To solve the inequality \(9x + 15 \geq 51\), Eric should follow these steps:
-
Subtract 15 from both sides:
This simplifies the inequality to \(9x \geq 36\). -
Divide both sides by 9:
This gives \(x \geq 4\). -
Plot the point on the number line:
Since the inequality is "greater than or equal to," he would plot \(4\) with a closed circle to indicate that \(4\) is included in the solution. -
Shade to the right of the point on the number line:
This shows that all values greater than or equal to \(4\) are part of the solution.
Given this process, the correct description of Eric's steps is:
Subtract 15 from both sides of the inequality. Divide both sides of the inequality by 9. Plot the point given in the solution on the number line with a closed circle. Shade to the right of the point on the number line.