Solving Inequalities
The important thing to remember about inequalities is to solve them just like an equation EXCEPT you have to remember when to flip the inequality sign.
Video: What's an Inequality?
Flip the inequality sign IF:
Video: What's an Inequality?
Flip the inequality sign IF:
- You multiply or divide by a negative number, or
- The variable switches sides.
Basic Steps to Solve an Inequality:
GOAL: get the variable by itself.
STEPS: To solve an inequality:
1) "undo" addition or subtraction by using the opposite operation
2) "undo" multiplication or division by using the opposite operation
** Remember! If you multiply or divide by a negative number, you need to flip the inequality sign **
3) Check your answer!
--> Did I solve it correctly?
--> Is my inequality sign right?
4) Graph your solution.
Video: How to Graph an Inequality on a Number Line
GOAL: get the variable by itself.
STEPS: To solve an inequality:
1) "undo" addition or subtraction by using the opposite operation
2) "undo" multiplication or division by using the opposite operation
** Remember! If you multiply or divide by a negative number, you need to flip the inequality sign **
3) Check your answer!
--> Did I solve it correctly?
--> Is my inequality sign right?
4) Graph your solution.
Video: How to Graph an Inequality on a Number Line
Helpful Videos
Translating inequalities
(coming soon)