Final Answer:
The inequality representing Kennedy's situation is \( p + n \leq 21 \), where \( p \) is the number of pennies and \( n \) is the number of nickels, and the total number of coins should not exceed 21.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, Kennedy has a certain number of pennies, denoted as \( p \), and a certain number of nickels, denoted as \( n \). The total number of coins she possesses is the sum of the pennies and nickels, expressed as \( p + n \). Since Kennedy has a maximum of 21 coins altogether, we can write this situation as an inequality: \( p + n \leq 21 \). This inequality ensures that the total count of coins (pennies and nickels combined) does not surpass 21.
The inequality \( p + n \leq 21 \) is derived from the understanding that the number of coins cannot be negative, and Kennedy's total count should not exceed the maximum limit of 21. The inequality provides a clear constraint on the combination of pennies and nickels Kennedy can have. It ensures that she stays within the allowed limit of 21 coins.
In conclusion, the inequality \( p + n \leq 21 \) succinctly encapsulates Kennedy's situation, where \( p \) represents the number of pennies, \( n \) represents the number of nickels, and the total number of coins should not exceed 21. This inequality serves as a useful constraint for any analysis or problem-solving related to Kennedy's coin collection.