Then use the variable and the facts you know to write the equation. Our concern here is to find out when the left side is larger than the right side.
Now, solve the equation for the answer to the question in the problem. In this example, we never have to reverse the inequality because we don’t multiply or divide by a negative number. To answer our question we need a whole number because sales don’t come in parts. So, the answer to the question will be the next larger whole number; i.e., 34. Check the answer by substituting 34 into the equation to verify that the left side really is more money than the right side.

Answer 2

Read the problem and see what facts you have and what you are being asked to figure out. As usual step one is to define the variable. In this example, “s” equals the number of sales per week. Then use the variable and the facts you know to write the equation. Our concern here is to find out when the left side is larger than the right side.
Now, solve the equation for the answer to the question in the problem. In this example, we never have to reverse the inequality because we don’t multiply or divide by a negative number. To answer our question we need a whole number because sales don’t come in parts. So, the answer to the question will be the next larger whole number; i.e., 34. Check the answer by substituting 34 into the equation to verify that the left side really is more money than the right side.