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The first thing we’ll need to do to solve applications of systems of inequalities is to translate each condition into an inequality. Then we graph the system as we did above to see the region that contains the solutions. Many situations will be realistic only if both variables are positive, so their graphs will only show Quadrant I.
Christy sells her photographs at a booth at a street fair. At the start of the day, she wants to have at least 20 photos to display at her booth. Each small photo she displays costs her $4 and each large photo costs her $10. She doesn’t want to spend more than $200 on photos to display.
ⓐ Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
ⓑ Graph the system.
ⓒ Could she display 15 small and 5 large photos?
ⓓ Could she display 3 large and 22 small photos?
To graph
, graph
x +
y = 25 as a solid line.
Choose (0, 0) as a test point. Since it does not make the inequality true, shade the side that does not include the point (0, 0) red. To graph , graph 4 x + 10 y = 200 as a solid line. Choose (0, 0) as a test point. Since it does not make the inequality true, shade the side that includes the point (0, 0) blue. |
Notice that we could also test the possible solutions by substituting the values into each inequality.
A trailer can carry a maximum weight of 160 pounds and a maximum volume of 15 cubic feet. A microwave oven weighs 30 pounds and has 2 cubic feet of volume, while a printer weighs 20 pounds and has 3 cubic feet of space.
ⓐ Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
ⓑ Graph the system.
ⓒ Could 4 microwaves and 2 printers be carried on this trailer?
ⓓ Could 7 microwaves and 3 printers be carried on this trailer?
Mary needs to purchase supplies of answer sheets and pencils for a standardized test to be given to the juniors at her high school. The number of the answer sheets needed is at least 5 more than twice the number of pencils. The pencils cost $2 and the answer sheets cost $1. Mary’s budget for these supplies allows for a maximum cost of $400.
ⓐ Write a system of inequalities to model this situation.
ⓑ Graph the system.
ⓒ Could Mary purchase 100 pencils and 100 answer sheets?
ⓓ Could Mary purchase 150 pencils and 150 answer sheets?
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