Question bank / Linear inequalities in one or two variables

Math · AlgebraEasy

Which of the following represents all solutions to the inequality −2≤x−5<3-2 \le x - 5 < 3?

A

−7≤x<−2-7 \le x < -2

B

x≥3x \ge 3

C

−2≤x<8-2 \le x < 8

D

3≤x<83 \le x < 8

Show answer and explanation

Answer: D

Add 55 to all three parts of the compound inequality: −2+5≤x<3+5-2 + 5 \le x < 3 + 5, so 3≤x<83 \le x < 8.

Choice A subtracts 55 from each part instead of adding 55.

Why the other choices are wrong

  • A. This subtracts 5 from each part. To undo x - 5, add 5.
  • B. This keeps only the left part. The values of x must also satisfy x - 5 < 3, so x < 8.
  • C. This adds 5 only to the right part. Both parts must change by the same amount.
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