Let's denote the weight limit of the boat as \( W \). According to your instructions, choose a weight limit; we'll use \( W = 800 \) pounds as an example.
Each friend weighs on average 150 pounds. If \( n \) represents the number of friends, the total weight of \( n \) friends would be \( 150n \) pounds.
To find the inequality representing the number of friends that can fit in one boat, we need:
\[ 150n \leq W \]
Substituting the weight limit we chose:
\[ 150n \leq 800 \]
To solve for \( n \), divide both sides by 150:
\[ n \leq \frac{800}{150} \]
Calculating the right side:
\[ n \leq \frac{800}{150} \approx 5.33 \]
Since \( n \) must be a whole number (you can’t have a fraction of a person), the maximum number of friends that can fit in one boat is 5.
Now, let's assume you have a total of \( T \) friends. To determine the minimum number of boats required, divide the total number of friends by the maximum number of friends per boat. The inequality can be expressed as:
\[ \text{Number of boats} \geq \frac{T}{5} \]
As an example, if there are 20 friends, the minimum number of boats needed would be:
\[ \text{Number of boats} \geq \frac{20}{5} = 4 \]
So, 4 boats would be needed to accommodate 20 friends. Feel free to provide a specific number of friends \( T \) for a more precise calculation!