Question

Mercury is the metallic element with the lowest melting point, \(-38.87^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Write an inequality that describes the melting point \(p\) (in degrees Celsius) of any other metallic element.

Short answer

\[p > -38.87\]

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

The problem is asking for an inequality that expresses the melting point of any metallic element compared to that of Mercury. The key piece of information given is that Mercury has the lowest melting point of all metallic elements, which is \(-38.87^{°}C\). So, for any other metallic element, its melting point (\(p\)) must be greater than that of Mercury.

Set Up the Inequality

The inequality that expresses the melting point \(p\) of any other metallic element, in comparison to Mercury, can be written as follows: \(p > -38.87\). This is due to the fact that the melting point of all other metallic elements should be higher than the lowest, which is Mercury's.