answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Because when you fit in the variables, it wouldn't be true. therefore, you have to flip the inequality sign

For example,

3 > 2 True

3(-2) > 2(-2)

-6 > -4 False

If you change the direction of the inequality symbol, in the same time that you multiply by a negative number, then you find a true statement.

3 > 2 True

3(-2) < 2(-2)

-6 < -4 True

This is because the greater the absolute value of a negative number, the lesser it is, while the opposite is true for a positive number. When you multiply by a negative, a very large number becomes very small, or the opposite.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do you flip the inequality sign when multiplying by a negative number?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Do you flip the inequality when adding and subtracting?

No. Only flip the inequality when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.


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 you divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number you need to blank the inequality symbol?

Flip. You need to reverse the inequality when multiplying or dividing by a negative. -2x &lt; 10 (-1)*(-2x) &lt; (-1)*10 2x &gt; -10 x &gt; -5


How do you solve the inequality?

you cant with the information that you gave


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.


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 &gt; and &lt; 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.


When you divide both sides of any inequality by a negative number you need to what the inequality symbol?

Flip it around


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 &lt; or &gt; was an =. If you're multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative, you flip the sign. e.g. &lt; would go to &gt;


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.


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)


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

Only when you multiply or divide by a negative number