Final answer:
Charlie needs to work at least 7 hours trimming trees to make a minimum of $33, taking into account the $9 equipment fee. This is represented by the inequality t ≥ 7.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the possible number of hours Charlie could work trimming trees to earn at least $33, we set up an inequality. Charlie charges $6 per hour and has a fixed equipment fee of $9.
The inequality representing the situation is:
6t - 9 ≥ 33
Breaking this down step-by-step:
- Add 9 to both sides to isolate the variable term on one side:
- Simplify the inequality:
- Divide both sides by 6 to solve for t:
This means that Charlie must work at least 7 hours to earn a minimum of $33 after paying the $9 equipment fee.