The maximum weight allowed on an elevator is 950 pounds. The five people already on the

elevator weight 780 pounds. To be able to ride the elevator safety, what is the maximum weight
the sixth person can weigh?
Step 1: Define the Variable
Step 2: Write the Inequality
Step 3: Solve (using Inverse Operations)
Step 4: Check
Step 5: Answer in a Sentence

1 answer

Step 1: Define the Variable
Let x be the weight of the sixth person.

Step 2: Write the Inequality
The inequality is 780 + x ≤ 950.

Step 3: Solve (using Inverse Operations)
Subtract 780 from both sides of the inequality:
780 + x - 780 ≤ 950 - 780
x ≤ 170

Step 4: Check
The maximum weight the sixth person can weigh is 170 pounds.

Step 5: Answer in a Sentence
To ride the elevator safely, the maximum weight the sixth person can weigh is 170 pounds.