The trick to solving this problem is to realize that the independent variable is x, which represents the number of people who can attend the party without the total party cost exceeding $80.
This is the form of the inequality:
(total cost) [less than or equal to] $80
(rent) + (cost per guest)(number of guests) [less than or equal to] $80
$45 + $5.50 x [less than or equal to] $80
Simplify. To do this, subtract $45 from both sides of this inequality.
Divide both sides of the resulting inequality by $5.50.
What is the restriction on x?
