High School

Steven has 55 baseball cards. Steven and Lucas have more than 71 baseball cards together. Which of the following inequalities represents the number of baseball cards the two boys have?

A. [tex]55 + b \ \textless \ 71[/tex]

B. [tex]b \ \textgreater \ 55 + 71[/tex]

C. [tex]55 - b \ \textgreater \ 71[/tex]

D. [tex]55 + b \ \textgreater \ 71[/tex]

Answer :

Sure! Let's break down the problem step by step.

Steven has 55 baseball cards. We want to find out how many baseball cards Lucas could have if together they have more than 71 cards.

1. Define Variables:
- Steven has 55 cards.
- Let [tex]\( b \)[/tex] represent the number of baseball cards Lucas has.

2. Formulate the Inequality:
- Together, Steven and Lucas have more than 71 cards.
- This can be expressed as: [tex]\( 55 + b > 71 \)[/tex].

3. Interpret the Inequality:
- To understand this inequality, we're saying that when you add the 55 cards Steven has to however many cards Lucas has (represented by [tex]\( b \)[/tex]), the total should be greater than 71.

4. Reiterate the Question:
- We are asked which inequality best represents this situation, given the options:
- A. [tex]\( 55 + b < 71 \)[/tex]
- B. [tex]\( b > 55 + 71 \)[/tex]
- C. [tex]\( 55 - b > 71 \)[/tex]
- D. [tex]\( 55 + b > 71 \)[/tex]

5. Selection:
- The inequality [tex]\( 55 + b > 71 \)[/tex] is option D.

Thus, the correct inequality representing the situation where Steven and Lucas together have more than 71 baseball cards is option D: [tex]\( 55 + b > 71 \)[/tex].