A. We are given that each person weighs 150 lb, each gear per person weighs 10 lb, and a total of 200 pounds of gear for the boat itself.
Since each person only carries one gear, therefore total weight per person in 160 lb (weight of person + weight of gear).
So let us say that x is the number of persons, the inequality equation is:
160 x + 200 ≤ 1200
B. There are three groups that wish to rent the boat.
> Solve the inequality equation when x = 4
160 (4) + 200 ≤ 1200
840 ≤ 1200 (TRUE)
> Solve the inequality equation when x = 5
160 (5) + 200 ≤ 1200
1000 ≤ 1200 (TRUE)
> Solve the inequality equation when x = 8
160 (8) + 200 ≤ 1200
1480 ≤ 1200 (FALSE)
So only the 4 people group and 5 people group can safely run the boat.
C. Find the maximum number of people that may safely use the boat, solve for x:
160 x + 200 ≤ 1200
160 x ≤ 1000
x ≤ 6.25
Therefore the maximum number of people that can safely use the boat is 6 people.