One-step inequalities (using the symbols <, >, ≤, ≥) are solved the same as one-step equations.

For example:     x + 18 = 40

would be solved by taking 18 away from both sides to get "x" by itself

The same is true for inequalities!

Let's solve:    x + 6 ≤ 10

To get x by itself we must take 6 away from both sides:

x + 6 - 6 ≤ 10 - 6

Leaving us with x ≤ 4.

 

Let's look at another one.

x - 9 > -7

We must add 9 to both sides...

x - 9 + 9 > -7 + 9

x > 2


One more!

x - 9 > -7

We must add 9 to both sides...

x - 9 + 9 > -7 + 9

x > 2


Time for practice!!!

Click here for a lesson on graphing the solution set for inequalities.

  
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