Linear Inequalities

An inequality is a sentence using a symbol other than equality. The most common inequality symbols are <, ≤, >, and ≥. To solve an inequality sentence, use exactly the same procedure as though it were an equation, with the following exception. When multiplying (or dividing) both sides of an inequality by a negative number, the direction of the inequality switches. This is called the negative multiplication property of inequality.

Example 1: Solve for x: 3 x − 7 > 20

To check the solution, first see whether x = 9 makes the equation 3 x – 7 = 20 true.

Now, choose a number greater than 9, 10 for example, and see if that makes the original inequality true.

This is a true statement. Since it is impossible to list all the numbers that are greater than 9, use “set builder” notation to show the solution set.

This is read as “the set of all x so that x is greater than 9.” Many times, the solutions to inequalities are graphed to illustrate the answers. The graph of { x | x > 9} is shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 1 Note that 9 is not included.

Example 2: Solve for

The LCD for this inequality is 24. Multiply both sides of the inequality by 24 as you would have had this been an equation.

At this point, x can be isolated on either side of the inequality.

In the final step on the left, the direction is switched because both sides are multiplied by a negative number. Both methods produce the final result that says that x is a number less than . The check is left to you. The solution set is expressed as

The graph of this solution set is shown in Figure 2 .

Figure 2 Note the “hole” at ½ 11

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