Answer: The inequality that shows the minimum number of hours, n, that Ricky should work as a babysitter to earn enough to buy the jacket is 15 + 5n ≥ 45, so n ≥ 6.
This inequality states that Ricky's current savings of $15 plus the amount he earns from babysitting (5n) must be greater than or equal to the cost of the jacket, which is $45. To find the minimum number of hours he needs to work, we set the left side of the inequality equal to $45 and solve for n. 15 + 5n = 45, so n = 6.
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