Solve Linear Inequalities

Lynn Marecek; MaryAnne Anthony-Smith

Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities

23 Solve Linear Inequalities

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Graph inequalities on the number line
Solve inequalities using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of inequality
Solve inequalities using the Division and Multiplication Properties of inequality
Solve inequalities that require simplification
Translate to an inequality and solve

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

Translate from algebra to English: $15>x$ .
If you missed this problem, review (Figure).
Solve: $n-9=-42.$
If you missed this problem, review (Figure).
Solve: $-5p=-23.$
If you missed this problem, review (Figure).
Solve: $3a-12=7a-20.$
If you missed this problem, review (Figure).

Graph Inequalities on the Number Line

Do you remember what it means for a number to be a solution to an equation? A solution of an equation is a value of a variable that makes a true statement when substituted into the equation.

What about the solution of an inequality? What number would make the inequality $x>3$ true? Are you thinking, ‘x could be 4’? That’s correct, but x could be 5 too, or 20, or even 3.001. Any number greater than 3 is a solution to the inequality $x>3$ .

We show the solutions to the inequality $x>3$ on the number line by shading in all the numbers to the right of 3, to show that all numbers greater than 3 are solutions. Because the number 3 itself is not a solution, we put an open parenthesis at 3. The graph of $x>3$ is shown in (Figure). Please note that the following convention is used: light blue arrows point in the positive direction and dark blue arrows point in the negative direction.

The inequality $x>3$ is graphed on this number line.

This figure is a number line ranging from negative 5 to 5 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is greater than 3 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at x equals 3, and a red line extending to the right of the parenthesis.

The graph of the inequality $x\ge 3$ is very much like the graph of $x>3$ , but now we need to show that 3 is a solution, too. We do that by putting a bracket at $x=3$ , as shown in (Figure).

The inequality $x\ge 3$ is graphed on this number line.

This figure is a number line ranging from negative 5 to 5 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is greater than or equal to 3 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at x equals 3, and a red line extending to the right of the bracket.

Notice that the open parentheses symbol, (, shows that the endpoint of the inequality is not included. The open bracket symbol, [, shows that the endpoint is included.

Graph on the number line:

ⓐ $x\le 1$ ⓑ $x<5$ ⓒ $x>-1$

Solution

ⓐ $x\le 1$
This means all numbers less than or equal to 1. We shade in all the numbers on the number line to the left of 1 and put a bracket at $x=1$ to show that it is included.
ⓑ $x<5$
This means all numbers less than 5, but not including 5. We shade in all the numbers on the number line to the left of 5 and put a parenthesis at $x=5$ to show it is not included.
ⓒ $x>-1$
This means all numbers greater than $-1$ , but not including $-1$ . We shade in all the numbers on the number line to the right of $-1$ , then put a parenthesis at $x=-1$ to show it is not included.

Graph on the number line: ⓐ $x\le -1$ ⓑ $x>2$ ⓒ $x<3$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

Graph on the number line: ⓐ $x>-2$ ⓑ $x<-3$ ⓒ $x\ge -1$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

We can also represent inequalities using interval notation. As we saw above, the inequality $x>3$ means all numbers greater than 3. There is no upper end to the solution to this inequality. In interval notation, we express $x>3$ as $\left(3,\infty \right).$ The symbol $\infty$ is read as ‘infinity’. It is not an actual number. (Figure) shows both the number line and the interval notation.

The inequality $x>3$ is graphed on this number line and written in interval notation.

This figure is a number line ranging from negative 5 to 5 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is greater than 3 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at x equals 3, and a red line extending to the right of the parenthesis. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, 3 comma infinity, parenthesis.

The inequality $x\le 1$ means all numbers less than or equal to 1. There is no lower end to those numbers. We write $x\le 1$ in interval notation as $\left(\text{−}\infty ,1\right]$ . The symbol $\text{−}\infty$ is read as ‘negative infinity’. (Figure) shows both the number line and interval notation.

The inequality $x\le 1$ is graphed on this number line and written in interval notation.

This figure is a number line ranging from negative 5 to 5 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is less than or equal to 1 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at x equals 1, and a red line extending to the left of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity comma 1, bracket.

Inequalities, Number Lines, and Interval Notation

Did you notice how the parenthesis or bracket in the interval notation matches the symbol at the endpoint of the arrow? These relationships are shown in (Figure).

The notation for inequalities on a number line and in interval notation use similar symbols to express the endpoints of intervals.

Graph on the number line and write in interval notation.

ⓐ $x\ge -3$ ⓑ $x<2.5$ ⓒ $x\le -\frac{3}{5}$

Solution

ⓐ

Shade to the right of $-3$ , and put a bracket at $-3$ .

Write in interval notation.
ⓑ

Shade to the left of $2.5$ , and put a parenthesis at $2.5$ .

Write in interval notation.
ⓒ

Shade to the left of $-\frac{3}{5}$ , and put a bracket at $-\frac{3}{5}$ .

Write in interval notation.

Graph on the number line and write in interval notation:

ⓐ $x>2$ ⓑ $x\le -1.5$ ⓒ $x\ge \frac{3}{4}$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

Graph on the number line and write in interval notation:

ⓐ $x\le -4$ ⓑ $x\ge 0.5$ ⓒ $x<-\frac{2}{3}$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

Solve Inequalities using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Inequality

The Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality state that if two quantities are equal, when we add or subtract the same amount from both quantities, the results will be equal.

Properties of Equality

$\begin{array}{cccc}\mathbf{\text{Subtraction Property of Equality}}\hfill & & & \mathbf{\text{Addition Property of Equality}}\hfill \\ \text{For any numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c,\hfill & & & \text{For any numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c,\hfill \\ \begin{array}{cccc}\text{if}\hfill & \hfill a& =\hfill & b,\hfill \\ \text{then}\hfill & \hfill a-c& =\hfill & b-c.\hfill \end{array}\hfill & & & \begin{array}{cccc}\text{if}\hfill & \hfill a& =\hfill & b,\hfill \\ \text{then}\hfill & \hfill a+c& =\hfill & b+c.\hfill \end{array}\hfill \end{array}$

Similar properties hold true for inequalities.

