1/3x - 5 ≥ -2Which number line represents the solution to the inequality below?

A.

-15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3
B.

-15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3
C.

3456789101112131415
D.

3456789101112131415

1 answer

To solve the inequality \( \frac{1}{3}x - 5 \geq -2 \), we will first isolate \( x \).

  1. Add \( 5 \) to both sides: \[ \frac{1}{3}x \geq 3 \]

  2. Multiply both sides by \( 3 \) (which is positive, so the inequality direction remains the same): \[ x \geq 9 \]

Now we know the solution to the inequality is \( x \geq 9 \).

To represent this on a number line, we need to show an open or closed circle at \( 9 \) and shade to the right since \( x \) includes \( 9 \) and all numbers greater than \( 9 \).

Now looking at your options (A, B, C, and D), it appears that the number lines cover different ranges of values.

Assuming Option C and D represent positive values, we would expect:

  • The option that includes \( 9 \) and shades to the right from \( 9 \) is the correct representation of \( x \geq 9 \).

Please ensure to select the option that correctly highlights \( 9 \) and the shaded area to the right, indicating all values greater than or equal to \( 9 \).