Solve the problem.

The maximum weight for an elevator is 1600 pounds. You need to move boxes, each weighing 40 pounds, and you weigh 145 pounds. Write an inequality that can be used to determine the maximum number of boxes that you can place in the elevator at one time. Assume only you and the boxes are in the elevator.

A. [tex]145 + 40n \leq 1600[/tex]
B. [tex]1600 - 145 \leq 40n[/tex]
C. [tex]145 + 40n \geq 1600[/tex]
D. [tex]1600 + 145 \geq 40n[/tex]

Please select the best answer from the choices provided:
A
B
C
D

To solve this problem, we need to figure out how many boxes you can put in the elevator without exceeding the maximum weight limit of 1600 pounds. Let's break it down into steps:

1. Understand the Requirements:
- The maximum weight limit of the elevator is 1600 pounds.
- You, as a person, weigh 145 pounds.
- Each box you want to put in the elevator weighs 40 pounds.

2. Formulate the Inequality:
- The total weight in the elevator will be the sum of your weight and the weight of all the boxes.
- Let [tex]\( n \)[/tex] be the number of boxes.
- The weight of [tex]\( n \)[/tex] boxes is [tex]\( 40n \)[/tex] pounds.

3. Set up the inequality:
- Your weight plus the total weight of the boxes must be less than or equal to the elevator's maximum weight:
[tex]\[
145 + 40n \leq 1600
\][/tex]

4. Choose the Correct Option:
- This inequality matches option C in the given choices: [tex]\( 145 + 40n \leq 1600 \)[/tex].

This inequality will help you determine the maximum number of boxes you can safely take in the elevator along with your own weight. Thus, the best choice is C.