For example, we know that −4 is less than 2.
If we subtract 5 from both quantities, is the left side still less than the right side?
We get −9 on the left and −3 on the right.
And we know −9 is less than −3.
	The inequality sign stayed the same.

Similarly we could show that the inequality also stays the same for addition.

This leads us to the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Inequality.

Properties of Inequality

$\begin{array}{cccc}\mathbf{\text{Subtraction Property of Inequality}}\hfill & & & \mathbf{\text{Addition Property of Inequality}}\hfill \\ \text{For any numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c,\hfill & & & \text{For any numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c,\hfill \\ \begin{array}{cccccc}& & \text{if}\hfill & \hfill a& <\hfill & b\hfill \\ & & \text{then}\hfill & \hfill a-c& <\hfill & b-c.\hfill \\ \\ & & \text{if}\hfill & \hfill a& >\hfill & b\hfill \\ & & \text{then}\hfill & \hfill a-c& >\hfill & b-c.\hfill \end{array}\hfill & & & \begin{array}{cccccc}& & \text{if}\hfill & \hfill a& <\hfill & b\hfill \\ & & \text{then}\hfill & \hfill a+c& <\hfill & b+c.\hfill \\ \\ & & \text{if}\hfill & \hfill a& >\hfill & b\hfill \\ & & \text{then}\hfill & \hfill a+c& >\hfill & b+c.\hfill \end{array}\hfill \end{array}$

We use these properties to solve inequalities, taking the same steps we used to solve equations. Solving the inequality $x+5>9$ , the steps would look like this:

	$x+5>9$
Subtract 5 from both sides to isolate $x$ .	$x+5-5>9-5$
Simplify.	$x>4$

Any number greater than 4 is a solution to this inequality.

Solve the inequality $n-\frac{1}{2}\le \frac{5}{8}$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Add $\frac{1}{2}$ to both sides of the inequality.
Simplify.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$p-\frac{3}{4}\ge \frac{1}{6}$

This figure shows the inequality p is greater than or equal to 11/12. Below this inequality is the inequality graphed on a number line ranging from 0 to 4, with tick marks at each integer. There is a bracket at p equals 11/12, and a dark line extends to the right from 11/12. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 11/12 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$r-\frac{1}{3}\le \frac{7}{12}$

This figure shows the inequality r is less than or equal to 11/12. Below this inequality is the inequality graphed on a number line ranging from 0 to 4, with tick marks at each integer. There is a bracket at r equals 11/12, and a dark line extends to the left from 11/12. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 11/12, bracket.

Solve Inequalities using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality

The Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality state that if two quantities are equal, when we divide or multiply both quantities by the same amount, the results will also be equal (provided we don’t divide by 0).

Properties of Equality

$\begin{array}{cccc}\mathbf{\text{Division Property of Equality}}\hfill & & & \mathbf{\text{Multiplication Property of Equality}}\hfill \\ \text{For any numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,c,\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c\ne 0,\hfill & & & \text{For any real numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,c,\hfill \\ \phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\begin{array}{cccc}\text{if}\hfill & a\hfill & =\hfill & b,\hfill \\ \text{then}\hfill & \frac{a}{c}\hfill & =\hfill & \frac{b}{c}.\hfill \end{array}\hfill & & & \phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\begin{array}{cccc}\text{if}\hfill & a\hfill & =\hfill & b,\hfill \\ \text{then}\hfill & ac\hfill & =\hfill & bc.\hfill \end{array}\hfill \end{array}$

Are there similar properties for inequalities? What happens to an inequality when we divide or multiply both sides by a constant?

Consider some numerical examples.


Divide both sides by 5.		Multiply both sides by 5.
Simplify.
Fill in the inequality signs.

$\mathbf{\text{The inequality signs stayed the same.}}$

Does the inequality stay the same when we divide or multiply by a negative number?


Divide both sides by −5.		Multiply both sides by −5.
Simplify.
Fill in the inequality signs.

$\mathbf{\text{The inequality signs reversed their direction.}}$

When we divide or multiply an inequality by a positive number, the inequality sign stays the same. When we divide or multiply an inequality by a negative number, the inequality sign reverses.

Here are the Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality for easy reference.

Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality

$\begin{array}{}\\ \\ \\ \text{For any real numbers}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a,b,c\hfill \\ \\ \\ \\ \begin{array}{c}\phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\text{if}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a<b\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c>0,\text{then}\phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\frac{a}{c}<\frac{b}{c}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}ac<bc.\hfill \\ \phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\text{if}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a>b\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c>0,\text{then}\phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\frac{a}{c}>\frac{b}{c}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}ac>bc.\hfill \\ \phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\text{if}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a<b\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c<0,\text{then}\phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\frac{a}{c}>\frac{b}{c}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}ac>bc.\hfill \\ \phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\text{if}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a>b\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}c<0,\text{then}\phantom{\rule{1em}{0ex}}\frac{a}{c}<\frac{b}{c}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{and}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}ac<bc.\hfill \end{array}\hfill \end{array}$

When we divide or multiply an inequality by a:

positive number, the inequality stays the same.
negative number, the inequality reverses.

Solve the inequality $7y<\text{}\text{}42$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Divide both sides of the inequality by 7. Since $7>0$ , the inequality stays the same.
Simplify.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$\left(8,\infty \right)$

$c>8$

This figure is a number line ranging from 6 to 10 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality c is greater than 8 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at c equals 8, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$12d\le \text{}60$

$\left(-\infty ,5\right]$

This figure is a number line ranging from 3 to 7 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality d is less than or equal to 5 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at d equals 5, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity comma 5, bracket.

Solve the inequality $-10a\ge 50$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Divide both sides of the inequality by −10. Since $-10<0$ , the inequality reverses.
Simplify.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.

Solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$-8q<32$

$q>-4$

This figure is a number line ranging from negative 6 to negative 3 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality q is greater than negative 4 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at q equals negative 4, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative 4 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$-7r\le \text{}-70$

This figure is a number line ranging from 9 to 13 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality r is greater than or equal to 10 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at r equals 10, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as bracket, 10 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solving Inequalities

Sometimes when solving an inequality, the variable ends up on the right. We can rewrite the inequality in reverse to get the variable to the left.

$\begin{array}{ccc}& & x>a\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{has the same meaning as}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}a<x\hfill \end{array}$

Think about it as “If Xavier is taller than Alex, then Alex is shorter than Xavier.”

Solve the inequality $-20<\frac{4}{5}u$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Multiply both sides of the inequality by $\frac{5}{4}$ . Since $\frac{5}{4}>0$ , the inequality stays the same.
Simplify.
Rewrite the variable on the left.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$24\le \frac{3}{8}m$

This figure shows the inequality m is greater than or equal to 64. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 63 to 67 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality m is greater than or equal to 64 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at m equals 64, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as bracket, 64 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$-24<\frac{4}{3}n$

This figure shows the inequality n is greater than negative 18. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from negative 20 to negative 16 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality n is greater than negative 18 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at n equals negative 18, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative 18 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality $\frac{t}{-2}\ge 8$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Multiply both sides of the inequality by $-2$ . Since $-2<0$ , the inequality reverses.
Simplify.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$\frac{k}{-12}\le 15$

This figure shows the inequality k is greater than or equal to negative 180. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from negative 181 to negative 177 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality k is greater than or equal to negative 180 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at n equals negative 180, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as bracket, negative 180 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$\frac{u}{-4}\ge -16$

This figure shows the inequality u is less than or equal to 64. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 62 to 66 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality u is less than or equal to 64 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at u equals 64, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity comma 64, bracket.

Solve Inequalities That Require Simplification

Most inequalities will take more than one step to solve. We follow the same steps we used in the general strategy for solving linear equations, but be sure to pay close attention during multiplication or division.

Solve the inequality $4m\le 9m+17$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Subtract $9m$ from both sides to collect the variables on the left.
Simplify.
Divide both sides of the inequality by −5, and reverse the inequality.
Simplify.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.

Solve the inequality $3q\text{\hspace{0.17em}}\ge \text{\hspace{0.17em}}7q\text{\hspace{0.17em}}-\text{\hspace{0.17em}}23$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

This figure shows the inequality q is less than or equal to 23/4. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 4 to 8 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality q is less than or equal to 23/4 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at q equals 23/4 (written in), and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity comma 23/4, bracket.

Solve the inequality $6x<10x+19$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

This figure shows the inequality x is greater than negative 19/4. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from negative 7 to negative 3, with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is greater than negative 19/4 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at x equals negative 19/4 (written in), and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative 19/4 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality $8p+3\left(p-12\right)>7p-28$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution

Simplify each side as much as possible.	$8p+3\left(p-12\right)>7p-28$
Distribute.	$\phantom{\rule{0.6em}{0ex}}8p+3p-36>7p-28$
Combine like terms.	$\phantom{\rule{2.3em}{0ex}}11p-36>7p-28$
Subtract $7p$ from both sides to collect the variables on the left.	$\phantom{\rule{2.2em}{0ex}}11p-36-7p>7p-28-7p$
Simplify.	$\phantom{\rule{1.2em}{0ex}}4p-36>-28$
Add 36 to both sides to collect the constants on the right.	$\phantom{\rule{1.3em}{0ex}}4p-36+36>-28+36$
Simplify.	$\phantom{\rule{2em}{0ex}}4p>8$
Divide both sides of the inequality by 4; the inequality stays the same.	$\phantom{\rule{2em}{0ex}}\frac{4p}{4}>\frac{8}{4}$
Simplify.	$\phantom{\rule{2.5em}{0ex}}p>2$
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interal notation.	$\left(2,\infty \right)$

Solve the inequality $9y+2\left(y+6\right)>5y-24$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

This figure shows the inequality y is greater than negative 6. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from negative 7 to negative 3 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality y is greater than negative 6 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at y equals negative 6, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative 6 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality $6u+8\left(u-1\right)>10u+32$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

This figure shows the inequality u is greater than 10. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 9 to 13 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality u is greater than 10 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at u equals 10, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, 10 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Just like some equations are identities and some are contradictions, inequalities may be identities or contradictions, too. We recognize these forms when we are left with only constants as we solve the inequality. If the result is a true statement, we have an identity. If the result is a false statement, we have a contradiction.

Solve the inequality $8x-2\left(5-x\right)<4\left(x+9\right)+6x$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution

Simplify each side as much as possible.	$8x-2\left(5-x\right)<4\left(x+9\right)+6x$
Distribute.	$8x-10+2x<4x+36+6x$
Combine like terms.	$10x-10<10x+36$
Subtract $10x$ from both sides to collect the variables on the left.	$10x-10-10x<10x+36-10x$
Simplify.	$-10<36\phantom{\rule{0.6em}{0ex}}$
The $x$ ’s are gone, and we have a true statement.	The inequality is an identity. The solution is all real numbers.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.	$\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)$

Solve the inequality $4b-3\left(3-b\right)>5\left(b-6\right)+2b$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

This figure shows an inequality that is an identity. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. The identity is graphed on the number line, with a dark line extending in both directions. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity comma infinity, parenthesis.

Solve the inequality $9h-7\left(2-h\right)<8\left(h+11\right)+8h$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solve the inequality $\frac{1}{3}a-\frac{1}{8}a>\frac{5}{24}a\text{}+\frac{3}{4}$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Solution


Multiply both sides by the LCD, 24, to clear the fractions.
Simplify.
Combine like terms.
Subtract $5a$ from both sides to collect the variables on the left.
Simplify.
The statement is false!	The inequality is a contradiction.
	There is no solution.
Graph the solution on the number line.
Write the solution in interval notation.	There is no solution.

