Dividing Both Sides of the Inequality

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 81 views

Introduction to Inequalities

Inequalities are mathematical statements that compare two values or expressions, indicating whether one is greater than, less than, or equal to the other. They are an essential part of mathematics, used in various fields such as algebra, geometry, and calculus. In this article, we will focus on solving the inequality $60 \geq 12x$ , which is a fundamental concept in mathematics.

Understanding the Inequality $60 \geq 12x$

The given inequality is $60 \geq 12x$ . To solve this inequality, we need to isolate the variable $x$ . The first step is to divide both sides of the inequality by 12. However, we must remember that when we divide or multiply both sides of an inequality by a negative number, the direction of the inequality sign changes.

Dividing Both Sides of the Inequality

To isolate $x$ , we divide both sides of the inequality by 12:

\frac{60}{12} \geq \frac{12x}{12}

This simplifies to:

5 \geq x

Understanding the Solution

The solution to the inequality $60 \geq 12x$ is $x \leq 5$ . This means that any value of $x$ that is less than or equal to 5 satisfies the inequality.

Graphical Representation

To visualize the solution, we can graph the inequality on a number line. The number line represents all possible values of $x$ . The inequality $x \leq 5$ indicates that all values of $x$ to the left of 5, including 5, satisfy the inequality.

Real-World Applications

Inequalities have numerous real-world applications. For example, in finance, inequalities are used to calculate interest rates and investment returns. In physics, inequalities are used to describe the motion of objects and the behavior of particles.

Tips for Solving Inequalities

When solving inequalities, it's essential to remember the following tips:

Always check the direction of the inequality sign.
When dividing or multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number, change the direction of the inequality sign.
Use a number line to visualize the solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving inequalities is a fundamental concept in mathematics. The inequality $60 \geq 12x$ is a simple example of how to isolate the variable $x$ and find the solution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can solve inequalities with ease and apply them to real-world problems.

Common Inequalities

Here are some common inequalities that you may encounter:

$a > b$
$a < b$
$a \geq b$
$a \leq b$

Solving Linear Inequalities

Linear inequalities are inequalities that can be written in the form $ax + b > c$ or $ax + b < c$ . To solve linear inequalities, you can use the following steps:

Isolate the variable $x$ .
Check the direction of the inequality sign.
Use a number line to visualize the solution.

Solving Quadratic Inequalities

Quadratic inequalities are inequalities that can be written in the form $ax^2 + bx + c > 0$ or $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$ . To solve quadratic inequalities, you can use the following steps:

Factor the quadratic expression.
Set each factor equal to zero and solve for $x$ .
Use a number line to visualize the solution.

Solving Polynomial Inequalities

Polynomial inequalities are inequalities that can be written in the form $ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d > 0$ or $ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d < 0$ . To solve polynomial inequalities, you can use the following steps:

Factor the polynomial expression.
Set each factor equal to zero and solve for $x$ .
Use a number line to visualize the solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving inequalities is a fundamental concept in mathematics. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can solve inequalities with ease and apply them to real-world problems. Remember to always check the direction of the inequality sign and use a number line to visualize the solution.

Q: What is an inequality?

A: An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two values or expressions, indicating whether one is greater than, less than, or equal to the other.

Q: How do I solve an inequality?

A: To solve an inequality, you need to isolate the variable on one side of the inequality sign. You can do this by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing both sides of the inequality by the same value.

Q: What is the difference between a linear inequality and a quadratic inequality?

A: A linear inequality is an inequality that can be written in the form $ax + b > c$ or $ax + b < c$ . A quadratic inequality is an inequality that can be written in the form $ax^2 + bx + c > 0$ or $ax^2 + bx + c < 0$ .

Q: How do I solve a quadratic inequality?

A: To solve a quadratic inequality, you need to factor the quadratic expression and set each factor equal to zero. Then, you need to solve for $x$ and use a number line to visualize the solution.

Q: What is the significance of the inequality sign in an inequality?

A: The inequality sign indicates the direction of the inequality. If the inequality sign is $>$ , it means that the value on the left side is greater than the value on the right side. If the inequality sign is $<$ , it means that the value on the left side is less than the value on the right side.

Q: Can I multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number?

A: Yes, you can multiply or divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number. However, you need to change the direction of the inequality sign.

Q: How do I graph an inequality on a number line?

A: To graph an inequality on a number line, you need to identify the values of $x$ that satisfy the inequality. Then, you need to plot these values on the number line and use a closed circle to indicate the values that satisfy the inequality.

Q: What is the difference between a solution set and a graph of an inequality?

A: A solution set is a set of values that satisfy the inequality. A graph of an inequality is a visual representation of the solution set on a number line.

Q: Can I use a calculator to solve an inequality?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to solve an inequality. However, you need to make sure that the calculator is set to the correct mode and that you are using the correct operations.

Q: How do I check my solution to an inequality?

A: To check your solution to an inequality, you need to plug the value of $x$ back into the original inequality and verify that it is true.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving inequalities?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving inequalities include:

Not checking the direction of the inequality sign
Not using a number line to visualize the solution
Not plugging the value of $x$ back into the original inequality to check the solution