Question

select the correct answer.
an animal shelter takes in an average of 5 animals per day. the shelter must keep its total occupancy below 300. currently, the shelter has 165 animals.
if none of the animals get adopted, which inequality represents how many more days, x, the shelter can continue to take in animals without exceeding its occupancy limit?
a. ( x < 25 )
b. ( x < 27 )
c. ( x < 33 )
d. ( x < 35 )

Explanation:

Step1: Define the inequality structure

The current number of animals is 165, and the shelter takes in 5 animals per day for \( x \) days. The total number of animals after \( x \) days is \( 165 + 5x \), and this must be less than 300. So the inequality is \( 165 + 5x < 300 \).

Step2: Solve the inequality for \( x \)

Subtract 165 from both sides: \( 5x < 300 - 165 \)
Simplify the right side: \( 5x < 135 \)
Divide both sides by 5: \( x < \frac{135}{5} \)
Calculate \( \frac{135}{5} = 27 \), so \( x < 27 \).

Answer:

B. \( x < 27 \)