Solve the inequality $\frac{1}{4}x-\frac{1}{12}x>\frac{1}{6}x+\frac{7}{8}$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

This figure shows an inequality that is a contradiction. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. No inequality is graphed on the number line. Below the number line is the statement: “No solution.”

Solve the inequality $\frac{2}{5}z-\frac{1}{3}z<\frac{1}{15}z\text{}-\frac{3}{5}$ , graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

Translate to an Inequality and Solve

To translate English sentences into inequalities, we need to recognize the phrases that indicate the inequality. Some words are easy, like ‘more than’ and ‘less than’. But others are not as obvious.

Think about the phrase ‘at least’ – what does it mean to be ‘at least 21 years old’? It means 21 or more. The phrase ‘at least’ is the same as ‘greater than or equal to’.

(Figure) shows some common phrases that indicate inequalities.

$>$	$\ge$	$<$	$\le$
is greater than	is greater than or equal to	is less than	is less than or equal to
is more than	is at least	is smaller than	is at most
is larger than	is no less than	has fewer than	is no more than
exceeds	is the minimum	is lower than	is the maximum

Translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Twelve times c is no more than 96.

Solution

Translate.
Solve—divide both sides by 12.
Simplify.
Write in interval notation.
Graph on the number line.

Translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Twenty times y is at most 100

This figure shows the inequality 20y is less than or equal to 100, and then its solution: y is less than or equal to 5. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 4 to 8 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality y is less than or equal to 5 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at y equals 5, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity comma 5, bracket.

Translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Nine times z is no less than 135

This figure shows the inequality 9z is greater than or equal to 135, and then its solution: z is greater than or equal to 15. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 14 to 18 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality z is greater than or equal to 15 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at z equals 15, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as bracket, 15 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Thirty less than x is at least 45.

Solution

Translate.
Solve—add 30 to both sides.
Simplify.
Write in interval notation.
Graph on the number line.

Translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Nineteen less than p is no less than 47

This figure shows the inequality p minus 19 is greater than or equal to 47, and then its solution: p is greater than or equal to 66. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 65 to 69 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality p is greater than or equal to 66 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at p equals 66, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as bracket, 66 comma infinity, parenthesis.

Translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Four more than a is at most 15.

This figure shows the inequality a plus 4 is less than or equal to 15, and then its solution: a is less than or equal to 11. Below this inequality is a number line ranging from 10 to 14 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality a is less than or equal to 11 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at a equals 11, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. The inequality is also written in interval notation as parenthesis, negative infinity 11, bracket.

Key Concepts

Subtraction Property of Inequality
For any numbers a, b, and c,
if $a<b$ then $a-c<b-c$ and
if $a>b$ then $a-c>b-c.$
Addition Property of Inequality
For any numbers a, b, and c,
if $a<b$ then $a+c<b+c$ and
if $a>b$ then $a+c>b+c.$
Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality
For any numbers a, b, and c,
if $a<b$ and $c>0$ , then $\frac{a}{c}<\frac{b}{c}$ and $ac>bc$ .
if $a>b$ and $c>0$ , then $\frac{a}{c}>\frac{b}{c}$ and $ac>bc$ .
if $a<b$ and $c<0$ , then $\frac{a}{c}>\frac{b}{c}$ and $ac>bc$ .
if $a>b$ and $c<0$ , then $\frac{a}{c}<\frac{b}{c}$ and $ac<bc$ .
When we divide or multiply an inequality by a:
- positive number, the inequality stays the same.
- negative number, the inequality reverses.

Section Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Graph Inequalities on the Number Line

In the following exercises, graph each inequality on the number line.

ⓐ $x\le 2$
ⓑ $x>-1$
ⓒ $x<0$

ⓐ $x>1$
ⓑ $x<-2$
ⓒ $x\ge -3$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

ⓐ $x\ge -3$
ⓑ $x<4$
ⓒ $x\le -2$

ⓐ $x\le 0$
ⓑ $x>-4$
ⓒ $x\ge -1$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

In the following exercises, graph each inequality on the number line and write in interval notation.

ⓐ $x<-2$
ⓑ $x\ge -3.5$
ⓒ $x\le \frac{2}{3}$

ⓐ $x>3$
ⓑ $x\le -0.5$
ⓒ $x\ge \frac{1}{3}$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

ⓐ $x\ge -4$
ⓑ $x<2.5$
ⓒ $x>-\frac{3}{2}$

ⓐ $x\le 5$
ⓑ $x\ge -1.5$
ⓒ $x<-\frac{7}{3}$

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

Solve Inequalities using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Inequality

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$n-11<33$

$m-45\le 62$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: m is less than or equal to 107. Below this is a number line ranging from 105 to 109 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is less than or equal to 107 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at x equals 107, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 107, bracket.

$u+25>21$

$v+12>3$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: v is greater than negative 9. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 11 to negative 7 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is greater than negative 9 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at x equals negative 9, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative 9 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$a+\frac{3}{4}\ge \frac{7}{10}$

$b+\frac{7}{8}\ge \frac{1}{6}$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: b is greater than or equal to negative 17/24. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality b is greater than or equal to negative 17/24 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at b equals negative 17/24 (written in), and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, negative 17/24 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$f-\frac{13}{20}<-\frac{5}{12}$

$g-\frac{11}{12}<-\frac{5}{18}$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: g is less than 23/26. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality g is less than 23/26 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at g equals 23/26 (written in), and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 23/26, parenthesis.

Solve Inequalities using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$8x>72$

$6y<48$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: y is less than 8. Below this is a number line ranging from 6 to 10 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality y is less than 8 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at y equals 8, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 8, parenthesis.

