Two Step Inequality Word Problems

A two-step inequality is an inequality that requires two operations to isolate the variable. It often involves addition or subtraction followed by multiplication or division.

Identify the variable, determine the relationship (greater than, less than, etc.), and translate the words into a mathematical expression.

The symbol '≥' means 'greater than or equal to'.

The symbol '≤' means 'less than or equal to'.

In this inequality, 'x' represents the number of cars washed by Lea.

Subtract 30 from both sides to get 14x ≥ 210, then divide by 14 to find x ≥ 15.

The first step is to isolate the term with the variable by performing the opposite operation (addition or subtraction).

The second step is to divide or multiply to solve for the variable, remembering to reverse the inequality sign if multiplying or dividing by a negative number.

'At least' indicates that the amount must be greater than or equal to $4800.

A variable is defined by identifying what quantity is changing or what needs to be solved for in the problem.