To solve this problem, we need to translate the verbal description into a mathematical inequality.
1. Initial Savings:
Marc has already saved \[tex]$250. This is a fixed amount that contributes towards buying the computer.
2. Additional Savings through Work:
Marc earns \$[/tex]16 per hour by working at his part-time job. Let [tex]\( x \)[/tex] represent the number of hours he works. Therefore, his earnings from working can be expressed as [tex]\( 16x \)[/tex].
3. Total Savings:
The total amount of money Marc will have after working [tex]\( x \)[/tex] hours is the sum of his initial savings and his earnings from work.
[tex]\[
250 + 16x
\][/tex]
4. Price of the Computer:
Let [tex]\( y \)[/tex] represent the price of the computer. Marc needs to have at least [tex]\( y \)[/tex] dollars to afford the computer. The phrase "at least [tex]\( y \)[/tex] dollars" implies that his total savings must be greater than or equal to the price of the computer.
5. Formulating the Inequality:
To express that Marc's total savings must be at least [tex]\( y \)[/tex], we set up the following inequality:
[tex]\[
250 + 16x \geq y
\][/tex]
6. Finding the Correct Inequality:
We need to see which of the given options matches this formulation. Rearranging the inequality [tex]\( 250 + 16x \geq y \)[/tex], we get:
[tex]\[
y \leq 250 + 16x
\][/tex]
Therefore, the correct inequality that matches the verbal description is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{A. \, y \leq 250 + 16x} \][/tex]
