Ask Question
4 May, 23:45

Why does the inequality sign have to be flipped when multiplying and dividing by a number like in - 2x > 10?

+5
Answers (1)
  1. 4 May, 23:50
    0
    Every time we multiply or divide by a negative number on both sides we flip the inequality sign. Lets look at an example

    3>2 this is a true statement so even if we multiply the both side by 2 the equation would remain true

    3*2>2*2

    6>4 so true

    So lets look at the equation - 2x>10

    So divide both sides by - 2

    -2x/-2>10/-2

    x>-5

    x<-5

    Anytime you divide by a negative number the inequality sign needs to be reversed, in order to keep everything correct we need to reverse the inequality sign

    Note: whatever you do to the left side has to be done for the right side too.
Know the Answer?
Not Sure About the Answer?
Find an answer to your question 👍 “Why does the inequality sign have to be flipped when multiplying and dividing by a number like in - 2x > 10? ...” in 📗 Mathematics if the answers seem to be not correct or there’s no answer. Try a smart search to find answers to similar questions.
Search for Other Answers