Question

Explain the error in solving this multistep inequality

3(16-3t) ≤ 1/4 (32-64t)
48-3t ≤ 8-16t
-19t ≤ 40/19
t ≥ 40/19

Solve for Correct answer and Identify the mistake in a sentence

Answer 1

t ≤ -40/7

The first mistake is distributing the 3 incorrectly in the first step of the solution.

Explanation:

3(16-3t) ≤ 1/4 (32-64t)

48-3t ≤ 8-16t <------- Distribute 3 to get 48 - 9t, not 48 - 3t

-19t ≤ 40/19

t ≥ 40/19

3(16-3t) ≤ 1/4 (32-64t)

48 - 9t ≤ 8 - 16t

7t ≤ -40

t ≤ -40/7