Question

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

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.