$7r\le 56$

$9s\ge 81$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: s is greater than or equal to 9. Below this is a number line ranging from 7 to 11 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality s is greater than or equal to 9 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at s equals 9, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 9 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$-5u\ge 65$

$-8v\le 96$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: v is greater than or equal to negative 12. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 14 to negative 10 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality v is greater than or equal to negative 12 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at v equals negative 12, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, negative 12 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$-9c<126$

$-7d>105$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: d is less than negative 15. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 17 to negative 13 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality d is less than negative 15 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at d equals negative 15, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 15, parenthesis.

$20>\frac{2}{5}h$

$40<\frac{5}{8}k$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: k is greater than 64. Below this is a number line ranging from 62 to 66 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality k is greater than 64 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at k equals 64, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 64, parenthesis.

$\frac{7}{6}j\ge 42$

$\frac{9}{4}g\le 36$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: g is less than or equal to 16. Below this is a number line ranging from 14 to 18 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality g is less than or equal to 16 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at g equals 16, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 16, bracket.

$\frac{a}{-3}\le 9$

$\frac{b}{-10}\ge 30$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: b is less than or equal to negative 300. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 302 to negative 298 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality b is less than or equal to negative 300 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at b equals negative 300, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 300, bracket.

$-25<\frac{p}{-5}$

$-18>\frac{q}{-6}$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: q is greater than 108. Below this is a number line ranging from 106 to 110 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality q is greater than 108 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at q equals 108, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, 108 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$9t\ge -27$

$7s<-28$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: s is less than negative 4. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 6 to negative 2 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality s is less than negative 4 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at s equals negative 4, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 4, parenthesis.

$\frac{2}{3}y>-36$

$\frac{3}{5}x\le -45$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: x is less than or equal to negative 75. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 77 to negative 73 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is less than or equal to negative 75 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at x equals negative 75, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 75, bracket.

Solve Inequalities That Require Simplification

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$4v\ge 9v-40$

$5u\le 8u-21$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: au is greater than or equal to 7. Below this is a number line ranging from 5 to 9 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality u is greater than or equal to 7 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at u equals 7, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 7 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$13q<7q-29$

$9p>14p-18$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: p is less than 18/5. Below this is a number line ranging from 2 to 6 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality p is less than 18/5 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at p equals 18/5 (written in), and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 18/5, parenthesis.

$12x+3\left(x+7\right)>10x-24$

$9y+5\left(y+3\right)<4y-35$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: y is less than negative 5. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 6 to negative 2 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality y is less than negative 5 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at y equals negative 5, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 5, parenthesis.

$6h-4\left(h-1\right)\le 7h-11$

$4k-\left(k-2\right)\ge 7k-26$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: x is less than or equal to 7. Below this is a number line ranging from 5 to 9 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is less than or equal to 7 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at x equals 7, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 7, bracket.

$8m-2\left(14-m\right)\ge \text{}7\left(m-4\right)+3m$

$6n-12\left(3-n\right)\le 9\left(n-4\right)+9n$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: the inequality is an identity. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. The identity is graphed on the number line, with a dark line extending in both directions. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma infinity, parenthesis.

$\frac{3}{4}b-\frac{1}{3}b<\frac{5}{12}b-\frac{1}{2}$

$9u+5\left(2u-5\right)\ge 12\left(u-1\right)+7u$

At the top of this figure is the result of the inequality: the inequality is a contradiction. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. Because this is a contradiction, no inequality is graphed on the number line. Below the number line is the statement: “No solution”.

$\frac{2}{3}g-\frac{1}{2}\left(g-14\right)\le \frac{1}{6}\left(g+42\right)$

$\frac{5}{6}a-\frac{1}{4}a>\frac{7}{12}a+\frac{2}{3}$

$\frac{4}{5}h-\frac{2}{3}\left(h-9\right)\ge \frac{1}{15}\left(2h+90\right)$

$12v+3\left(4v-1\right)\le 19\left(v-2\right)+5v$

Mixed practice

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$15k\le -40$

$35k\ge -77$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: k is greater than or equal to negative 11/5. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 4 to 0 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality k is greater than or equal to negative 11/5 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at k equals negative 11/5 (written in), and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, negative 11/5 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$23p-2\left(6-5p\right)>3\left(11p-4\right)$

$18q-4\left(10-3q\right)<5\left(6q-8\right)$

$-\frac{9}{4}x\ge -\frac{5}{12}$

$-\frac{21}{8}y\le -\frac{15}{28}$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: y is greater than or equal to 10/49. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 1 to 3 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality y is greater than or equal to 10/49 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at y equals 10/49 (written in), and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 10/49 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$c+34<-99$

$d+29>-61$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: d is greater than negative 90. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 92 to negative 88 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality d is greater than negative 90 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at d equals negative 90, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative 90 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$\frac{m}{18}\ge -4$

$\frac{n}{13}\le -6$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: n is less than or equal to negative 78. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 80 to negative 76 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality n is less than or equal to negative 78 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at n equals negative 78, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 78, bracket.

Translate to an Inequality and Solve

In the following exercises, translate and solve .Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Fourteen times d is greater than 56.

Ninety times c is less than 450.

At the top of this figure is the the inequality 90c is less than 450. Below this is the solution to the inequality: c is less than 5. Below the solution is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 5, parenthesis. Below the interval notation is a number line ranging from 3 to 7 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality c is less than 5 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at c equals 5, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis.

Eight times z is smaller than $-40$ .

Ten times y is at most $-110$ .

At the top of this figure is the the inequality 10y is less than or equal to negative 110. Below this is the solution to the inequality: y is less than or equal to negative 11. Below the solution is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 11, bracket. Below the interval notation is a number line ranging from negative 13 to negative 9 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality y is less than or equal to negative 11 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at y equals negative 11, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket.

Three more than h is no less than 25.

Six more than k exceeds 25.

At the top of this figure is the the inequality k plus 6 is greater than 25. Below this is the solution to the inequality: k is greater than 19. Below the the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, 19 comma infinity, parenthesis. Below the interval notation is a number line ranging from 17 to 21 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality k is greater than 19 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at k equals 19, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis.

Ten less than w is at least 39.

Twelve less than x is no less than 21.

