Final answer:
To write a linear inequality for the near optimal/above optimal category, use the inequality x > 160.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write a linear inequality for the near optimal/above optimal category, we need to determine the range of LDL cholesterol numbers that fall into this category. According to the information provided, an LDL level above 160 mg/dL would be considered high. Therefore, we can write the linear inequality as:
x > 160
This means that any LDL cholesterol number greater than 160 mg/dL would fall into the near optimal/above optimal category.