Simplifying the Inequality

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

Understanding the Problem

Clarissa has a budget of $\$1,200$ a month to spend on rent and food. She has already spent $\$928$ this month. To determine the amount she can still spend and remain within her budget, we need to set up an inequality.

Setting Up the Inequality

Let $x$ be the amount Clarissa can still spend this month. Since she has already spent $\$928$ , the total amount she can spend is the difference between her budget and the amount she has already spent. This can be represented as:

1200 - 928 \leq x

Simplifying the Inequality

To simplify the inequality, we can subtract $928$ from both sides:

272 \leq x

Interpreting the Inequality

The inequality $272 \leq x$ means that the amount Clarissa can still spend this month is greater than or equal to $\$272$ . This is the amount she can spend and remain within her budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the inequality that represents the amount Clarissa can still spend this month and remain within her budget is $272 \leq x$ . This inequality ensures that Clarissa does not exceed her budget of $\$1,200$ .

Example Use Case

Suppose Clarissa wants to spend $\$300$ on food this month. To determine if she can still spend within her budget, we can substitute $x = 300$ into the inequality:

272 \leq 300

Since $272 \leq 300$ is true, Clarissa can still spend $\$300$ on food this month and remain within her budget.

Tips and Variations

If Clarissa wants to spend more than $\$300$ on food, we can substitute $x = 300 + y$ into the inequality, where $y$ is the additional amount she wants to spend.
If Clarissa wants to spend less than $\$300$ on food, we can substitute $x = 300 - y$ into the inequality, where $y$ is the amount she wants to save.

Common Mistakes

Not considering the amount Clarissa has already spent when setting up the inequality.
Not simplifying the inequality to its simplest form.
Not interpreting the inequality correctly.

Conclusion

$In conclusion, the inequality $272 \leq x$ represents the amount Clarissa can still spend this month and remain within her budget. This inequality ensures that Clarissa does not exceed her budget of $\$1,200$.<br/> **Clarissa's Budget Inequality: Q&A**$

Q: What is the budget inequality for Clarissa?

A: The budget inequality for Clarissa is $272 \leq x$ , where $x$ is the amount she can still spend this month and remain within her budget.

Q: What is the significance of the inequality?

A: The inequality ensures that Clarissa does not exceed her budget of $\$1,200$ .

Q: How did you simplify the inequality?

A: We simplified the inequality by subtracting $928$ from both sides of the original inequality $1200 - 928 \leq x$ .

Q: What is the meaning of the inequality in words?

A: The inequality $272 \leq x$ means that the amount Clarissa can still spend this month is greater than or equal to $\$272$ .

Q: Can Clarissa spend more than $\$300$ on food and still be within her budget?

A: No, according to the inequality, Clarissa can only spend up to $\$272$ on food and still be within her budget.

Q: Can Clarissa spend less than $\$300$ on food and still be within her budget?

A: Yes, according to the inequality, Clarissa can spend less than $\$300$ on food and still be within her budget.

Q: What is the relationship between the inequality and Clarissa's budget?

A: The inequality is a mathematical representation of Clarissa's budget, ensuring that she does not exceed her budget of $\$1,200$ .

Q: Can the inequality be used to determine the amount Clarissa can spend on other expenses?

A: Yes, the inequality can be used to determine the amount Clarissa can spend on other expenses, as long as the total amount spent does not exceed her budget of $\$1,200$ .

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with inequalities?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with inequalities include not considering the amount spent, not simplifying the inequality, and not interpreting the inequality correctly.

Q: How can the inequality be used in real-life scenarios?

A: The inequality can be used in real-life scenarios such as budgeting, financial planning, and decision-making.

Q: Can the inequality be used to compare different budgets?

A: Yes, the inequality can be used to compare different budgets by setting up a similar inequality for each budget and comparing the results.

Q: What is the importance of understanding inequalities in mathematics?

A: Understanding inequalities is important in mathematics as it allows us to make informed decisions and solve real-world problems.

Q: Can the inequality be used to solve other types of problems?

A: Yes, the inequality can be used to solve other types of problems such as optimization problems, where we want to maximize or minimize a quantity subject to certain constraints.

Q: What are some other applications of inequalities in mathematics?

A: Inequalities have many applications in mathematics, including optimization problems, game theory, and economics.

Q: Can the inequality be used to solve problems in other fields?

A: Yes, the inequality can be used to solve problems in other fields such as finance, economics, and business.