Question

The temperature of a refrigerator is at least 34°F and at most 42°F. Which absolute value inequality could represent the temperature, t. of the refrigerator

A. |t - 38| ≥ 4
B. |t - 38| ≤ 4
C. |t - 38| > 4
D. |t - 38| < 4

Answer 1

The correct absolute value inequality to represent the refrigerator temperature range of at least 34°F and at most 42°F is |t - 38| ≤ 4, which is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking for the absolute value inequality that could represent the temperature t of a refrigerator that is maintained between 34°F and 42°F. The temperature range can be written as an inequality: 34°F ≤ t ≤ 42°F. If we assume that the middle of this range is 38°F, then the absolute value inequality expresses the deviation from this midpoint. Thus, the temperature t is within 4 degrees of 38°F. The correct representation in absolute value notation would be |t - 38| ≤ 4, which means the distance between t and 38°F is less than or equal to 4 degrees. Therefore, the right answer from the options provided is B. |t - 38| ≤ 4.