How to Solve Linear Inequalities
A linear inequality looks like an equation, except the equals sign is replaced by >, <, โฅ, or โค. Instead of one answer, you get a whole range of answers โ every number that makes the statement true. Solving works almost exactly like solving equations, with one famous exception.
The Golden Rule: Flip on Negatives
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide both sides just like an equation โ except when you multiply or divide by a negative number, you must flip the inequality sign. So โ3x < 9 becomes x > โ3. Forgetting this flip is the #1 mistake students make.
Reading the Answer
- Inequality form: x > 4 โ direct and familiar.
- Interval notation: (4, โ) โ compact; round brackets exclude, square brackets include.
- Number line: a ray starting at the endpoint with an open or filled dot โ the graph above draws it for you.
Comfortable with equations first? Try our linear equation solver or the algebra calculator.