Ravi has x rupees. If x + 15 ≥ 50, what is the minimum value of x?

Correct answer: 35

The governing concept is translating a word condition into a linear inequality and identifying the least value allowed by the solution set. The condition is x + 15 ≥ 50. Subtract 15 from both sides to obtain x ≥ 35. Therefore x can be 35 or any larger amount, and the minimum possible value is exactly 35. The endpoint is included because the symbol is ≥: if Ravi has 35 rupees, then x + 15 = 35 + 15 = 50, satisfying the condition. The value 34 gives 49, which is insufficient. Although 50 and 65 also satisfy the inequality, they are not minimum values because both are greater than 35. Thus option A is correct. The important distinction is between a value that satisfies the condition and the smallest value that satisfies it.