2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

Sometimes you must multiply or divide to isolate

the variable. Multiplying or dividing both sides of
an inequality by a negative number gives a
surprising result.

5 > 1
1 5 1
5
1
5 < 1

5 is greater than 1.
(1)Multiply both sides by 1.
> or < ?

You know 5 is less than 1, so you should use <.

5 < 1
7 6 5 4 3 2 1

2 3 4 5 6 7

5 > 1
Pre-Algebra

2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

MULTIPLYING INEQUALITIES BY
NEGATIVE INTEGERS
Words
Multiplying or
dividing by a
negative
number
reverses the
inequality
symbol.

Pre-Algebra

Original
Inequality

Multiply/
Divide

Result

3>1

Multiply by 2

6 < 2

4 12

Divide by 4

1 3

2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

Helpful Hint

The direction of the inequality changes

only if the number you are using to
multiply or divide by is negative.

Pre-Algebra

2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

Additional Example 2: Multiplying and Dividing to
Solve Inequalities

Solve and graph.

A. 3y 15
Divide each side by
3; changes to .
3y 15
3
3
7 5
0
y 5
B. 7m < 21

7m < 21
7
7
m<3
Pre-Algebra

Divide each side by 7.

2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

Try This: Example 2

Solve and graph.

A. 8y 24
8y 24
8
8
y 3

Divide each side by

8; changes > to <.

B. 9f > 45

9f > 45
9
9
f>5
Pre-Algebra

Divide each side by 9.

10

2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

Lesson Quiz: Part 1

Solve and graph.

1. h + 2 < 0

2 0 2

h 2
2. c 5 > 2

3.
4.
Pre-Algebra

c3

t
<1
3
t > 3

7n > 28
n>4

2-5 Solving Inequalities Containing Integers

Lesson Quiz: Part 2

5. A local weather forecast stated that it

would be 12F tonight and at least 10

colder the next night. Write an
inequality to show how cold it will be?

x 2F

Pre-Algebra