Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities Module

Lesson 9: Solving Linear Inequalities

Mathematics 9B - Video Notes

Comparing Solving Equations with Solving Inequalities

You already know how to solve equations to find the single solution that satisfies the equation. When
you solve an inequality, you will have many solutions. The solutions are called a "solution set," and you
can graph the solution set on a number line.

Example 1

Equation Inequality

Solve 3x\ 1 = 20 Solve 3x\ 1 20, x E R

+\ +1 +\ +1
3x = 21
3x 21

21
,=2; <
- 3

(0:)
Verification: 3x - 1

3(7) -
1
21 - 1
20
(•I
1 2 3
5
4 '
6 )

20

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Example 2

Equation Inequality

Solve 2(x - 4) = x + 6 Solve 2(x - 4) > x + 6, x E I

x--\8=6 x-\8 > 6

+ +8 +\ +8

E
14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Adding and Subtracting Each Side of an Inequality

When you add or subtract the same number to both sides of an inequality, the inequality remains true.

Examples:

Adding +1 (the same as subtracting -1) Adding -1 (the same as subtracting +1)

5 > 2 5 > 2

+1+1 -1 - 1

6 > 3 still true! 4 < 1 still true!

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 Multiplying and Dividing Each Side of an Inequality
When you multiply or divide by a negative, the direction of the inequality changes.

Examples:

Multiplying by +1 Dividing by +1

5 > 2 5 > 2

5 2
(1)5 > 2(1) - > -
1 1

5 > 2 still true! 5 > 2 still true!

Multiplying by -1 Dividing by -1

5 > 2 5 > 2
5 2
(- 1 )5 > 2(-1) ->
-1
--1

-5 > -2 NOT true! -5 > -2 NOT true!

-5 -2 True -5 < -2 True

Tip:

X
Look for -#x or -
-#

The direction of the inequality will

need to change!

Examples:

Will the direction of the inequality change when you solve the inequality?
C
2x+1>5 No - -12 No
4
n
-+2::;10 Yes 7 - 8a > 71 Yes
-3

y-8<7 No -x + 3::; 12 Yes

Solving an Inequality
Example 3

7 - 3y = -14 7-3y>-14,yEI

-7 -7 -7 -7
-3y -21 -3y -21
-=- ->-
-3 -3
-3 -3
y=7 y<7 f-- The inequality changes direction
because we divided by-3.

When solving inequalities that do

not have a number set indicated (R
or I), use Real Numbers.

What are the Differences between an Equation and an Inequality?

Example 4

Explain the differences between 2x + 1 = 5 and 2x + 1 :2: 5

2x+1=5 2x+1:2:5

-1 - 1 -1 -1

\=:

x=2
t >
- 2

x:2:2

Equation Inequality
Has one solution
Has a solution
set
A Real-World Example using Inequalities
Example 5

Disneyland's Autopia ride has the following height requirements:

• Guests who are at least 137 cm tall may drive their own gas-powered car.
• Guests who are at least 81 cm tall are also invited to drive, as long as they are
accompanied by someone at least 137 cm tall.

a. Write an inequality representing the height required to drive alone.

h 137

b. Write an inequality representing the height required to drive when accompanied by

someone at least 137 cm tall.
h 81

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