If a and b are integers such that 5 ≥ a > 1 and b ≥ – 2...
Given:
1. 5 ≥ a > 1
2. b ≥ –2
To find the maximum value of a – b, we should choose the largest possible value for a and the smallest possible value for b.
Max value of a: Since 5 ≥ a > 1, the largest possible value for a is 5.
Min value of b: Since b ≥ –2, the smallest possible value for b is –2.
Therefore, the maximum value of a – b is 5 - (-2) = 7.
To find the minimum value of a – b, we should choose the smallest possible value for a and the largest possible value for b.
Min value of a: Since 5 ≥ a > 1, the smallest possible value for a is 2.
Max value of b: Since b ≥ –2, there is no restriction on the maximum value of b.
Therefore, the minimum value of a – b is 2 - (-2) = 4.
So, the range of possible values for a – b is 4 ≤ a – b ≤ 7.
Now let's analyze the given answer choices:
A. –5: This value is within the range of possible values (4 ≤ a – b ≤ 7).
B. –3: This value is within the range of possible values (4 ≤ a – b ≤ 7).
C. 2: This value is within the range of possible values (4 ≤ a – b ≤ 7).
D. 7: This value is within the range of possible values (4 ≤ a – b ≤ 7).
E. 8: This value is NOT within the range of possible values (4 ≤ a – b ≤ 7).
Therefore, the answer is E. The value 8 cannot be the result of a – b based on the given conditions.