16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumInequality from a perimeter limit

Algebra practice question

The side length of a square is x + 3 units. Which inequality represents all values of x for which the perimeter of the square is at most 40 units?

  1. A. x ≤ 7Correct
  2. B. x ≤ 10
  3. C. x < 7
  4. D. x ≥ 7

Answer: A. x ≤ 7

Perimeter = 4(x + 3) ≤ 40 → x + 3 ≤ 10 → x ≤ 7.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. x ≤ 10
x ≤ 10 forgets to subtract the 3.
C. x < 7
'At most' allows equality, so ≤, not <.
D. x ≥ 7
The direction is reversed.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.