Need Help on this math problem. Thank you

Question

Albert bought 3 rolls of masking tape that cost the same amount of money and an extension cord that cost $5.50. Albert spent less than $10 altogether.

Which inequality can be used to find the cost of each roll of masking tape?

Answer Choices

A. 3m+5.50<10


B. 3m−5.50<10


C. 3m+5.50>10


D. 3m−5.50>10

Answer 1

Translating is generally the hard part. First, name the quantities

let m = cost of a roll of masking tape. 

Next translate the words into math symbols.

“Albert bought three rolls of masking tape...”. This means that

3m

is important. But there’s more:

”...and an extension cord that cost $5.50...”

the word “and” means addition, so we know that

3m + 5.50

Is part of the formula. Next comes the sentence “Albert spent less than $10.00 altogether.”

The word “less than” translates to “<“, so

3m + 5.50 < 10.00

which one of the multiple choices matches this?