Rafael wants to spend $250 for the party. According to the pricing structure:
- $100 for the first 10 people
- $150 for more than 10 and up to 20 people
- $200 for more than 20 and up to 30 people
- $250 for more than 30 and up to 40 people
- $275 for more than 40 and up to 50 people
Since Rafael is willing to spend $250, he falls into the category of "more than 30 and up to 40 people." Therefore, the number of people he can invite is:
30 < x ≤ 40.
Thus, the correct response is 30 < x ≤ 40.