a To begin we will define three different as follows.
- Let s represent the distance a person can swim.
- Let t be the number of minutes a person can tread water.
- Let u be the distance a person can swim underwater without taking a breath.
We will separate each of the into individual sections.
Swim at Least 100 Yards
The first requirement is that the person swims at least 100 yards. The phrase at least is another way to say greater than or equal to. Therefore, we can write an inequality to represent this requirement.
s ≥ 100
To graph this inequality, we will place a closed circle at 100, because s can equal 100, and shade the region to the right on the .
Tread Water for at Least Five Minutes
The second requirement is that the person treads water for at least five minutes. Again, the phrase at least is another way to say greater than or equal to. Therefore, we can use an inequality to represent this requirement.
t ≥ 5
To graph this inequality, we will place a closed circle at 5, because t can equal 5, and shade the region to the right on the number line.
Swim 10 Yards or More Underwater Without Taking a Breath
The third requirement is that the person swims 10 yards or more underwater without taking a breath. The phrase or more is another way to say greater than or equal to. Therefore, we can use the following inequality to represent this requirement.
u ≥ 10
To graph this inequality, we will place a closed circle at 10, because u can equal 10, and shade the region to the right on the number line.
