Solving Inequalities
Key Concepts
1. **Inequalities**: Mathematical statements that show the relationship between two expressions that are not equal.
2. **Symbols**: \(<\) (less than), \(>\) (greater than), \(\leq\) (less than or equal to), \(\geq\) (greater than or equal to).
3. **Properties**: Similar to equations, but with special rules when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
Detailed Explanation
Inequalities
Inequalities are used to compare two expressions. For example, \(3x + 2 > 7\) is an inequality. The goal is to find the values of \(x\) that make the statement true.
Symbols
The symbols \(<\) and \(>\) indicate strict inequalities, while \(\leq\) and \(\geq\) indicate inequalities that include equality. For example, \(x \leq 5\) means \(x\) can be 5 or any number less than 5.
Properties
When solving inequalities, you can add or subtract the same number from both sides without changing the inequality. However, when multiplying or dividing by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality symbol. For example, if \(-2x > 4\), dividing by \(-2\) gives \(x < -2\).
Examples
Example 1: Solve \(2x + 3 > 7\).
Solution: Subtract 3 from both sides: \(2x > 4\).
Divide both sides by 2: \(x > 2\).
Example 2: Solve \(-3x + 5 \leq 11\).
Solution: Subtract 5 from both sides: \(-3x \leq 6\).
Divide both sides by \(-3\) and reverse the inequality: \(x \geq -2\).
Example 3: Solve \(4x - 2 < 10\).
Solution: Add 2 to both sides: \(4x < 12\).
Divide both sides by 4: \(x < 3\).
Analogies
Think of inequalities as a balance scale. When you add or subtract the same weight from both sides, the scale remains balanced. However, if you multiply or divide by a negative number, it's like flipping the scale, causing the heavier side to become the lighter side.
Practical Application
Solving inequalities is crucial in various real-world scenarios, such as budgeting, determining ranges of values in data analysis, and setting constraints in engineering and physics problems. By mastering these concepts, you can better analyze and solve problems in everyday life.