It’s often hard to think of why inequalities might be useful in life. Actually, you probably use inequalities on a regular basis without even thinking about it. For example, you might tell yourself that at your summer job you need to earn at least $200. Did you know that situation can be represented as an inequality? (x greater or equal than 200)
Describe two other situations in your life that can be represented as an inequality. Be sure to provide the inequality with each situation. Does your situation have a minimum and maximum? How would you express that in words or in an inequality?
Find another student’s scenario that also applies to your life. Change the inequality to reflect your situation. Explain how and why your situation is the same as or different from the other student’s scenario.
Respond to replies to your post.
Be sure to check back regularly to participate in the discussion with your fellow students and teacher.
Situation 1: Planning a trip
Inequality: Let's say I want to plan a trip and I know I need at least $1000 for expenses. I can represent this situation as an inequality: x >= 1000. In this case, there is a minimum requirement of $1000 for the trip. If I have less than $1000, I won't be able to afford the trip.
Situation 2: Time management
Inequality: Let's say I have an exam coming up and I know I need to study for at least 3 hours every day to be well-prepared. I can represent this situation as an inequality: x >= 3, where x represents the number of hours I study each day. This situation has a minimum requirement of 3 hours of study time per day. If I study less than 3 hours, I might not perform well in the exam.
In both situations, there is a minimum requirement. In the trip planning scenario, the minimum amount of money needed is $1000, while in the time management scenario, the minimum study time required is 3 hours per day.
Another student's scenario: Saving for a car
Original inequality: Let's say another student wants to buy a car and needs to save at least $5000 before making the purchase. The inequality for this scenario would be x >= 5000.
My situation: Saving for a smartphone
Modified inequality: I also want to save money, but my goal is to save at least $1000 to buy a new smartphone. The inequality for my scenario would be x >= 1000.
This situation is similar to the other student's scenario because we both have a minimum amount of money we need to save before making a purchase. However, the minimum requirement is different for each of us, as the other student needs $5000 for a car while I need $1000 for a smartphone.