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Divide by negative one and flip the sign

eg -x > 6

/ -1 /-1

x < - 6

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Q: What must you do when solving an inequality with a negative coefficient?
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What is the effect of multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number?

It changes the direction of the inequality.


When solving inequalities using multiplication explain the difference between multiplying each side of the equation by a positive number and multiplying each side of the equation by a negative number?

When you multiply both sides by a negative number the inequality must be flipped over. You do not do that when multiplying by a positive number.


Is it true When dividing by a negative number the direction of the inequality symbol MUST be reversed?

Yes, it is true.


Why must you flip the inequality symbol when you divide by a negative number?

For the same reason you must flip it when you multiply by a negative number. An example should suffice. 2 &lt; 3 If you multiply by -1, without switching the sign, you get: -2 &lt; -3, which is wrong. Actually, -2 &gt; -3. Look at a number line if you are not sure about this - numbers to the left are less than numbers further to the right. Dividing by a negative number is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal, which in this case is also negative. These signs are strictly the "Greater than" and "Less than" signs. The inequality sign is an = with a / stroke through it. If you divide an inequality by -1 it remains an inequality.


What happenes when you divide or multiply a inequlity by a negative?

Dividing or multiplying by a negative reverts the value to the other side of the number line, thus, the inequality sign must revert as well.

Related questions

When you must reverse the inequality sign?

When solving an inequality, you must revers the inequality sign when you multiply (or divide) both sides by a negative number.


Explain how solving inequalities is alike and different from solving equations?

Most of the steps are the same. The main difference is that if you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a NEGATIVE number, you must change the direction of the inequality sign (for example, change "less than" to "greater than").


How do you solve the inequality2x -10 6?

This isn't an inequality, since there is no less-than, greater-than, less-than-or-equal, or greater-than-or-equal sign. However, solving inequalities is similar to solving equations; however, when you multiply by a negative number, you must change the direction of the inequality sign.


What must occur in a linear inequality when you divide or multiply by a negative number?

The inequality sign must be flipped.


Explain how solving -7y > 161 is different from solving 7y > -161?

Sample response: Both inequalities use the division property to isolate the variable, y. When you divide by a negative number, like –7, you must reverse the direction of the inequality sign. When you divide by a positive number, like 7, the inequality sign stays the same. The solution to the first inequality is y &gt; -23, and the solution to the second inequality is y


When you divide both sides of an inequality by a positive value you must change the direction of the inequality sign?

No. Only when you divide by a negative.


What is the effect of multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number?

It changes the direction of the inequality.


What are the properties in solving equations and inequations?

You can add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides of the equation or inequality by the same number. Don't multiply or divide by zero. In the case of an inequality, if you multiply or divide by a negative number, the sign of the inequality must be reversed. E.g., if you multiply both sides by -2, a "less-than" sign should be replaced by a "greater-than" sign.


When solving inequalities using multiplication explain the difference between multiplying each side of the equation by a positive number and multiplying each side of the equation by a negative number?

When you multiply both sides by a negative number the inequality must be flipped over. You do not do that when multiplying by a positive number.


What is the difference between solving multi step equations and multi step inequalities?

The main difference is that if you multiply both sides of an inequality by a negative number, you have to change the direction of the inequality sign - for example "greater than" would become "less than".


Is there a general rule that you must always follow when multiplying or dividing an inequality by a negative value?

positive and positive are positive positive and negative are negative negative and negative is positive


Is it true When dividing by a negative number the direction of the inequality symbol MUST be reversed?

Yes, it is true.