You need at least 5 pounds of potatoes and onions. Potatoes cost $4 per pound and onions cost $2 per pound. You can spend at most $18.

a) define the variables
b) a system of linear inequalities that represents this situation.

a) The variables in this situation are:

- "p" represents the number of pounds of potatoes
- "o" represents the number of pounds of onions

b) The system of linear inequalities that represents this situation is:
1. The total weight should be at least 5 pounds:
p + o ≥ 5

2. The cost of potatoes and onions combined should be at most $18:
4p + 2o ≤ 18

This system of inequalities ensures that there are at least 5 pounds of vegetables (potatoes and onions) and the cost of these vegetables does not exceed $18.

biubiubu