At the top of this figure is the the inequality x minus 12 is greater than or equal to 21. Below this is the solution to the inequality: x is greater than or equal to 33. Below the solution is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 33 comma infinity, parenthesis. Below the interval notation is a number line ranging from 32 to 36 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is greater than or equal to 33 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at x equals 33, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket.

Negative five times r is no more than 95.

Negative two times s is lower than 56.

At the top of this figure is the the inequality negative 2s is less than 56. Below this is the solution to the inequality: s is greater than negative 28. Below the solution is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative 28 comma infinity, parenthesis. Below the interval notation is a number line ranging from negative 30 to negative 26 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality s is greater than negative 28 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at s equals negative 28, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis.

Nineteen less than b is at most $-22$ .

Fifteen less than a is at least $-7$ .

At the top of this figure is the the inequality a minus 15 is greater than or equal to negative 7. Below this is the solution to the inequality: a is greater than or equal to 8. Below the solution is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 8 comma infinity, parenthesis. Below the interval notation is a number line ranging from 0 to 10 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality a is greater than or equal to 8 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at a equals 8, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket.

Everyday Math

Safety A child’s height, h, must be at least 57 inches for the child to safely ride in the front seat of a car. Write this as an inequality.

Fighter pilots The maximum height, h, of a fighter pilot is 77 inches. Write this as an inequality.

$h\le 77$

Elevators The total weight, w, of an elevator’s passengers can be no more than 1,200 pounds. Write this as an inequality.

Shopping The number of items, n, a shopper can have in the express check-out lane is at most 8. Write this as an inequality.

$n\le 8$

Writing Exercises

Give an example from your life using the phrase ‘at least’.

Give an example from your life using the phrase ‘at most’.

Answers will vary.

Explain why it is necessary to reverse the inequality when solving $-5x>10$ .

Explain why it is necessary to reverse the inequality when solving $\frac{n}{-3}<12$ .

Answers will vary.

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

ⓑ What does this checklist tell you about your mastery of this section? What steps will you take to improve?

Chapter 2 Review Exercises

Solve Equations using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality

Verify a Solution of an Equation

In the following exercises, determine whether each number is a solution to the equation.

$10x-1=5x;x=\frac{1}{5}$

$w+2=\frac{5}{8};w=\frac{3}{8}$

no

$-12n+5=8n;n=-\frac{5}{4}$

$6a-3=-7a,a=\frac{3}{13}$

yes

Solve Equations using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality

In the following exercises, solve each equation using the Subtraction Property of Equality.

$x+7=19$

$y+2=-6$

$y=-8$

$a+\frac{1}{3}=\frac{5}{3}$

$n+3.6=5.1$

$n=1.5$

In the following exercises, solve each equation using the Addition Property of Equality.

$u-7=10$

$x-9=-4$

$x=5$

$c-\frac{3}{11}=\frac{9}{11}$

$p-4.8=14$

$p=18.8$

In the following exercises, solve each equation.

$n-12=32$

$y+16=-9$

$y=-25$

$f+\frac{2}{3}=4$

$d-3.9=8.2$

$d=12.1$

Solve Equations That Require Simplification

In the following exercises, solve each equation.

$y+8-15=-3$

$7x+10-6x+3=5$

$x=-8$

$6\left(n-1\right)-5n=-14$

$8\left(3p+5\right)-23\left(p-1\right)=35$

$p=-28$

Translate to an Equation and Solve

In the following exercises, translate each English sentence into an algebraic equation and then solve it.

The sum of $-6$ and $m$ is 25.

Four less than $n$ is 13.

$n-4=13;n=17$

Translate and Solve Applications

In the following exercises, translate into an algebraic equation and solve.

Rochelle’s daughter is 11 years old. Her son is 3 years younger. How old is her son?

Tan weighs 146 pounds. Minh weighs 15 pounds more than Tan. How much does Minh weigh?

161 pounds

Peter paid ?9.75 to go to the movies, which was ?46.25 less than he paid to go to a concert. How much did he pay for the concert?

Elissa earned ?152.84 this week, which was ?21.65 more than she earned last week. How much did she earn last week?

?131.19

Solve Equations using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality

Solve Equations Using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality

In the following exercises, solve each equation using the division and multiplication properties of equality and check the solution.

$8x=72$

$13a=-65$

$a=-5$

$0.25p=5.25$

$\text{−}y=4$

$y=-4$

$\frac{n}{6}=18$

$\frac{y}{-10}=30$

$y=-300$

$36=\frac{3}{4}x$

$\frac{5}{8}u=\frac{15}{16}$

$u=\frac{3}{2}$

$-18m=-72$

$\frac{c}{9}=36$

$c=324$

$0.45x=6.75$

$\frac{11}{12}=\frac{2}{3}y$

$y=\frac{11}{8}$

Solve Equations That Require Simplification

In the following exercises, solve each equation requiring simplification.

$5r-3r+9r=35-2$

$24x+8x-11x=-7-14$

$x=-1$

$\frac{11}{12}n-\frac{5}{6}n=9-5$

$-9\left(d-2\right)-15=-24$

$d=3$

Translate to an Equation and Solve

In the following exercises, translate to an equation and then solve.

143 is the product of $-11$ and y.

The quotient of b and and 9 is $-27$ .

$\frac{b}{9}=-27;b=-243$

The sum of q and one-fourth is one.

The difference of s and one-twelfth is one fourth.

$s-\frac{1}{12}=\frac{1}{4};s=\frac{1}{3}$

Translate and Solve Applications

In the following exercises, translate into an equation and solve.

Ray paid ?21 for 12 tickets at the county fair. What was the price of each ticket?

Janet gets paid ?24 per hour. She heard that this is $\frac{3}{4}$ of what Adam is paid. How much is Adam paid per hour?

?32

Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides

Solve an Equation with Constants on Both Sides

In the following exercises, solve the following equations with constants on both sides.

