Problem 156 - College Algebra

Question

Each group member should research one situation that provides two different pricing options. These can involve areas such as public transportation options (with or without discount passes), cellphone plans, long-distance telephone plans, or anything of interest. Be sure to bring in all the details for each option. At a second group meeting, select the two pricing situations that are most interesting and relevant. Using each situation, write a word problem about selecting the better of the two options. The word problem should be one that can be solved using a linear inequality. The group should turn in the two problems and their solutions.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

A solution to this exercise will have four major steps: 1. Research various pricing option situations. 2. Select two most relevant and interesting situations. 3. Formulate a word problem about selecting the better of the two options using linear inequality. 4. Solve the problem using linear inequalities.

Step 1: Research Pricing Options

Discuss with your group members about different pricing situations. It can be anything from daily life such as public transportation options (with or without discount passes), cell phone plans, or long-distance telephone plans. Each member should bring in details for each option. This lays the groundwork for your problem.

Step 2: Selecting Relevant Pricing Situations

After having a thorough discussion about various pricing situations, you need to select two that are most interesting and also relevant. This is important to ensure that the problems you formulate are grounded in reality and can generate meaningful discussions.

Step 3: Formulate a Word Problem

Here's the creative part of the exercise. You need to formulate a word problem about selecting the better of the two options using the concept of a linear inequality. This will test your understanding of linear inequalities and your ability to apply them in practical situations.

Step 4: Solve the Word Problem

The last step is to solve the problem you formulated. Using your knowledge about linear inequalities, work out the solution for the problem to find the better pricing option. This will reinforce your understanding of how a linear inequality can be used to solve real-world problems