Let \( x \) represent the number of tickets Makayla can buy. The cost of each ticket is $1.50, so the total cost of \( x \) tickets is \( 1.50x \). Makayla has $8 to spend, so the inequality that represents how many tickets she can buy is:
\[ 1.50x \leq 8 \]
This inequality states that the total cost of the tickets must be less than or equal to the amount of money she has.