To solve this problem, we need to determine how many 120-kilogram crates (denoted by $x$) can be loaded into a shipping container, given that the total weight in the container cannot exceed 24,500 kilograms. Additionally, we know that 8,300 kilograms of other shipments are already loaded in the container.

Step 1: Formulate the inequality

The total weight in the container consists of:

• The weight of the already loaded shipments: 8,300 kg.
• The weight of the crates, which is $120x$, where $x$ is the number of crates.

The sum of these two must be less than or equal to the maximum allowed weight of 24,500 kg. This leads to the inequality:

$8300 + 120x \leq 24500$

Step 2: Solve the inequality

Now, solve for $x$:

$120x \leq 24500 - 8300$

$120x \leq 16200$

Divide both sides by 120:

$x \leq \frac{16200}{120}$

$x \leq 135$

Conclusion:

The maximum number of 120-kilogram crates that can be loaded into the shipping container is 135.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related questions:

1. What if the crates weighed 150 kilograms instead of 120 kilograms?
2. How would the solution change if the container's capacity was 22,000 kilograms?
3. How much additional weight could be loaded if only 100 crates were added?
4. What would happen if 9000 kilograms of other shipments were already loaded?
5. How would the inequality change if we included a buffer of 500 kilograms for safety?

Tip:

Always subtract any pre-existing weight from the total capacity before solving for the number of crates to avoid errors.