Final answer:
The correct inequality for Mel's situation is x + y ≤ 50, representing that she can make at most 50 pieces of jewelry. The inequality symbol ≤ is used to show the total number of bracelets and necklaces combined cannot exceed 50. To graph it, the line x + y = 50 is drawn and the region that includes and lies below the line is shaded.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question given by the student involves creating an inequality to represent a real-world situation. Mel can make at most 50 pieces of jewelry, which includes necklaces and bracelets. The inequality that represents this situation is x + y ≤ 50, where x is the number of bracelets and y is the number of necklaces. This inequality means the sum of bracelets and necklaces made cannot exceed 50.
To graph this inequality, you would plot the line x + y = 50 on a coordinate plane, with x representing the number of bracelets on the horizontal axis and y representing the number of necklaces on the vertical axis. The area below and including the line represents all the possible combinations of x and y that satisfy the inequality x + y ≤ 50.
The correct answer to the student's multiple-choice question is A. x + y ≤ 50.