Inequalities
An inequality in algebra is usually seen as an equation that is not =. Instead, both sides of the equation are separated by either >, <, >=, or <=.
You are usually given an inequality with a variable on one side.
Example: 5x > 10.
To solve this we solve it the same way we would with a normal equation. We divide both sides by 5 and are left with X > 2.
It is very important to know that if you ever divide by a negative number you must switch the sign.
Example: -5x > 10.
To solve this we again divide both sides by 5 but this time, since we divide by a negative number, we switch the sign. We are left with X < -2. This is one of the most common errors that algebra students make, so be careful.
Watch the math video below for a detailed explanation!
Practice Math Problems
- If 3x > 9, x > ?
- If 12x + 4 < 28, x < ?
- If 13 - 5x > 43, x < ?
- If 63 - 13x > 13 - 3x, x < ?
- If 34x - 14 > 12x - 14, x > ?