Question 74·Medium·Linear Inequalities in One or Two Variables
A number is at least more than twice the value of . If , what is the least possible value of ?
(Express the answer as an integer)
For word problems about inequalities, first translate each phrase carefully: identify the base quantity (like "twice " as ), then apply additions or subtractions ("4 more" as ), and finally match key words like "at least" to the correct inequality symbol (greater than or equal to). Once you have the inequality, substitute any given values, simplify the expression, and then choose the boundary value (the number after the inequality sign) when the question asks for the least or greatest possible value.
Hints
Build the algebraic expression
First focus only on the phrase "4 more than twice the value of ". How would you write "twice the value of " in algebra, and then add 4 to it?
Use the correct inequality symbol
The words "at least" tell you that is greater than or equal to some expression. Which inequality symbol matches "at least"?
Substitute and think about the boundary
After you plug in and simplify the right-hand side, you will get an inequality of the form (some number). What is the smallest can be if it must be greater than or equal to that number?
Desmos Guide
Enter the algebraic expression with the given y-value
In Desmos, type the expression 2*5+4 (this represents "4 more than twice the value of " when ).
Use the result to interpret x
Look at the numerical result Desmos gives for 2*5+4. That value is the boundary number in the inequality (that result), and it represents the least possible value of that satisfies the condition.
Step-by-step Explanation
Translate the words into an inequality
"Twice the value of " means .
"4 more than twice the value of " becomes .
" is at least 4 more than twice the value of " means that is greater than or equal to that expression:
Substitute the given value of y
You are told that . Substitute for in the inequality:
Simplify the expression on the right side
Compute the right-hand side step by step:
So the inequality becomes
Interpret the inequality to find the least possible x
The inequality means can be or any number larger than .
The least possible value that satisfies this is when is exactly .
So, the least possible value of is 14.