Question

In a litter of 7 kittens, each kitten weighs less than 3.5 ounces. Find all the possible values of the combined weights of the kittens.

Answer 1

Let's use w to symbolize the weight of kittens. Given by the statement "each kitten weighs less than 3.5 ounces" we know that

1*w < 3.5

We can multiply both sides of the inequality by 7 to determine the total weights

7*(1*w) < 7*(3.5)

7*w < 24.5

Since there are 7 kittens, the combined weight of the kittens is 7w, therefore the above expression could be read as "The combined weight of the kittens is less than 24.5 ounces"