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Inequalities

The Hook

Greater than, less than.

What is it?

Solving equations where the answer is a range, not a point.

Time Travel (History)

Essential for calculating risk and safety limits.

Cheat Code

If you multiply/divide by a negative, FLIP the inequality sign!

Practice This Now!

The Field Guide

In Plain English: Sometimes you don't need an exact number, you just need 'at least' or 'no more than'. An elevator limit isn't exactly 2000lbs, it's 'anything less than 2000lbs'.

In The Real World: Speed limits. Budgeting (spending LESS than you make).

How To Do It

  1. Solve exactly like an equation.
  2. Keep the alligator mouth facing the same way...
  3. UNLESS you multiply/divide by a negative.
  4. Then flip the mouth.

Booby Trap!

Forgetting to flip the sign when dividing by a negative. -2x > 10 becomes x < -5.

Real World Challenge
"You have $20. Burgers cost $4. How many can you buy?"
The Logic: 4x ≤ 20. x ≤ 5. You can buy 5 or fewer.

Training Drills

The Flip
-2x > 10 x < -5
Divided by -2, so sign flipped.