Question

how are the steps to solving an inequality similar to those for solving an equation? how are they different

Answer 1

Similarities:

• With both inequalities and equations, you are solving for a variable by isolating it to one side.
• A lot of properties that apply to equations apply to inequalities as well (addition property of equality, division property of equality, etc.)

Differences:

• If you divide or multiply by a negative number, you must flip the inequality symbol. Dividing or multiplying by a negative number doesn't affect the equal sign.
• When graphing the inequality, shaded regions (and the lines themselves if they're solid lines) are a part of the solution. When graphing an equation, only points on that line are solutions.