Final answer:
The inequality that represents 'five less than a number is at least 40' is x - 5 ≥ 40. To solve this, we add 5 to both sides, resulting in x ≥ 45. This means the minimum value of the number is 45.
Step-by-step explanation:
To express the statement five less than a number is at least 40 as an inequality, let's designate the unknown number as x. The phrase five less than a number translates to x - 5, and at least 40 means the value is 40 or greater, which we write as ≥ 40. Combining these, the inequality is x - 5 ≥ 40.
Now, we solve the inequality step by step:
Add 5 to both sides: x - 5 + 5 ≥ 40 + 5
Simplify both sides: x ≥ 45
The minimum value of x is 45; therefore, any number that is 45 or greater satisfies the inequality.