Solving Inequalities Step by Step
Solving inequalities works almost exactly like solving regular equations - you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide both sides to isolate the variable. The process feels familiar once you get the hang of it.
For example, with x+4<8, you'd subtract 4 from both sides to get x<4. Simple as that! Most inequality problems follow this straightforward approach without any tricks.
Here's the crucial bit that catches everyone out: when you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must flip the inequality sign! So if you have −2x<6 and divide both sides by −2, the inequality becomes x>−3 (notice the sign flipped from < to >).
Memory Trick: Think of negative numbers as "opposite day" - everything gets reversed, including your inequality sign!