What is the answer to this inequality - 45 <-9k

Question

Brayden Curry

Mathematics

13 January, 10:32

What is the answer to this inequality - 45 <-9k

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Answers (1)

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Kathleen Reilly · Answer 1

Answer: 5 > k

Step-by-step explanation: When you're asked to solve an inequality like - 45 < - 9k, your goal should be the same as it was when solving equations which is to get k by itself on one side.

In this problem since k is being multiplied by - 9 on the right side of the inequality, to get k by itself, we divide both sides by - 9 but here is the rule you have to watch out for when solving inequalities.

When you divide both sides of an inequality by a negative number, you must switch the direction of the inequality sign. So this less than in our original problem becomes greater than in our second step. I would recommend switching it as soon as possible so you don't forget.

Let's rewrite our original inequality.

-45 < - 9k

On the right side, the - 9's cancel and we're left with k and on the right side, - 45 divided - 9 is - 5. So we have 5 > k.