Question

please help for a medal or a riddle
negative four times a number plus nine is no more than the number minus twenty-one.
explain and thanks.

Answer 1

Break each word down into a math symbol and write it out. Use parenthesis as needed. When they say "a number" write down "x" or "n" or whatever variable you want.

Answer 2

I am not sure how to interpret this:

negative four times a number plus nine

If x is the number, then "negative four times a number plus nine" could be -4x + 9 ≤ x -21

OR

If x is the number, then "negative four times a number plus nine" could be -4(x + 9) ≤ x - 21

@lilai3 Any idea which one it is?

Answer 3

I believe the first is correct @Directrix otherwise they would probably say a number plus nine all multiplied by negative four.

Answer 4

exactly why i asked lol
i think it's...
-4n+9<=n-21

Answer 5

is it correct?

Answer 6

What is task here: to solve for x?

Answer 7

write the inequality, @Directrix

Answer 8

If this interpretation is correct (several others seem to agree), then

If x is the number, then "negative four times a number plus nine" is

-4x + 9 ≤ x -21

which is what you posted.

Maybe we are supposed to simplify it:

-4x + 9 ≤ x -21
-x -x
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@lilai3 Do you think we are supposed to simplify?