How do you solve inequallities?

Answer 1

Solving inequalities is quite similar to solving equalities - you try to isolate the variable on one side. The main difference is that if you multiply (or divide) by a negative number, you have to invert the inequality. Here is an example:

-2x + 3 > 11

Subtract 3 from each side:

-2x > 8

Divide both sides by (-2) - note that this involves inverting the sign:

x < -4

Inverting the inequality can be tricky if you have to multiply or divide by a variable expression. You may have to consider both cases - that the expression is positive, and that it is negative.