Question

Difficulty: EasySolving Linear Inequalities

What is the maximum integer value of kk that satisfies the inequality 8−5k>288 - 5k > 28?

Answer: -5

Answer

The maximum integer value that satisfies the inequality is −5-5.
Subtracting 8 from both sides of the inequality 8−5k>288 - 5k > 28 yields −5k>20-5k > 20. Dividing both sides of the inequality by −5-5 and reversing the inequality sign results in k<−4k < -4. The largest integer strictly less than −4-4 is −5-5.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Subtract 8 from both sides of the inequality.
−5k>20-5k > 20
To isolate the term with the variable on the left side of the inequality.
2
Divide both sides by −5-5 and reverse the inequality sign.
k<−4k < -4
Dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative number requires reversing the direction of the inequality symbol.
3
Determine the largest integer strictly less than −4-4.
−5-5
Because the inequality is strict (<<), the value of kk cannot be equal to −4-4. The greatest integer less than −4-4 is −5-5.

Key Concept

Solving linear inequalities and reversing the inequality sign when dividing by a negative number.
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