$8p+7=47$

$10w-5=65$

$w=7$

$3x+19=-47$

$32=-4-9n$

$n=-4$

Solve an Equation with Variables on Both Sides

In the following exercises, solve the following equations with variables on both sides.

$7y=6y-13$

$5a+21=2a$

$a=-7$

$k=-6k-35$

$4x-\frac{3}{8}=3x$

$x=\frac{3}{8}$

Solve an Equation with Variables and Constants on Both Sides

In the following exercises, solve the following equations with variables and constants on both sides.

$12x-9=3x+45$

$5n-20=-7n-80$

$n=-5$

$4u+16=-19-u$

$\frac{5}{8}c-4=\frac{3}{8}c+4$

$c=32$

Use a General Strategy for Solving Linear Equations

Solve Equations Using the General Strategy for Solving Linear Equations

In the following exercises, solve each linear equation.

$6\left(x+6\right)=24$

$9\left(2p-5\right)=72$

$p=\frac{13}{2}$

$\text{−}\left(s+4\right)=18$

$8+3\left(n-9\right)=17$

$n=12$

$23-3\left(y-7\right)=8$

$\frac{1}{3}\left(6m+21\right)=m-7$

$m=-14$

$4\left(3.5y+0.25\right)=365$

$0.25\left(q-8\right)=0.1\left(q+7\right)$

$q=18$

$8\left(r-2\right)=6\left(r+10\right)$

$5+7\left(2-5x\right)=2\left(9x+1\right)$
$-\left(13x-57\right)$

$x=-1$

$\left(9n+5\right)-\left(3n-7\right)$
$=20-\left(4n-2\right)$

$2\left[-16+5\left(8k-6\right)\right]$
$=8\left(3-4k\right)-32$

$k=\frac{3}{4}$

Classify Equations

In the following exercises, classify each equation as a conditional equation, an identity, or a contradiction and then state the solution.

$17y-3\left(4-2y\right)=11\left(y-1\right)$
$+12y-1$

$9u+32=15\left(u-4\right)$
$-3\left(2u+21\right)$

contradiction; no solution

$-8\left(7m+4\right)=-6\left(8m+9\right)$

$21\left(c-1\right)-19\left(c+1\right)$
$=2\left(c-20\right)$

identity; all real numbers

Solve Equations with Fractions and Decimals

Solve Equations with Fraction Coefficients

In the following exercises, solve each equation with fraction coefficients.

$\frac{2}{5}n-\frac{1}{10}=\frac{7}{10}$

$\frac{1}{3}x+\frac{1}{5}x=8$

$x=15$

$\frac{3}{4}a-\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1}{2}a-\frac{5}{6}$

$\frac{1}{2}\left(k-3\right)=\frac{1}{3}\left(k+16\right)$

$k=41$

$\frac{3x-2}{5}=\frac{3x+4}{8}$

$\frac{5y-1}{3}+4=\frac{-8y+4}{6}$

$y=-1$

Solve Equations with Decimal Coefficients

In the following exercises, solve each equation with decimal coefficients.

$0.8x-0.3=0.7x+0.2$

$0.36u+2.55=0.41u+6.8$

$u=-85$

$0.6p-1.9=0.78p+1.7$

$d=-20$

Solve a Formula for a Specific Variable

Use the Distance, Rate, and Time Formula

In the following exercises, solve.

Natalie drove for $7\frac{1}{2}$ hours at 60 miles per hour. How much distance did she travel?

Mallory is taking the bus from St. Louis to Chicago. The distance is 300 miles and the bus travels at a steady rate of 60 miles per hour. How long will the bus ride be?

5 hours

Aaron’s friend drove him from Buffalo to Cleveland. The distance is 187 miles and the trip took 2.75 hours. How fast was Aaron’s friend driving?

Link rode his bike at a steady rate of 15 miles per hour for $2\frac{1}{2}$ hours. How much distance did he travel?

37.5 miles

Solve a Formula for a Specific Variable

In the following exercises, solve.

Use the formula. $d=rt$ to solve for t
ⓐ when $d=510$ and $r=60$
ⓑ in general

Use the formula. $d=rt$ to solve for $r$
ⓐ when when $d=451$ and $t=5.5$
ⓑ in general

ⓐ $r=82\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{mph}$ ; ⓑ $r=\frac{D}{t}$

Use the formula $A=\frac{1}{2}bh$ to solve for $b$
ⓐ when $A=390$ and $h=26$
ⓑ in general

Use the formula $A=\frac{1}{2}bh$ to solve for $h$
ⓐ when $A=153$ and $b=18$
ⓑ in general

ⓐ $h=17$ ⓑ $h=\frac{2A}{b}$

Use the formula $I=Prt$ to solve for the principal, P for
ⓐ $I=\text{?}2,501,r=4.1%,$
$t=5\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\text{years}$
ⓑ in general

Solve the formula $4x+3y=6$ for y
ⓐ when $x=-2$
ⓑ in general

ⓐ $y=\frac{14}{3}$ ⓑ $y=\frac{6-4x}{3}$

Solve $180=a+b+c$ for $c$ .

Solve the formula $V=LWH$ for $H$ .

$H=\frac{V}{LW}$

Solve Linear Inequalities

Graph Inequalities on the Number Line

In the following exercises, graph each inequality on the number line.

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

In the following exercises, graph each inequality on the number line and write in interval notation.

ⓐ
ⓑ
ⓒ

Solve Inequalities using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Inequality

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$n-12\le 23$

$m+14\le 56$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: m is less than or equal to 42. Below this is a number line ranging from 40 to 44 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality m is less than or equal to 42 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at m equals 42, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 42, bracket

$a+\frac{2}{3}\ge \frac{7}{12}$

$b-\frac{7}{8}\ge -\frac{1}{2}$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: b is greater than or equal to 3/8. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 2 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality b is greater than or equal to 3/8 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at b equals 3/8 (written in), and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 3/8 comma infinity, bracket

Solve Inequalities using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$9x>54$

$-12d\le 108$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: d is greater than or equal to negative 9. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 11 to negative 7 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality d is greater than or equal to negative 9 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at d equals negative 9, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, negative 9 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$\frac{5}{2}j<-60$

$\frac{q}{-2}\ge -24$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: q is less than or equal to 48. Below this is a number line ranging from 46 to 50 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality q is less than or equal to 48 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at q equals 48, and a dark line extending to the left of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 48, bracket.

