Math problems containing <, >, <=, and >= are called inequalities. A solution to any inequality is any number that makes the inequality true.
On many occasions, you will be asked to show the solution to an inequality by graphing it on a number line. This is usually covered in elementary algebra (Algebra I) courses. This custom has been followed on this site, so click here to understand graphing on a number line.
As with equations, inequalities also have principles dealing with addition and multiplication. They are outlined below.
1. Addition Principle for Inequalities - If a > b then a + c > b + c. Example:
1. Solve: x + 3 > 6
Solution: Using the Addition Principle,
add -3 to each side of the
inequality.
x + 3 - 3 > 6 - 3
After simplification, x > 3.
2. Multiplication Principle for Inequalities - If a >b and c is positive, then ac > bc. If a > b and c is negative, then ac < bc (notice the sign was reversed). Example:
2. Solve: -4x < .8
Solution: Using the Multiplication Principle,
multiply both sides of the
inequality by -.25. Then
reverse the signs.
-.25(-4x) > -.25(.8)
x > -.2
One thing in math that seems to give people trouble throughout their math careers is absolute value. The absolute value of any number is its numerical value (ignore the sign). For example, the absolute value of -6 is 6 and |+3| (the vertical lines stand for absolute value) is 3.
Absolute value in inequalities is a little more complicated. For example, |x| >= 4 asks us for all numbers that have an absolute value that is greater than or equal to 4. Obviously, 4 and any number greater than 4 is a solution. The confusing part comes from the fact that -4 and any number less than -4 is a solution (|-4| = 4, |-5| = 5, etc.). Therefore, the solution is x >= 4 or x <= -4.
Absolute value becomes even more complicated when dealing with equations. However, there is a theorem that tells us how to deal with equations with absolute value and complicated inequalities.
1. If X is any expression, and b any positive number, and |X| = b it is the same as |X| = b or |X| = -b.
2. If X is any expression, and b any positive number, and |X| < b it is the same as -b < X < b.
3. If X is any expression, and b any positive number, and |X| > b it is the same as X < -b, X > b.
Example:
3. Solve: |5x - 4| = 11
Solution: Use the theorem stated above to rewrite
the equation.
|X| = b
X = 5x - 4 and b = 11
5x - 4 = 11, 5x - 4 = -11
Solve each equation using the
Addition Principle and the
Multiplication Principle.
5x = 15, 5x = -7
x = 3, x = -(7/5)
2006-08-16 01:39:55
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answer #1
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answered by Brody 3
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Here is one:
3 <= z*3 < 6 (z belongs to N) Ans. 1
2006-08-19 23:34:37
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answer #2
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answered by steelrooter 2
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In the green toolbar above your question, there is a blank, white "search" box. Keyword "inequality" in that box, click on the white box to the right which has the word "search" in it, and see what comes up. Good luck.
2006-08-16 00:48:32
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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2016-09-29 08:05:30
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answer #4
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answered by ? 4
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1. What is Newton's fourth law?
2. Where does Law of relativity differ?
3.Is it earth round?
4.Only earth has livelihood?
5.What is first_egg or chicken?
Looking to you score Fives are enough....
2006-08-16 00:50:34
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answer #5
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answered by vijayanadkat 2
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yes
2006-08-16 04:14:03
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answer #6
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answered by Amar Soni 7
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Um, what?
2006-08-16 00:44:06
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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