Question

Determine whether each number is a solution of a ≥ -4. 

A. -6

B. 2 

C. 0 

D. -4 

Answer 1

(A) Substitute a = - 6 in a ≥ -4.

-6 ≥ -4 is false.

So, a = - 6 is not a solution.

(B) Substitute a = 2 in a ≥ -4.

2 ≥ -4 is true.

So, a = 2 is a solution.

Answer 2

(C) Substitute a = 0 in a ≥ -4.

0 ≥ -4 is true.

So, a = 0 is a solution.

(D) Substitute a = -4 in a ≥ -4.

-4 ≥ -4 is true.

So, a = -4 is a solution.

Answer 3

The inequality is a ≥ - 4 and the numbers are - 6, 2, 0 and - 4.

To tell the each number is a solution, substitute a for each number in the original inequality.

• If a = - 6, then - 6 ≥ - 4. This statement is false, so - 6 is not a solution of inequality.
• If a = 2, then 2 ≥ - 4. This statement is true, so 2 is a solution of original inequality.
• If a = 0, then 0 ≥ - 4. This statement is true, so 0 is a solution of original inequality.
• If a = - 4, then - 4 ≥ - 4. This statement is true, so 0 is a solution of original inequality.

The solution set of a ≥ - 4 is {2, 0, - 4}.