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College Algebra · Chapter 2

Flip the Inequality

An inequality is solved almost exactly like an equation — with one extra rule. Multiply or divide both sides by a negative number and the sign must reverse. Step through four problems, watch the answer on a number line, and see why the reversal is forced.

The answer lives on a number line

● filled = boundary included (≤ ≥)  ·  ◯ hollow = not included (< >)
Solution—
Interval notation—

Why a negative flips the sign

k = −30k = 3
Solving an inequalitypick a problem below