Question

Explain the differences between properties of equality and properties of inequality when solving equations and inequalities.

Answer 1

Using the properties of equality on any equation will not change the solution set. When multiplying or dividing an inequality by a negative number you must reverse the inequality symbol or you will not get the correct solution set.

Answer 2

Equalities will have the words "is" or "equals" or "the same as" in the wording. These produce a unique solution.

Inequalities have phrases like "at most" or "at least" or "no more than" in them. Solutions are a range of values, ranging between 2 values, or from a particular value to positive or negative infinity.