Select the best answer for the question.

John must have at least 289 test points to pass his math class. He already has test scores of 72, 78, and 70. Which inequality will tell him at least how many more points he needs to pass the class?

A. [tex]$72+78+70+x\ \textless \ 289$[/tex]
B. [tex]$72+78+70+x\ \textgreater \ 289$[/tex]
C. [tex][tex]$72+78+70+x \geq 289$[/tex][/tex]
D. [tex]$72+78+70+x \leq 289$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine how many more points John needs to pass his math class, we first need to sum his current scores and then set up an appropriate inequality based on the requirement that he needs at least 289 points in total.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Sum the Current Scores:

John has the following test scores:
- 72
- 78
- 70

Calculate the total score so far:

[tex]\[ 72 + 78 + 70 = 220 \][/tex]

2. Identify the Points Needed:

John needs at least 289 points to pass, which means he needs a total score of at least 289.

3. Set Up the Inequality:

Let [tex]\(x\)[/tex] represent the additional points John needs to reach the passing mark. We need to determine the inequality that ensures his total score is at least 289.

Adding John's current total score and the additional points [tex]\(x\)[/tex], we get:

[tex]\[ 220 + x \geq 289 \][/tex]

Simplifying this, it translates to:

[tex]\[ 72 + 78 + 70 + x \geq 289 \][/tex]

Hence, the correct inequality that represents how many more points John needs to pass is:

C. [tex]\( 72 + 78 + 70 + x \geq 289 \)[/tex]