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This algebra 1 math tutorial from NutshellMath offers homework help in the basics of solving inequalities. Inequalities are algebraic relationships relating variables and numbers without a direct statement of equality. With an inequality, there is no single numerical solution, but an infinite set of solutions represented by the algebraic statement. Inequalities share nearly all properties with equalities, with a few exceptions. This tutorial explores how to effectively manipulate inequalities in order to solve for the variable.


When solving an inequality, the goal is to find the infinite set of solutions. To do so, it is only necessary to get the variable by itself in the inequality. This inequality, with the variable by itself is considered the solution. It can be expressed visually by graphing on a number line.

The first steps in solving an inequality are the same as solving an equation. Begin by simplifying the inequality if necessary using the distributive property and combination of like terms. Then, isolate the variable on one side using addition and subtraction. Multiplication and division can then be used to remove coefficients. The most important thing to remember when multiplying or dividing inequalities is that it is necessary to flip the direction of the inequality when multiplying or dividing by a negative number. Since multiplying and dividing by a negative number will change the signs of both sides of the inequality, the relative values of each side are reversed, necessitating that the direction of the inequality sign be flipped as well. Once the variable is by itself, the inequality is solved.

This tutorial offers help in manipulating inequalities in order to find a solution. Inequalities are important relationships in algebra, and learning how to effectively solve them is an essential skill in mathematics.