Confusing Math Inequality Problem (Math Destroyer 2013)

[Incis0r]

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Math Destroyer 2013, Test 9 #6:

I don't understand why there "is no largest value that satisfies the inequality." I got the answer that x < -4 in order to satisfy the solution set (which agrees with the answer key), so doesn't that mean that the largest possible value is -5? Why does the answer key say that there is no largest value?

Thank you for the help in advance!

 

[Typical Average Student]

I think it's because the answer is x is less than -4, there would be infinite number that is less than -4 because the question doesn't specifically ask for an integer, (ie. -4.000000000000000001, -4.0000000000000000000000001, -4.0000000000000000000000000000000000000001, etc.)
If the question had a real upper bound such that it was x is less than or equal to -4 then the greatest number would be -4.

Either that or the answer choice: "there is no largest value" means that it isn't listed because the largest integer possible would be -5 (not -3, be careful of negatives). I think the above answer would most likely fit the answer key reasoning.

 

[Incis0r]

I think it's because the answer is x is less than -4, there would be infinite number that is less than -4 because the question doesn't specifically ask for an integer, (ie. -4.000000000000000001, -4.0000000000000000000000001, -4.0000000000000000000000000000000000000001, etc.)
If the question had a real upper bound such that it was x is less than or equal to -4 then the greatest number would be -4.

Either that or the answer choice: "there is no largest value" means that it isn't listed because the largest integer possible would be -5 (not -3, be careful of negatives). I think the above answer would most likely fit the answer key reasoning.

Oh I see. So if the answer said greatest INTEGER value possible? Then it would be -5 right? Thank you!

 

[Typical Average Student]

Oh I see. So if the answer said greatest INTEGER value possible? Then it would be -5 right? Thank you!

Yes