16Hit1600
AlgebraMediumChoosing the inequality for a minimum with a fixed cost

Algebra practice question

A charity run costs $250 to organise. Each runner pays a $15 entry fee. Which inequality gives the numbers of runners n for which the run raises at least $500 after costs?

  1. A. 15n − 250 ≥ 500Correct
  2. B. 15n − 250 ≤ 500
  3. C. 15n ≥ 500
  4. D. 15n + 250 ≥ 500

Answer: A. 15n − 250 ≥ 500

Money raised after costs is 15n − 250, and 'at least 500' is ≥ 500. (This gives n ≥ 50.)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 15n − 250 ≤ 500
≤ would cap the amount raised.
C. 15n ≥ 500
Ignores the $250 cost.
D. 15n + 250 ≥ 500
Adds the cost instead of subtracting it.

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