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Let's look at two points on the number line, say 2 and 3. Now 2 is 2 units from 0 and 3 is 3 units away from 0 If you multiply by a negative 1, then 2 become -2 and 3 become -3. So they are the same distance from 0 but their positions changes to the opposite side of zero. In general given points A, B on the number line, multiplying by negative one will preserve the distance which is know as the absolute value but move the points to the other side of 0. Now multiplying by a negative number other than one does the same thing but the absolute value is multiplied by the number as well. For example, 2 x-3 is -6. We multiplied the distance form 0 which was 2 by 3 and changed the position. This is called a reflection. So now picture a vertical line, perhaps right down the middle of this page. If I put two point A and B on the right side of the line and put A closer to the line which I will all zero, and B farther, then A

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Q: Why does the inequality sign change when both sides are multiplied or divided by a negative number?
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Related questions

When do you change the direction of an inequality symbol?

When a side is multiplied or divided by a negative number.


When solving an inequality when is it necessary to change the direction of the inequality symbol?

When the two sides of the inequality are multiplied or divided by a negative number or term or expression.


Does the inequality signs change when both sides are multiplied by a negative number in equations?

yes it does


Why does the inequality sign change when both sides are multiplied or divided by a negative number Does this happen with equations Why or why notWrite an inequality for your classmates to solve I?

-x > a iff** x < -a This is easy to see intuitively by coloring a number line. ** "if and only if"


Why does inequality sign change when both sides are multiplied or divided by a negative number Does this happen with equations why or why not?

I cannot tell you why it changes however it does happen with an equation as most inequalities start off in an equation.


Why does the inequality sign change when both sides are multilpied or divided by a negative number.Does this happen to equations?

It changes because the number may be lesser than the original equation. The greater the negative number the more likely the inequality sign will change.


Does an inequality sign change in an equation when both sides are multipled or divided by negative number?

The sign changes if you multiply/divide by a negative number. It stays the same if you add/subtract by a negative number.


How to do inequality?

It's the same thing as solving an equation, the minor difference is to change the inequality sign when the numbers change signs(i.e negative to positive to negative).


What happens to the inequality symbol when you subtract a negative number?

The inequality symbol doesn't change direction in this case.Note that that is the same as adding a positive number.Note also that if you MULTIPLY or DIVIDE by a negative number, then you need to change the direction of the inequality symbol.


Does the inequality sign change when both sides are multiplied or divided in an equation?

no because if the same is added to both sides they stay inequal example: 4≠6 (*5) 20≠30


Does an inequality change when you multiply by a negative?

Yes you have to flip the sign.


How do you divide by a negative in an inequality?

You divide as normal BUT you change the direction of the inequality symbol, so that < becomes > and conversely.