Question Video: Using Variables to Represent Numbers and Write Inequalities When Solving a Real-World Problem Mathematics

Video Transcript

Isabella has 𝑚 dollars. She wants to buy a book for 10 dollars and a pencil case for four dollars. Describe the condition on 𝑚 for her to be able to afford both items.

So we know that she has a total of 𝑚 dollars. And the two items she would like to buy cost 10 dollars and four dollars. So their total we would find by adding them together.

So in order to afford something, that means we have to have enough money. So that means we don’t need to have exactly 10 plus four dollars. Or we need to have more than that. So 𝑚 needs to be greater than or equal to 10 plus four.

If Isabella had more than 10 plus four dollars, she’d have some money left over. If she had exactly equal to, meaning 10 plus four dollars, she wouldn’t have any money left to spend. But she would still be able to afford both items. So finally, our final answer will be 𝑚 is greater than or equal to 10 plus four.