Inequalities

An inequality is solved with the same moves as an equation, with one extra rule. Multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number flips the sign. The answer is a whole range of numbers, not one.

Example · Solve for n.

n + 5 \le 3

Steps

Subtract 5 on both sides, just like an equation. The sign stays. $\displaystyle n \le 3 - 5 = -2$
So n is at most -2. $\displaystyle n \le -2$

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