Solve Inequalities That Require Simplification

In the following exercises, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$6p>15p-30$

$9h-7\left(h-1\right)\le 4h-23$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: h is greater than or equal to 15. Below this is a number line ranging from 13 to 17 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality h is greater than or equal to 15 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at h equals 15, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 15 comma infinity, parenthesis.

$5n-15\left(4-n\right)<10\left(n-6\right)+10n$

$\frac{3}{8}a-\frac{1}{12}a>\frac{5}{12}a+\frac{3}{4}$

At the top of this figure is the solution to the inequality: a is less than negative 6. Below this is a number line ranging from negative 8 to negative 4 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality a is less than negative 6 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at a equals negative 6, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma negative 6, parenthesis.

Translate to an Inequality and Solve

In the following exercises, translate and solve. Then write the solution in interval notation and graph on the number line.

Five more than z is at most 19.

Three less than c is at least 360.

At the top of this figure is the inequality c minus 3 is greater than or equal to 360. To the right of this is the solution to the inequality: c is greater than or equal to 363. To the right of the solution is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, 363 comma infinity, parenthesis. Below all of this is a number line ranging from 361 to 365 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality c is greater than or equal to 363 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at c equals 363, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket.

Nine times n exceeds 42.

Negative two times a is no more than 8.

At the top of this figure is the inequality negative 2a is less than or equal to 8. To the right of this is the solution to the inequality: a is greater than or equal to negative 4. To the right of the solution is the solution written in interval notation: bracket, negative 4 comma infinity, parenthesis. Below all of this is a number line ranging from negative 6 to negative 2 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality a is greater than or equal to negative 4 is graphed on the number line, with an open bracket at a equals negative 4, and a dark line extending to the right of the bracket.

Everyday Math

Describe how you have used two topics from this chapter in your life outside of your math class during the past month.

Chapter 2 Practice Test

Determine whether each number is a solution to the equation $6x-3=x+20$ .

ⓐ 5
ⓑ $\frac{23}{5}$

ⓐ no ⓑ yes

In the following exercises, solve each equation.

$n-\frac{2}{3}=\frac{1}{4}$

$\frac{9}{2}c=144$

$c=32$

$4y-8=16$

$-8x-15+9x-1=-21$

$x=-5$

$-15a=120$

$\frac{2}{3}x=6$

$x=9$

$x-3.8=8.2$

$10y=-5y-60$

$y=-4$

$8n-2=6n-12$

$9m-2-4m-m=42-8$

$m=9$

$-5\left(2x-1\right)=45$

$\text{−}\left(d-9\right)=23$

$d=-14$

$\frac{1}{4}\left(12m-28\right)=6-2\left(3m-1\right)$

$2\left(6x-5\right)-8=-22$

$x=-\frac{1}{3}$

$8\left(3a-5\right)-7\left(4a-3\right)=20-3a$

$\frac{1}{4}p-\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1}{2}$

$p=\frac{10}{3}$

$0.1d+0.25\left(d+8\right)=4.1$

$14n-3\left(4n+5\right)=-9+2\left(n-8\right)$

contradiction; no solution

$9\left(3u-2\right)-4\left[6-8\left(u-1\right)\right]$ $=3\left(u-2\right)$

Solve the formula $x-2y=5$ for y
ⓐ when $x=-3$
ⓑ in general

ⓐ $y=4$ ⓑ $y=\frac{5-x}{2}$

In the following exercises, graph on the number line and write in interval notation.

$x\ge -3.5$

$x<\frac{11}{4}$

This figure is a number line ranging from 1 to 5 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality x is less than 11/4 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at x equals 11/4, and a dark line extending to the left of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, negative infinity comma 11/4, parenthesis.

In the following exercises,, solve each inequality, graph the solution on the number line, and write the solution in interval notation.

$8k\ge 5k-120$

$3c-10\left(c-2\right)<5c+16$

This figure is a number line ranging from negative 2 to 3 with tick marks for each integer. The inequality c is greater than 1/3 is graphed on the number line, with an open parenthesis at c equals 1/3, and a dark line extending to the right of the parenthesis. Below the number line is the solution: c is greater than 1/3. To the right of the solution is the solution written in interval notation: parenthesis, 1/3 comma infinity, parenthesis

In the following exercises, translate to an equation or inequality and solve.

4 less than twice x is 16.

Fifteen more than n is at least 48.

$n+15\ge 48;n\ge 33$

Samuel paid ?25.82 for gas this week, which was ?3.47 less than he paid last week. How much had he paid last week?

Jenna bought a coat on sale for ?120, which was $\frac{2}{3}$ of the original price. What was the original price of the coat?

$120=\frac{2}{3}p$ ; The original price was ?180.

Sean took the bus from Seattle to Boise, a distance of 506 miles. If the trip took $7\frac{2}{3}$ hours, what was the speed of the bus?

License

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Elementary Algebra by OSCRiceUniversity is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.


Shade to the right of $-3$ , and put a bracket at $-3$ .
Write in interval notation.


Shade to the left of $2.5$ , and put a parenthesis at $2.5$ .
Write in interval notation.


Shade to the left of $-\frac{3}{5}$ , and put a bracket at $-\frac{3}{5}$ .
Write in interval notation.

Learning Objectives

Graph Inequalities on the Number Line

Solve Inequalities using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Inequality

Solve Inequalities using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Inequality

Solve Inequalities That Require Simplification

Translate to an Inequality and Solve

Key Concepts

Section Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Everyday Math

Writing Exercises

Self Check

Chapter 2 Review Exercises

Everyday Math

Chapter 2 Practice Test

License

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