Answer:
The required inequality is:
[tex]638.54-159.50+x\geq 500[/tex]
The value of x is [tex]x\geq 20.96[/tex], Malcolm need to deposit at least 20.96 to avoid a fee.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consider the provided information.
Malcolm has $638.54 in his checking account. He must maintain a $500 balance to avoid a fee. He wrote a check for $159.50 today.
Let x is the amount he need to deposit to avoid a fee.
It is given that he needs to maintain at least $500.
That means the total balance should be greater or equal to $500.
Therefore, the required inequality is:
[tex]638.54-159.50+x\geq 500[/tex]
Now solve the inequality for x.
[tex]479.04+x\geq 500[/tex]
[tex]479.04-479.04+x\geq 500-479.04[/tex]
[tex]x\geq 20.96[/tex]
Hence, Malcolm need to deposit at least 20.96 to avoid a fee.
