Solving Inequalities
Inequality Signs
An inequality is like an equation, but
instead of an equal sign (=) it has one of
these signs:
< : less than
≤ : less than or equal to
> : greater than
≥ : greater than or equal to
“x < 5”
means that whatever value x has,
it must be less than 5.
What could x be?
“x ≥ -2”
means that whatever value x has,
it must be greater than or equal to -2.
What could x be?
Graphing Rules
Symbol Circle Direction
of Arrow
< Open Left
> Open Right
≤ Closed Left
≥ Closed Right
Examples:
 x < 5
 x > -2
 x ≤ -8
 x ≥ 4
You Try:
 x < -6
 x > 2
 x ≤ 0
 x ≥ -7
Practice
 x + 5 > 13
 2x – 14 > 4
 5 + x < 7
 x
/4 + 3 < 7
Use the Key Words to Write an Inequality
 A number added to 5 is greater than 12
 The quotient of 2 and a number is at most 6
 7 multiplied by a number is less than 16
 18 decreased by a number is no less than 12.8
 17 is greater than or equal to 8 less than a number
Solving Inequalities!
 Solving inequalities is the same as solving equations.
 There are only 2 things you need to know…
 1.) If you multiply or divide by a negative number you must
switch the sign.
-7x < 21
-7 -7
x > -3
 2.) You will graph your solutions.
Dividing by a
negative means
switch the sign!!
Special Case 1: Switching the Signs
 When solving inequalities, if you multiply or divide
by a negative you must switch the signs.
 Switching the signs:
 Less than becomes Greater than < switches to >
 Greater than becomes Less than > switches to <
 Less than or equal to becomes Greater than or equal to
≤ switches to ≥
 Greater than or equal to becomes Less than or equal to
≥ switches to ≤
Division Property for Inequalities
Caution! Dividing by a
negative number
20
5 
 x
5
20
5
5



 x
4


x
Notice: Symbol
CHANGED
Same if multiplying?
Multiplication Property for
Inequalities
Caution! When you
multiply by a negative
number…
…the symbol
CHANGES
YES!
-x > 2
5
(-5 )-x > 2(-5)
1 5
x < -10
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities
Inequalities
Let’s try some on our
own …… ready?
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #1
Inequalities #1
7
6 

x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #2
Inequalities #2
5
3 
x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #3
Inequalities #3
15
3 

 x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #4
Inequalities #4
5
9 


x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #5
Inequalities #5
3
2
1


x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #6
Inequalities #6
7
3



x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #7
Inequalities #7
7
5 
 x
Solving One-Step
Solving One-Step
Inequalities #8
Inequalities #8
5
3

x
Solving 2-Step Inequalities
 Follow same steps used to solve 2-step equations:
3x + 4 < 13
- 4 -4
3x < 9
3 3
x < 3
Practice
 -2x + 5 > 15
 14 > x + 4
-4
 17 – 3 x < 41
 x < 7
-5
Time to Practice!
 Solve:
6x – 8 > 22
Practice Problem 1
−4 − 5v < −29
Practice Problem 2
−1 + 4x ≤ 31
Practice Problem 3
−2 + r > −1
9
Practice Problem 4
−52 < 8 + 5k
-8 -8
-60 < 5K
5 5 (see next screen to continue)
Practice Problem 4 – When Variable is on the Right
Side you have to switch and reverse the symbol
-60 < 5K
5 5 (see next screen to continue)
12 < K
So K > 12
Practice Problem 5
8 − 7n > −20
Practice Problem 6
−9 ≥ −8 + v
−6

Solving Inequalities of one variable (x)