1. **Restate the question:** Why did we simplify the inequality $240000x + 300000y \leq 2400000$ by dividing by 60000 in step 7? 2. **Original inequality:** $$240000x + 300000y \leq 2400000$$ 3. **Reason for simplification:** Dividing the entire inequality by a common factor simplifies the numbers, making it easier to analyze and solve. 4. **Find the greatest common divisor (GCD):** The GCD of 240000, 300000, and 2400000 is 60000. 5. **Divide each term by 60000:** $$\frac{240000x}{60000} + \frac{300000y}{60000} \leq \frac{2400000}{60000}$$ 6. **Simplify each term:** $$4x + 5y \leq 40$$ 7. **Explanation:** This simplification keeps the inequality equivalent but with smaller numbers, making it easier to work with when finding integer solutions. **Final answer:** The division by 60000 is to simplify the inequality while preserving its meaning, facilitating easier calculations.