Balance both sides of an equation — and flip the inequality when multiplying or dividing by a negative.
Solving a multi-step equation means using inverse operations to isolate the variable. Solving an inequality follows the same steps, with one critical rule: if you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number, the inequality sign reverses.
Solve: (3/4)x − 2 = 7 Add 2 to both sides: (3/4)x = 9 Multiply both sides by 4/3: x = 9 × (4/3) = 12
Solve: −3x + 1 > 10 −3x > 9 Divide by −3 and FLIP the sign: x < −3
Remember This!
Always flip the inequality sign when you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number. Forgetting this is the most common inequality mistake!
Solve: −2(x + 3) = 14. What is x?