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Q: Why do you flip the inequality sign when dividing by a negative?
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Do you flip the inequality sign if the only the variable is negative?

No, you only flip the inequality sign if you are dividing by a negative number on both sides of the inequality


When do you flip the inequality sign?

You flip the inequality sign when you are dividing or multiplying both sides by a negative.You also flip the inequality sign when you "swap" the answers on both sides.The other time you flip the inequality sign is when raising both sides to a negative power. e.g. 5>4, but (5^-1)


When is the only time you flip an inequality sign?

When you divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, the inequality sign flips.


Does an inequality change when you multiply by a negative?

Yes you have to flip the sign.


Do you only flip the inequality when you divide by a negative number?

Yes you do, you also flip the inequality sign if you multiply by a negative # The > and < 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.


If you multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a number you need to reverse the inequality sign?

negative flip


When the inequality is multiplied both sides by a positive number what happens?

Nothing, you proceed as if the < or > was an =. If you're multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative, you flip the sign. e.g. < would go to >


Do you switch the sign when you multiply or divide an inequality?

Only when what you're multiplying by/dividing by is negative.


Do you flip the sign of this inequality 8x plus 4y12?

Only when you multiply or divide by a negative number


What is the inequality solution of -7b less than 49?

-7b < 49Remember, when dividing or multiplying by negative numbers, the sign of the inequality is flipped.Therefore:b > -7


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.


Do the same rules apply when you solve equations and inequalities?

Almost. There's one new rule, which is that whenever you multiply or divide by a negative number, you have to flip the inequality sign. To see why, try achieving the same result without this step, using positive factors and subtraction: the equation must effectively flip itself around the sign.