College

The temperature on Mars roughly ranges from -70 degrees Fahrenheit to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Write an absolute value inequality that represents the given information.

Answer :

To express the temperature range on Mars as an absolute value inequality, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the Limits of the Range:
The given temperature range on Mars is from -70 degrees Fahrenheit to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Find the Midpoint of the Range:
To write an absolute value inequality, first, find the midpoint (or center) of the temperature range. This is done by averaging the two extremes of the range:
[tex]\[
\text{Midpoint} = \frac{-70 + 220}{2} = 75
\][/tex]
So, the midpoint is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Calculate the Deviation:
Next, determine how far the endpoints of the range are from this midpoint. You can use either endpoint for this calculation. We'll use 220 degrees:
[tex]\[
\text{Deviation} = 220 - 75 = 145
\][/tex]

4. Write the Absolute Value Inequality:
With the midpoint and deviation determined, you can write the absolute value inequality. The inequality represents all temperatures, [tex]\( x \)[/tex], that are within 145 degrees of 75 degrees:
[tex]\[
|x - 75| \leq 145
\][/tex]

This inequality captures the range of temperatures on Mars, meaning the actual temperature [tex]\( x \)[/tex] can be as low as -70 degrees or as high as 220 degrees.