Question

Which of the following is not a way to represent the solution of the inequality 8x - (5x + 4) >= -31?

x >= -9

-9 <= x

A number line with a closed circle on -9 and shading to the left

A number line with a closed circle on -9 and shading to the right

Answer 1

-9<=x

A number line with a closed circle on the -9 and shading to the left.

Explanation:

This is because when you solve the problem:

8x-(5x+4)>=-31

Step 1: (distribute the negative sign) 8x-5x-4>=-31

Step 2: (Subtract 5x from 8x) 3x-4>=-31

Step 3: (Add 4 to both sides of the equation) 3x>=-31+4 which equals 3x>=-27

Step 4: (Divide by 3 into both sides of the equation) x>=-9

You should graph the answer with a closed circle on -9 and shading to the right because x>=-9 states that x is greater than or equal to 9. (When you shade to the right the numbers are increasing).

Hope this helps :)!