How to Solve Inequalities (Single Variable) Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

How to Solve Inequalities (Single Variable)

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

Inequalities define ranges of possible solutions rather than a single value, typically seen in forms like ax + b < c. Solving them mirrors linear equation methods—subtracting, adding, multiplying, or dividing—while noting that multiplying or dividing by a negative number reverses the inequality sign. For instance, to solve –2x + 4 > 10, first subtract 4 from both sides, getting –2x > 6; then dividing by –2 flips “>” to “<”, yielding x < –3. Inequalities underpin budgeting constraints, capacity limits, or speed restrictions, making them critical for real-life logic and advanced fields like optimization.