More Word Problems with Inequalities

Example 1

An elevator currently weighs 2,375 pounds and it can hold up to 2,800 pounds. Write and solve an inequality that describes how much more the elevator can hold.

Let x = number of pounds

x + 2,375 ≤ 2,800 - 2,375 -2,375 x ≤ 425

The elevator can hold 435 more pounds.

Example 2

The soccer team can have no more than 26 players. How many more players can make the team if the coach has already chosen 17 players? Write and solve an inequality.

Let x = number of players

x + 17 ≤ 26 -17 -17 x ≤ 9

There are at most 9 more players that can make the soccer team.

Example 3

Lily earns $8 per hour working at the zoo. How many hours does Lily have to work to earn at least $120? Write and solve an inequality.

Let x = number of hours

8x ≥ 120 8 8 x ≥ 15

Lily has to work at least 15 hours to earn $120.

Example 4Ben is training for football and is lifting 120 pounds on the bench press. He can lift a maximum of 180 pounds. How much additional weight can Ben lift? Write and solve an inequality.

Let x = number of pounds

x + 120 ≤ 180 -120 -120 x ≤ 60

Ben can lift up to 60 more pounds.

Example 5Mr. Walker works as a salesperson at an electronics store. He earns $600 a week, plus $50 for every computer he sells. How many computers does Mr. Walker have to sell in order to earn at least $1,250 for the week? Write and solve the inequality.

Let x = number of computers

50x + 600 ≥ 1,250 -600 -600 50x ≥ 650 50 50 x ≥ 13

Mr. Walker must sell at least 13 computers.