2006-11-09 14:26:38 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
you switch the inequality sign when you divide by a negative number.
2006-11-09 14:28:05 · answer #1 · answered by moonfreak♦ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Multiplying through by a negative switches the inequality sign since you are changing the sign of the numbers, which reverses their order of greater value.
A simple example -5 < -3. Multiply both sides by -1... 5 > 3.
2006-11-09 14:35:30 · answer #2 · answered by Action 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You switch the inequality sign when you multiply or divide both sides of the inequality by a negative number.
As for WHY, take a look at this true statement:
-2 > -3
True, yes?
Now, multiply both sides by -1. To keep the statement true, you must switch the sign:
2 < 3
2006-11-09 14:32:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you only switch inequality signs when dividing or multiplying the opposite side of the equation by a negative number because negative numbers can shift or switch around the graph so you have to flip the inequality sign otherwise you'll get the wrong graph
2016-03-28 00:58:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides when multiplying or dividing by a negative, if you invert both sides the direction is reversed, e.g.
If x > 4 then
1/x < 1/4
If x > -2 then
1/x < -1/2 or x > 0 because there's a discontinuity at 0.
2006-11-09 14:35:29 · answer #5 · answered by Hy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When do you switch it when you are multiplying or dividing one side by a negative number.
Why is because it changes the sign changes when you divide or multiply the number by a negative number.
2006-11-09 14:33:21 · answer #6 · answered by Sindhoor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you multiple or divide by a negative #.
example
5<7 multiple both sides by -2
-10>-14
2006-11-09 16:12:02 · answer #7 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whenever you multiply/divide by a negative number
2006-11-09 14:33:16 · answer #8 · answered by aaaah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