IXL | Write and graph inequalities: word problems

Ernest is making a seashell frame for his mom's birthday gift. He plans to glue 30 seashells around the edge of the frame. Ernest wants to use at most 14 white shells.

Let w represent the number of white shells Ernest might use. Which inequality models the story?

Graph the inequality that models the story.

To draw a ray, plot an endpoint and select an arrow. Select an endpoint to change it from closed to open. Select the middle of the ray to delete it.

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Learn with an example

question

Neil is growing sugar crystals for his science fair experiment. He wants to find out if the amount of sugar affects the size of the crystal. Neil adds 18 tablespoons of sugar to his first bowl of water. He plans to add less sugar to the second bowl.

Let s represent the amount of sugar, in tablespoons, Neil might add to the second bowl of water. Which inequality models the story?

Graph the inequality that models the story.

To draw a ray, plot an endpoint and select an arrow. Select an endpoint to change it from closed to open. Select the middle of the ray to delete it.

key idea

When graphing an inequality on a number line, you need to choose between using a filled-in circle or an open circle.

Use a filled-in circle when an inequality shows ≥ or ≤. For example, this number line shows

≤

Use an open circle when an inequality shows > or <. For example, this number line shows

solution

The variable s represents the amount of sugar, in tablespoons, Neil might add to the second bowl of water. He adds 18 tablespoons of sugar to his first bowl of water and plans to add less sugar to the second. So, s must be less than 18.

This inequality models the story.

Now, graph the inequality. Since s cannot equal 18, draw an open circle on 18. Since s can be less than 18, draw an arrow pointing to the numbers less than 18, which are to the left.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Inequalities on a number line

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Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

U.2Graph inequalities on number lines

Lesson: Inequalities on a number line

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