Question

at an end of the year sale, gabriela bought more than 12 bottles of hand soaps and lotions. if x represents the number of hand soaps and y represents the number of lotions she bought, which inequality best represents her purchase?
$x + y > 12$
$x + y \leq 12$
$x + y < 12$
$x + y \geq 12$

Explanation:

Step1: Define total number of items

The total number of hand soaps and lotions is \( x + y \), where \( x \) is the number of hand soaps and \( y \) is the number of lotions.

Step2: Interpret the inequality condition

The problem states Gabriela bought "more than 12" bottles. In mathematical terms, "more than" corresponds to the inequality symbol \( > \). So the total number \( x + y \) must satisfy \( x + y > 12 \).

Answer:

\( x + y > 12 \) (the first option)